Renew Europe CoR member Vincent Chauvet advocated for the inclusion of local and regional authorities in relevant UN climate processes at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Between 11-15 November, Chauvet joined more than 50,000 officials, policymakers, NGOs, and other representatives for the latest round of UN climate talks, with a special focus on climate finance for developing nations.

Since his election in 2017 as Mayor of Autun, France, Chauvet has positioned his city as a model for climate action. At COP29, he highlighted Autun’s citizen-driven approach to sustainability in various talks and side events.

We need to fight climate change together while upholding our European values.

Our member @vincentchauvet represents the interests of European regions & cities at #COP29.

🎥 Watch his message from the conference. #EUatCOP29 @RenewEuropeCoR pic.twitter.com/WIyVQGBMtQ

— European Committee of the Regions (@EU_CoR) November 19, 2024

“This alignment between local, national and European efforts exemplifies what multilevel collaboration can achieve. Together, we aim to create a sustainable energy transition that respects the unique needs of each community while advancing broader climate goals,” said Chauvet. 

On 24 November, a global climate agreement was reached as developing nations committed to provide $300 billion annually by 2035 to assist poorer countries struggling with the escalating impacts of the climate crisis. 

🌎 #COP29 in Baku 🇦🇿 final day of @EU_CoR delegation recap:

Mayor of Autun 🇫🇷 @vincentchauvet discusses sustainable #farming at the Agri-Food Systems Summit with Andrea Porro (Sec Gen of World Farmers Org.) & meets with Quebec’s Minister for the Environment, Benoit Charette 👇 pic.twitter.com/Yhj1woDwqp

— Renew Europe CoR (@RenewEuropeCoR) November 16, 2024

Chauvet notes that the COP29 negotiations ultimately advanced with minimal ambition on most fronts. However, local leaders, including the CoR delegation, achieved progress in pushing for multilevel action. 

“In times of global turbulence, regions and cities will continue to be an even stronger partner for all national governments who wish to raise ambition, deliver action and uphold global solidarity,” said Chauvet. 

La #COP29 est donc conclusive mais les États ont progressé avec le plus faible niveau d'ambition possible. En ces temps troublés, les villes continueront d'être des partenaires forts pour tous ceux qui souhaitent élever leur ambition, mener des actions concrètes #COP29Azerbaijan

— Vincent Chauvet (@vincentchauvet) November 24, 2024