June 14, 2019     cib    

In May, the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG) launched the proposition of a Sustainability Pact towards the other governments in Belgium. With the formation of new governments and parliaments on the regional (Flemish), national (Belgian) and European level, the Flemish local governments expressed their belief that the transformation into a more sustainable society starts local. Yet, although the Flemish local governments already undertake a lot of efforts, solutions cannot be achieved only by the local level or any other actor alone. Therefore, the proposition of a sustainability pact calls for a tight cooperation between all governments including the civil society and the private sector. The proposition of the pact is guided by the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and calls for a clear link between social inclusion and ecological transformation.

The VVSG launched this proposition of a Sustainability Pact during its bi-annual energy and climate event in the city of Ostend on the 3rd of May. To stress the urgency of intergovernmental cooperation regarding the climate crisis, the local Mayors and Councillors participated in the Clap for the Climate action. They gathered on the beach of Ostend and clapped the countdown till 2030. Each Clap symbolises a year that remains to reach the 50% reduction of emissions that the IPPCC considers crucial. After the countdown, they started to clap 11 years up and urged all levels of government to start actions now. The Clap for the Climate video was directed by Flemish director Nic Bathazar. Enjoy the clip and spread the Clap for the Climate or organise one yourself.