Policy Dialogue - Territories to promote sustainable local economic and environmental policies

This session will discuss how local governments can take a more active role in defining and driving the development of prosperous, inclusive and sustainable territories.

Cities and regions across the globe are leading the way in reducing their environmental footprints, greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, and working to promote the use of renewable energies and protect bio-diversity. Local governments are also collaborating internationally to set shared targets and to measure their progress in tackling climate change. 

Subnational governments are also increasingly involved in local economic development. One of the key challenges for the future is link up the creation of decent jobs and poverty reduction with the quest for environmental sustainability. The use of new technologies and cultural initiatives to develop new patterns of production and consumption at local level will be a vital part of this process.