ICLEI members share their reasons why they joined a network of almost 200 local governments and their associations in Europe and 1,200 globally.

"As the host city for ICLEI’s European Secretariat since 1992, we are grateful to the ICLEI experts for their continuous advice enhancing our Local Agenda 21 and sustainable urban planning processes. It has provided great support to raise the worldwide profile of Freiburg as the ‘Green City’."

Dieter Salomon,
ICLEI REXCom member and Lord Mayor, City of Freiburg Germany

“As an ICLEI member since 1995, Barcelona has formed a platform for joint local leadership in favour of sustainability. ICLEI sets goals, generates new ideas and provides inspiration, while keeping ahead of the needs of cities and the planet. Barcelona has advanced together with ICLEI, creating a win-win situation. Examples of this progress are joint projects such as the Barcelona EcoProcura Conference and the exchange of experiences on a day-to-day basis. Undoubtedly, making progress in sustainability requires networking and joining forces both on a city and global level."

Toni Puyol,
ICLEI Liaison, City of Barcelona Spain

"As European Green Capital 2011 our aim is to serve as a role model to other European cities. Combining forces to protect the environment is of paramount importance, since environmental challenges do not stop at country or city boundaries. Hamburg is proud to be a learning city, which seeks out best-practices from fellow ICLEI members."

Olaf Scholz,
First Mayor, City of Hamburg Germany

“Copenhagen has set itself the ambitious goal of becoming the first carbon neutral capital in the world by 2025. As a long time ICLEI member, Copenhagen has found that ICLEI is an ideal network to exchange best practices and learn about new solutions. These solutions will in the end help us becoming a carbon neutral capital. Additionally Copenhagen is working closely with ICLEI’s dedicated team in order to strengthen the voice of cities in the United Nations climate debate at the UN Climate Change Conferences (COP’s).”

Ayfer Baykal,
Technical and Environmental Mayor of Copenhagen, Denmark

"As an ICLEI member, we intensely exchange experiences with other members in a variety of issues - from sustainability management to energy supply. This allows us to learn from other cities, but also to support others with our experiences in sustainable city development. From this partnership we were able to develop the framework conditions that led us to receive the German Sustainability Award, ZeitZeicheN 2008."

Werner Spec,
Lord Mayor of Ludwigsburg Germany