ICLEI Oceania’s local climate leadership on the global stage in Korea
ICLEI Oceania is proud to have been part of the global conversation at the ICLEI Global Executive Committee (GexCom) meeting and the World Local Government Climate Summit (WLGCS) in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, championing the role of cities and regions in delivering real change. Our region was represented by Hobart and Ville de Punaauia in French Polynesia.
ICLEI Oceania is proud to have been part of the global conversation at the ICLEI Global Executive Committee (GexCom) meeting and the World Local Government Climate Summit (WLGCS) held in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea from 14-16 April 2025.
The WLGCS, hosted by Gyeonggi Province in partnership with ICLEI, represents a key moment in the global effort to address the climate crisis. Gyeonggi Province has been a regional leader in climate initiatives, including its pioneering RE100 vision declaration, advocating for the transition to renewable energy. This Summit strengthened the global conversation about the role of local governments in achieving international climate goals, and culminated in a Declaration.
The summit brought together 1,577 participants from 44 countries, including 30 mayors representing 82 local governments across 29 nations. With 107 speakers contributing insights across 3 plenary sessions, 11 thematic discussions, and 2 special sessions, the event fostered dynamic global dialogue on sustainable urban development.
This year’s Summit also marked 30 years of ICLEI’s activities in Korea - a celebration of local innovation, resilience and sustainability. Our Oceania delegation brought together a powerful group of local leaders who are advancing impactful solutions in their communities and beyond:
Representing ICLEI Oceania in Korea:
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds, Hobart, Australia
Tania Manea Lyau, Deputy Mayor - Ville de Puna’auia
Mareva Levant, Director - Ville de Puna’auia
Kobie Brand, Interim Regional Director: ICLEI Oceania
Throughout the Summit, our delegation shared insights on climate resilience, innovative technologies, and the transformative policies that are reshaping urban futures in Oceania.
As Lord Mayor Reynolds said the city she leads is “committed to TRUE ZERO and by that we mean a Hobart community that doesn’t emit any emissions” in a session that detailed innovative local solutions for a green transition.
Deputy Mayor Lyau participated in a session at the Summit which explored the relationship between urban climate initiatives and biodiversity preservation, noting that education and financial incentive policies could help promote changes towards more sustainable citizen behaviour.
Together, we’re making sure that Oceania’s voice remains strong and visible in global climate spaces - championing the role of cities and regions in delivering real change.
