The Basque Government delegation is taking part in the General Assembly of the network of regional governments for sustainable development, Regions4, which is being held until Friday in Rio de Janeiro

Among the participating regions is the Basque Government, which has signed up to the "Rio de Janeiro Political Declaration" to be adopted during the General Assembly, calling for a renewed United Nations system that supports cities and regions to harness their full potential and lead transformative actions for a sustainable tomorrow.

Despite the crucial role and potential in achieving the Global Goals, subnational governments are not fully included within the UN framework. Regions4, the global network of subnational governments, will hold its General Assembly under the theme “Empowered Regions Shaping a Sustainable, Just and Resilient Future,” to push for a UN system that recognizes the key role of subnational governments in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and the SDGs. This year’s assembly takes place in a context of unprecedented challenges and ahead of key global summits, including the UN Summit of the Future and the G20 Sherpa Meeting, taking place in Rio de Janeiro.

Around 80 representatives from subnational governments around the world will be present. The Government of Rio de Janeiro will be the host of this year’s Assembly. “Regional governments hold the key to deliver climate, biodiversity and the sustainable development agenda because they are on the frontlines in territories, implementing critical policies and driving tangible action that directly impact communities and ecosystems. Our inclusion in the UN system as key decision-makers is vital to effectively address global challenges and achieve sustainable development goals”, said Ms. Natalia Uribe, Secretary-General of Regions4.

Among the highlights of the General Assembly were the adoption of the "Declaration of Rio de Janeiro" and the introduction of new political leadership in Regions4 , with the handover of the presidency from Euskadi, which ends its mandate after 6 years leading the network, and the appointment of the government of Rio de Janeiro as vice-president for the Americas, replacing the government of the Mexican state of Jalisco.

Delegates will engage with this renewed Regions4 leadership, welcome new members, visit the Rio de Janeiro Primatology Center to learn from local biodiversity conservation efforts and participate in high-level political dialogues such as the Financing Resilience International Forum. Open to all participants, the Forum is a critical opportunity to learn about finance opportunities as only 10% of adaptation finance reaches the local level, hindering progress on the SDGs (UNEP, 2023).

Paola Pávon, President of CONGOPE and member of the Consultative Group of Local and Regional Governments of the United Nations (UN) and participant of Regions4 assembly stresses that “it is imperative that we develop and implement innovative financial policies and strategies that promote both climate justice and sustainable development. Climate justice that recognizes that the impacts of climate change do not affect all people equally. The most vulnerable, generally those least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, suffer the most severe consequences. Therefore, policies must ensure that these communities have access to resources and opportunities to adapt and thrive in a changing climate”.

Subnational governments as key actors of change

In the groundbreaking “Rio de Janeiro Political Declaration”, subnational governments ask for a future where their potential is realized and for their voices to represented in the UN’s decision-making system, to sustain a more equitable and just future, highlighting their expertise and capacity to accelerate action and global impact.

“The Rio de Janeiro Declaration is a step in calling for higher recognition and inclusion of cities and regions in the United Nations system. The Rio de Janeiro government remains committed to be part of the urgent transformation needed to protect biodiversity and the environment, creating local green jobs, invest in innovations and nature-based solutions, and promote urban-rural cohesion for a balanced relationship with nature”, stated Mr. Cláudio Castro, Rio de Janeiro Governor.

Erronka Gabia methodology for a sustainable General Assembly

Leading by example, this year’s General-Assembly is proud to be an eco-friendly event. Regions4, the Basque Country and Rio de Janeiro are working together to implement the Sustainable Event International Pilot, based on methodology developed by the Basque Government with best practices to reduce the carbon footprint of events. The General-Assembly features specific initiatives such as zero plastics, minimizing printing, and active engagement with local producers. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, setting a new standard for eco-friendly events at Regions4.

"The sustainable events pilot project is an important step forward in our efforts to improve sustainability at Regions4 events. It is the first time we apply the Erronka Garbia methodology outside the Basque Country, in an international event. With this project we demonstrate our commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible practices that can pave the way for the future. Now that we are about to close the cycle of the presidency of the Basque Country, it is a legacy that we leave to the Regions4 network and its members, to continue its implementation in future events", said Aitor Aldasoro, Deputy Minister for Environmental Sustainability of the Basque Government.

Subnational governments play a pivotal role in advancing accelerated global action on global climate, biodiversity, and SDG-related finance. Regions4 General-Assembly 2024 offers an opportunity to members to share initiatives that are driving solutions but, most importantly, creates a space to learn from each other’s practices and lessons to build a sustainable, just and resilient future.

About Regions4

At Regions4 we act, connect and transform. We act by staying close to the territories we serve, embedding transformative change on the ground. We connect regions to each other and to the UN system, ensuring their voices are heard in global debates. We transform by driving real, localised progress on climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development. We represent 49 regional governments from 22 countries across 4 continents.

Further information: regions4.org