Mayor Conference in Vienna Adopts Declaration for Local Climate Protection

The mayors' conference highlighted the important role of cities in climate protection while aiming to preserve democracy and social justice. The signatories committed to climate neutrality, promoting biodiversity, circular economy, using sustainable energy sources, reducing soil sealing, and creating green and water spaces. They emphasize the importance of inclusive and participatory decision-making and commit to promoting democracy, peace, rule of law, and gender equality.

Mayors' Conference with a Call to the EU and Governments

The Vienna Declaration calls on the EU Commission and national governments to support these local efforts through direct funding, autonomy, and strategic involvement in shaping cohesion policy. Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) stated according to the release: "The cooperation between cities and municipalities should be significantly strengthened. This will help reduce costs and create opportunities for investment."

"A sustainable future requires the involvement of citizens," said Vienna's Climate Councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky (SPÖ). Cities, in particular, play a crucial role. Annacláudia Rossbach, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, emphasized: "To achieve social and environmental justice in cities, innovative housing solutions are required that are inclusive, affordable, and sustainable."

The conference was hosted by Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) and Helfried Carl, founder of the "European Capital of Democracy" initiative. Other participants included, among many others, the Secretary-General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Mathieu Mori, as well as the mayors of Linz, Dietmar Prammer, and the Ukrainian city of Dolyna, Ivan Dyriv.

(APA/Red)

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