The important forum is held/ Majlinda Bregu: The way is being opened for the implementation of the Green Agenda

2023-10-12 18:49:00, Aktualitet CNA

The important forum is held/ Majlinda Bregu: The way is being opened for the

Photo from the First Local Self-Government Forum

The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) together with the Municipality of Tirana and the Associated Network of Local Authorities in Southeast Europe (NALAS) have organized today in Tirana the first Local Self-Government Forum.

The General Secretary of the RCC, Majlinda Bregu, said that the launch of the structured regional dialogue with the local self-government, on the eve of the Berlin Process Summit, is an opportunity to pave the way for the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans

"The launch of the structured regional dialogue with the local self-government, on the eve of the Berlin Process Summit, in the midst of revitalized discussions for the accelerated integration of our region in the EU, and for the bold plan for economic recovery, but also after the crisis of extended energy – is a good opportunity, at the right time, to pave the way for the localization and decentralization of the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. This Forum, in cooperation with the civil society forum that we initiated at the beginning of this year, can be a good incentive for the translation of global and regional strategies into concrete local actions", said the General Secretary of the RCC, Majlinda Bregu , in her opening remarks.

According to her, supporting cities in accelerating the transformation into environmentally friendly and digitally advanced urban environments is essential.

"Cities are the first to encounter and feel the environmental impacts, from air pollution, waste management and climate change impacts. They consume more than 65% of the world's energy and are responsible for over 70% of global carbon emissions. Addressing these issues requires fundamental changes to our urban infrastructure, transportation systems, and energy resources, which are complex and costly endeavors. It is therefore imperative that cities and regions support themselves in accelerating their transition towards creating environmentally friendly and digital urban environments. The forum and the discussions we will have here are aimed at strengthening our collective efforts for innovation and improvement. Cooperation between local and central government,concluded Bregu.

Also present were Arbjan Mazniku, Minister for Local Government of Albania, Luigi Soreca, EU Ambassador to Albania, Mehmet Ergün Turan, President of NALAS and Mayor of Fatih Municipality, Istanbul and Mathieu Mori, Secretary General of the Congress of Authorities Local and Regional of the Council of Europe, Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana, Danela Arsovska, Mayor of Skopje, Përparim Rama, Mayor of Pristina, Samir Avdi?, Deputy Mayor of Sarajevo and Luka Rakçeviq, Deputy Mayor of Podgorica.

Pjesë e programit të Forumit janë edhe prezantimet e praktikave më të mira të BE-së, si dhe zgjidhjet digjitale që mund të kenë ndikim konkret drejt mjediseve urbane më të pastra dhe më inteligjente. Zgjidhjet digjitale janë nxitur në kuadër të nismës së RCC-së, Balkathon, një konkurs vjetor për zgjidhjen digjitale më të mirë rajonale, që mbahet që nga viti 2020./ CNA