Moving from Global Commitments to Place-Based Implementation: Advancing Multilevel Governance in International Climate Processes

At a time of growing uncertainty over national climate ambition and the risk of overshooting 1.5C, local and subnational governments continue their tireless efforts to stay on track towards the goals of the Paris Agreement. This interactive panel discussion will feature representatives from cities, states and regions across the globe that are at the forefront of translating global commitments into action on the ground. They will share their experience of implementation, identify bottlenecks and demonstrate practical solutions for climate mitigation, nature-based solutions and disaster risk reduction.

The discussion will explore how access to predictable, affordable finance and stronger multilevel governance can sustain and scale these efforts, including where national support is weakening. It will identify how COP31 negotiations and the action agenda can better reflect local and regional experience, strengthen cooperation across levels of government and enable implementation.

The discussion will be based on three key questions:

• How are cities, states and regions sustaining implementation of the Paris Agreement where national governments are stepping back, and what practical solutions can they share on climate mitigation, adaptation and loss & damage?
• Which are the main challenges faced by cities, states and regions when translating global climate commitments into action on the ground?
• How can the outcomes of COP31 better enable climate action and implementation at the local, state and regional level? Which negotiation tracks do you believe can best advance climate action at the city and regional level?