Eva Hallström, Värmland (SE), AER member and rapporteur at the COP21

“It is a great privilege for me to attend one of the world’s most anticipated and topical events of the year; the stakes are as high as the expectations for the upcoming COP21 in Paris. Although much media attention and focus will be turned towards the leaders of national governments, regional actors will also contribute to the discussions. My region, Värmland (SE) and all regions represented in AER will take this opportunity to voice that regions are key motors in defining policies and actions to fight climate change. Although it is well documented that regions already have implementet some solutions to reduce their greenhouse emissions. I am pleased to see that local and regional governments will be present in Paris, the AER itself will co-organise an event on The 5th of December afternoon at the Paris townhall in cooperation with the German Marshall Fund. However, we need to be more included from the beginning and in the negotiations as we have a lot of knowledge to bring to the table. I will make sure I voice this message during my stay in Paris and I encourage all AER members to do the same should you participate in COP21.”

Don’t miss the joint AER-GMF-NLC conference on 5 December on “Leading from the Front with Equity and Inclusion”