• The document requests the increase of existing participation opportunities for regional governments in the framework of the negotiations;
• It also brings to light relevant themes such as multi-level governance, facilitative dialogue and the integration of global agendas to the global challenges. 

This Sunday, 12 November, Didier Robert, President of the Regional Council of Réunion and Co-Chair for Africa in the Network of Regional Governments of Sustainable Development (nrg4SD) presented the position paper “Regions and islands – the key to climate success” at the Climate Summit of Local and Regional Leaders during the COP23 in Bonn. 

Drafted by nrg4SD and the Regional Council of Reunion Island, the position paper was further developed in liaison with other networks and associations of regions, R20 as well as UICN, ORU Fogar, The Climate Group and AFD. The document an outcome of the International Conference on Climate Change Adaptation, entitled “Regions and Islands – The Key to Climate Success” that took place from 5 to 6 October in Saint Denis, Reunion Island. 

Through this position paper regional governments share with the global community their adaptation actions and innovative solutions, the challenges of securing climate finance and building resilience, as well as their interest in working in partnership across all levels of actors. The position paper contains general recommendations to Parties to the UNFCCC with regards to acknowledging the crucial role that regional governments play in climate action and policy, as well as a specific position to COP 23. 

With regards to the COP 23 negotiations, the position paper asks Parties to regard regional governments as key partners in the implementation of the Paris Agreement and emphasises their ability to scale up ambition to close the gap between the current status from the NDCs and the goals of the Paris Agreement. 

In addition, the paper recommends ensuring synergies between adaptation and mitigation and to link climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction to reduce vulnerability and build resilience. The Facilitative Dialogue 2018 should constitute an opportunity for regional governments to be considered as valuable sources of information and providers of innovative solutions. Further, the position paper requests the development of dedicated mechanisms for regional governments to unlock international funding. 

Download the full position paper:
http://www.nrg4sd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/PositionPaper.pdf 

Check the nrg4SD events during COP23:
https://us12.campaignarchive.com/?e=&u=49951a9f555980f1e582ff409&id=f696bbfe31 

ENDS 

Media contact
Thais Ferraz, Communications Officer, nrg4SD
M: +34 633 235 432
tferraz@nrg4sd.org 

About nrg4SD 

The Network of Regional Governments for Sustainable Development – nrg4SD – was established in 2002, and currently has 57 members from 29 countries in four continents. The Network acts in three main fields: sustainable development, biodiversity and climate change, and seeks greater international recognition of regional governments, especially in the context of the global agendas at UN and EU levels. In addition, nrg4SD promotes cooperation among members, fostering exchange of information, know-how and best practices. In the field of climate change, nrg4SD runs RegionsAdapt, an initiative to inspire and support regional governments to act, collaborate and report efforts on climate change adaptation. Launched at UNFCCC COP 21, the initiative expanded from 27 founding members to almost 70 members from all continents. 

For more information: www.nrg4SD.org / regionsadapt@nrg4sd.org / #RegionsAdapt