MAYOR OF TURKU ELECTED AS VICEPRESIDENT IN ICLEI – A GLOBAL ORGANISATION FOR SUSTAINABLE CITIES Mayor of Turku Minna Arve has been elected as Vice-President in the Presidium of the global ICLEI organisation. The Presidium consist of President and three Vice-Presidents. ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network committed to sustainable urban development. The other elected Presidium members are President Mr. Frank Cownie – Mayor, City of Des Moines, USA; First Vice-President Ms. Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh – Mayor, City of Malmö, Sweden; and Ms. Atishi Marlena – Member of Legislative Assembly, National Capital Territory of Delhi, India. The ICLEI global Executive Committee online meeting in April discussed the cities significance in climate work as well as the forthcoming UN COP26 Climate Summit to be held in November in Glasgow. In addition, the newly signed agreements with UN Environment Programme UNEP and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development OECD was discussed.
The 1.5 degree life is possible for all Turku is implementing a strong climate policy and aims to become a carbon neutral region by 2029. In addition, Turku is working towards a 1.5 degree lifestyle which refers to Paris agreement to limit climate warming in 1.5 degrees. In practice, it means a climate-friendly and sustainable way of living as well as reducing the carbon footprint. “In Turku, we offer solutions for leading a sustainable life to all inhabitants and communities because we believe that each one of us can lead a 1.5 degree life and be part of significant environmental work by making daily sustainable choices”, says Mayor of Turku Minna Arve. Turku is currently working on a roadmap of circular economy together with the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and the local operators. ICLEI has provided the City of Turku with examples and lessons on circular economy, in particular from cities in East Asia and global expert networks. “Turku benefits from the cooperation with ICLEI especially in implementing the city’s Climate Plan and developing the circular economy. Turku has already halved its GHG emission levels since 1990. Simultaneously, the regional economy has grown, and new low-carbon solutions and circular economy have generated new competence, competitiveness and jobs. Our strong participation in the work of ICLEI further supports our common goals”, Mayor Arve continues. The ICLEI global network emphasises the cities’ responsibility in developing sustainable solutions and challenges states and other global organisations to participate in setting common targets. ICLEI represents cities and regions in the UN’s climate, environment and sustainable development processes and develops sustainable solutions in cooperation with its members and partners on all continents. by City of Turku Communications| irene.pendolin@turku.fi
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