Message from the interim Regional Director, Kobie Brand

As Deputy Secretary General of ICLEI, I feel very privileged to fulfil the role of interim Regional Director for the ICLEI Oceania Office as we progress on an ambitious revitalisation process of ICLEI’s work across the entire Oceania region. Part of this work is to strengthen our advocacy work, technical assistance and partnerships, as well as to build an extended, dynamic and multi-talented ICLEI team to deepen our value offering and services to ICLEI’s Members from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. ICLEI’s work across the world in support of local and subnational governments' journeys towards sustainability, has never been more important than right now, with multiple and cumulative existential crises facing humanity and our planet.

We know that without the commitment and actions of our councils and other subnational entities, the world’s sustainability goals will not be attained. This year is known as the Year of the COPs as we have seen all three Rio Convention COPs convene, following on from the historic UN Summit of the Future, with the aim to agree on a new path for a more prosperous and sustainable future for all. While the vote is still out on numerous pressing matters towards carving out such a path and parting ways with an unsustainable way of life, our cities and our towns are continuing to spearhead new solutions, elevating ambitions and collective action where it matters most, in our streets, our neighbourhoods, our schools, our buildings and our parks. 

Across the Oceania region our ICLEI Members are doing their part in leading the way, connecting with partners and each other, while supporting their national governments’ ambitions to address climate change, reverse biodiversity loss, build a circular economy and drive an inclusive just social transition for all.

This news round-up provides some highlights of achievements and initiatives launched during 2024.

Local and subnational governments applauded at COP16 for leading role

CBD COP16 may not have concluded as planned in November, yet many meaningful achievements were made in Cali, Colombia. The 8th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities, an official parallel event to the COP, saw historic success, with over 1500 participants from 81 countries, increased recognition for the vital role of subnational governments, and even deeper participation at the global scale through a whole-of-government approach. The local and subnational government constituency also held a range of other events and sessions throughout the full two weeks of the Biodiversity COP.

WUF12 underlined importance of working with all sectors to address urban challenges

The 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo (WUF12) concluded with record-breaking participation and the unveiling of the Cairo Call to Action, outlining solutions for urban challenges. Speakers, panellists and attendees from diverse backgrounds, including the Oceania Region, explored the multifaceted dimensions of this year’s theme, “It All Starts at Home!” From civil society engagement and academia’s insights to innovative solutions at the Urban Expo, participants reflected on building inclusive, resilient cities.

Join Journeys for Life and protect migratory species moving through your city

Journeys for Life is a new ICLEI-led program that supports the Convention for the Conservation of Migratory Species by establishing a platform for cities that are located along migratory routes of certain species. This initiative will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources and best practices to better protect migratory species and their habitats. If your Council is interested in getting involved, please email us with details of the suggested focus species and cities or regions along their migratory route. 

Watch our webinar: Translating the Global Biodiversity Framework & campaigns into local action

Local governments play a vital role in the conservation and management of biodiversity and in reconnecting communities with nature. They have the opportunity to align the work they do with national and global targets and various initiatives, contributing to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). To support Councils in this space, ICLEI Oceania recently ran a webinar on translating the GBF into local action. 

Email us for the presentation or resource list.

Cities of Darebin and Yarra lead the way with bold, inclusive V2.0 Climate Emergency Plans

The climate emergency movement began in Australia in 2016 when Darebin Council, in Melbourne's inner-north, became the first government body in the world to declare a climate emergency and develop a climate emergency plan. The City of Yarra followed closely, declaring a climate emergency in 2017 alongside Hoboken and Montgomery Counties in the USA.  Now, the two Councils have now prepared version two climate emergency plans.

Committed to building better food systems

World Food Day, an international day to commemorate the date of the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), was celebrated on 16 October. For ICLEI Oceania, it was a day to reflect on the significant challenges we see across our Member cities and regions on issues like waste, nutrition and food sovereignty, and time to reinforce our commitment to building a fairer and healthier food system.

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New Zealand celebrates a year of innovation with Horizon Europe collaboration

New Zealand-based researchers and organisations have had the opportunity to join or lead Horizon Europe - the European Union’s largest-ever research and innovation programme - for twelve months, and this has already delivered important climate adaptation for the country.

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ICLEI and partners launch 2024 Local Government Review

The much-anticipated 2024 iteration of Australia’s Local Government review saw ICLEI Oceania, supported by the Global Covenant of Mayors on Climate and Energy; Ironbark; and the Better Futures Australia local government working group stepping up to shine a light on the incisive climate action local and subnational governments are steering towards Australia’s National Determined Contributions (NDCs).

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City of Stirling on track with first trackless trams in Australia

The City of Stirling is pioneering Australia's first trackless tram, a cutting-edge, sustainable public transport solution that holds the promise of becoming the future of urban mobility. This innovative mid-tier technology is geared to deliver positive economic, transport and net zero benefits, reaffirming the critical role that cities play in fostering a sustainable and regenerative future.

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What would cities look like with 3 degrees Celsius of warming vs. 1.5?

As blistering heat waves punish communities across several continents, 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record. Global average temperatures are now perilously close to exceeding 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels. According to an article published by the World Resources Institute (WRI), a 3 degree warmer world will be far more hazardous and vastly unequal.

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Upcoming ICLEI Oceania Member webinars

Aligning Council biodiversity strategies with the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Australian National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan using throughlines  

Thursday 28 November 2024, 1-2pm AEDST

Setting Council targets or actions which align with the GBF, Australian and state action plans/frameworks can be confusing and overwhelming. This session will explore the common threads in these documents, and introduce a shortlist of fundamental targets/objectives which all Australian Councils can consider including in their strategic plans.  

If you are an ICLEI Member, GCoM Signatory or part of the CitiesWithNature Community of Practice and haven't received your invitation to this event, please email us.

ICLEI Oceania has a new office number 

To speak with any members of the team, please reach out on our new office line

+61 481 815 492