Regions4 General Assembly 2024, held from 26 to 28 June in Rio de Janeiro, exemplified the power of human connection within a global network focused on regional development and sustainability. The event proved to be a significant platform for sharing ideas, networking, celebrating achievements, and mobilizing collective efforts toward common goals.

A Gathering of Global Minds

This year’s assembly brought together over 100 participants from across the globe, all united by a shared vision of progress. Attendees were keenly aware of the need for transformative change, recognizing that repeating past actions would not yield new results. The urgency of addressing unprecedented challenges was palpable, with a consensus on the need for both accelerated and deeper action, engaging all relevant stakeholders.

The event underscored the pivotal role of subnational governments in shaping a sustainable future. These regions are seen as crucial in crafting solutions that resonate with both people and territories. The Assembly highlighted the importance of amplifying stories of change and hope, driving the message home that impactful regional action is essential for global progress.

New Leadership and Strategic Goals

The General Assembly marked a significant leadership transition within Regions4. The network is excited to welcome the following new leaders:

John Swinney, First Minister of the Scottish Government, as Regions4 President.
Cláudio Castro, Governor of the State of Rio de Janeiro, as Vice President for the Americas.
Rachid El Abdi, President of the Region Rabat Salé-Kenitra, as Vice President for Africa.
Giorgio Maione, Minister of Regione Lombardia, as Vice President for Europe.

The new leadership is set to bring fresh ideas and energy to Regions4, pushing the network’s mission of regional empowerment forward.

Regions4 political leadership 2024-2026. From left to right: Mr. Bernardo Rossi, Secretary of State for Environment and Sustainability, Rio de Janeiro; Mr. Giorgio Maione, Minister for Environment and Climate, Lombardy; Mr. Gharib Murbe, Head of International Climate Change, Scotland; Ms. Natalia Uribe, Secretary-General at Regions4, Mr. Aitor Aldasoro,Vice-Minister for Environmental Sustainability, Basque Country.

Key Resolutions and New Memberships

A key moment of the Assembly was the adoption of the Rio de Janeiro Political Declaration who pushes for more recognition and inclusion of regional governments in UN decisions, aiming to give regions a bigger say in global policy-making.

The Assembly also welcomed several new members to our network, including the Gauteng Provincial Government, Pernambuco, Minas Gerais, and Alagoas. These additions reflect the expanding reach and influence of Regions4 in promoting regional cooperation and sustainability.

Honoring Advocacy and Sustainable Practices

In a significant development, Susanna Rivero Baughman and Sergio Graf Montero were appointed as the first Regions4 Ambassadors. Their role will be crucial in amplifying Regions4 global advocacy efforts.

The Assembly also set a new standard for future events by adhering to the Basque Country Sustainable Event certification. Thanks to support from the Basque Country and Ihobe, the Public Society of Environmental Management from the Basque Country, we now have a new standard for hosting sustainable events in our network.

With the support of the Basque Government, Regions 4 General Assembly succeeded in implementing best practices to reduce its carbon footprint, such as choosing local products, embracing technology to reduce paper waste, use reusable bottles and saying no to single-use plastics, turning off the lights when leaving the rooms and unpluging devices once they are fully charged.

Exploring Innovative Finance and Conservation

The Financing Resilience International Forum, held during the Assembly, provided a platform for discussing critical gaps, opportunities, and regional leadership in innovative finance. With over 90 Regions4 and RegionsAdapt members and friends onsite, as well as more than 100 participants online, the Forum explored opportunities and critical gaps in accessing financial resources for climate and nature.  

The Forum had the participation of key partners, including: Congope, the Governments of Scotland, Rio de Janeiro, Québec, the Basque Country, Paraná, Campeche, Lombardy, and Gauteng and guest experts from the Green Climate Fund, UNDP BIOFIN Mexico, the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI), and CDP Latin America. The report of the International Forum is available here.

The Assembly ended up on a high note with a field trip to the Primatology Centre of Rio de Janeiro, where participants got a close look at innovative conservation efforts for Brazilian primate species. Organized by INEA – Instituto Estadual do Ambiente, the visit offered a firsthand glimpse into the impressive work being done to protect and preserve these endangered animals.

The Government of Rio de Janeiro hosted a field trip to the Primatology Centre of Rio de Janeiro (CPRJ), June 28, 2024.

Gratitude and Looking Forward

The success of the General Assembly was made possible by the commitment and enthusiasm of all participants, with a special thanks to Rio de Janeiro for their exceptional hospitality and support.

As we look ahead to key international events like Climate COP30 in Brazil in 2025, this year’s Assembly reaffirmed our dedication to building a sustainable, just, and resilient future. The collaborative spirit and innovative solutions shared in Rio de Janeiro lay a strong foundation for continued global action and progress. Regions4 remains steadfast in its mission to drive meaningful change and foster resilience for all.

Regions4 General Assembly 2024 opening.

Read the Summary Report of Regions4 General Assembly 2024

Join Regions4: regions4.org/become-a-member

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