LGDK (in Danish: Kommunernes Landsforening, KL) is the umbrella organisation of Danish municipalities. The mission of LGDK is to safeguard the interests of the Danish municipalities vis-à-vis the Government, the Danish Parliament and the European institutions. LGDK also assists municipalities with consultancy services and advice to ensure that they are provided with up-to-date and relevant information.
Below, you will find short descriptions of the co-organisers of the Summit. Furthermore, in the front page, there are links to their websites – click "Home" to the left.
The Summit partners were:
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is an international association of local governments as well as national and regional local government organizations that have made a commitment to sustainable development. More than 1,000 cities, towns, counties, and their associations worldwide make up ICLEI's growing number of members. ICLEI works with these and hundreds of other local governments through international performance-based, results-oriented campaigns and programs.
United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG)
United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) represents and defends the interests of local governments on the world stage, regardless of the size of the communities they serve. United Cities and Local Governments supports international cooperation between cities and their associations, and facilitates programmes, networks and partnerships to build the capacity of local governments. The UCLG is a gateway to relevant information on local government across the world.
C40 Cities
C40 is a group of the world's largest cities committed to tackling climate change. They believe that cities have a central role to play in tackling climate change, particularly as cities bear a disproportional responsibility for causing it. Among the worldwide members are Athens, Bangkok, Chicago, London, Sao Paulo and Seoul. C40 works in partnership with the Clinton Climate Initiative.
Metropolis
Metropolis is the World Association of Major Metropolises and the metropolitan section of the United Cities and Local Government (UCLG). Its mission is to promote international cooperation and exchanges among members, i.e., local and metropolitan governments. Metropolis has been the spokesperson on cities' interests in international forums since 1985.
World Mayors Council on Climate Change (WMCCC)
The World Mayors Council on Climate Change (WMCCC) is an alliance of committed local government leaders who have committed to foster international cooperation and to advocate for effective climate protection policies. It was initiated by Mayor Yorikane Masumoto, City of Kyoto, in December 2005, following the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol in February 2005.
Energie-Cités
Energie-Cités is the association of European local authorities promoting local sustainable energy policies. Their members count more than 1,000 towns and cities from 26 countries. They work to strengthen the role of towns and cities in sustainable energy, represent their interests towards the EU institutions and develop and promote their initiatives through the exchange of experiences, the transfer of know-how and the implementation of joint projects.
EUROCITIES
EUROCITIES is a network of major European cities. Founded in 1986, the network brings together the local governments of more than 130 large cities in more than 30 European countries. EUROCITIES provides a platform for its member cities to share knowledge and ideas, to exchange experiences, to analyse common problems and develop innovative solutions, through a wide range of forums, working groups, projects, activities and events.
Climate Alliance
Climate Alliance is an association of European cities and municipalities that have entered into a partnership with indigenous rainforest peoples. This worldwide alliance is united by a common concern for the world's climate. Their climate protection contributions build upon commitment and diversity at the local level. They view their initiative as a part of efforts towards sustainable development and North-South equity.
CEMR – Council of European Municipalities and Regions
CEMR is the largest organisation for local and regional government in Europe; its members are over 50 national associations of towns, municipalities and regions from 37 countries. Together these associations represent some 100,000 local and regional authorities. CEMR works to promote a united Europe that is based on local and regional self-government and democracy.
The Summit was organised in cooperation with:
European Commission
The European Commission embodies and upholds the general interest of the EU and is the driving force in the Union's institutional system. Its four main roles are to propose legislation to Parliament and the Council, to administer and implement Community policies, to enforce Community law (jointly with the Court of Justice) and to negotiate international agreements, mainly those relating to trade and cooperation.
Committee of the Regions
The European Union's Committee of the Regions (CoR) is the political assembly that provides local and regional authorities with a voice at the heart of the EU. The EU treaties oblige the Commission and Council to consult the Committee of the Regions whenever new proposals are made in areas that have an impact at regional or local level.
CLRAE – Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Europe
The Council of Europe has always recognised the crucial importance of democracy at local and regional level. Its Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe was created within the Council in 1957 with the purpose of bringing together the elected representatives of the local and regional communities. The European Charter of Local Self-Government is its magnum opus. Opened for signature by Council of Europe member states on 15 October 1985, it came into force on 9 September 1988. This is the instrument in which the signatory states undertake to recognise the principle of local self-government in domestic legislation.
UNFCCC
Over a decade ago, most countries joined an international treaty – the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – to begin to consider what can be done to reduce global warming and to cope with whatever temperature increases are inevitable. More recently, a number of nations approved an addition to the treaty: the Kyoto Protocol, which has more powerful (and legally binding) measures. The UNFCCC secretariat supports all institutions involved in the climate change process.
UNEP
UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) is the designated authority of the United Nations system in environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review.
UN-HABITAT
UN-HABITAT (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) is the United Nations agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.
UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is making concrete contributions to developing the capacities of tens of thousands of people around the world. Since its inception in 1965, UNITAR has built sustainable partnerships acquiring unique expertise and accumulating experience and knowledge to fulfil its mandate.
World Bank
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries for development programs (e.g. bridges, roads, schools, etc.) with the stated goal of reducing poverty. The World Bank is made up of two unique development institutions owned by 185 member countries – the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).
Geothermal energy is one of the sources of alternative energy. The
picture shows a geothermal plant in Italy. Photo: European Commission