Webinar: Public Private Partnerships for Green City Solutions
TUESDAY 20 JULY 2021 from 4.00-5.00 P.M. CET
In cooperation with Council of Europe’s Democratic Governance Division
In the aftermaths of the Covid-19 pandemic, governments and the private sector are seeking to ‘build back better’ and ensure a green recovery, in line with international commitments and obligations. At the same time, they face the double challenge of tackling climate change while addressing social and economic issues deepened by the pandemic. This challenge is felt particularly at the local level.
Currently, urban areas consume over two-thirds of the world’s energy and generate roughly 70% of its greenhouse gas emissions. It is predicted that by 2050 more than half of the world’s population will live in cities. This is why, in the coming years, cities will play a key role in the fight against climate change. To contribute to a transition towards a low carbon, climate resilient economy, cities must invest in infrastructure with green potential, especially in the sectors such as energy, building, transport, waste to name few.
How, then, can this transition be achieved? What role can the private sector play? And how impactful are public-private partnerships (PPP) for green city solutions? Furthermore, what are the green finance strategies that cities could follow and how can sustainability, participation and transparency be ensured?
The webinar Public Private Partnerships for Green City Solutions will explore different approaches taken by cities towards meeting climate targets, discuss challenges and benefits associated with public private partnerships, highlight the role of innovative green finance strategies and identify ways to increase transparency, civil participation and responsiveness.
- Environment and the private sector (news published by the Council of Europe’s Democratic Governance Division)
Benoit CATHALA
European mission manager at the French National Centre for Local Civil Service (CNFPT)
Benoit Cathala is the European mission manager at the French National Centre for Local Civil Service (CNFPT), in charge of coordination of trainings on European and international affairs, and international networks and partnerships. Previously cooperation attaché in Egypt and technical expert in Yemen for the French ministry of foreign affairs, he is an environmental engineer (specialised in water management) and has a bachelor’s degree in geography and socio-economic development. Trilingual (French, English, Spanish) and with a good knowledge of Arabic, his areas of expertise include public administration and governance, European and international affairs, development aid and project management, sustainable development, rural development, and training.
Julie EVAIN
Project Manager Finance, Institute for Climate Economics (TBC)
Julie Evain works as a research fellow in the Finance, Investment and Climate Division on climate risks analysis topics for financial players. She also follows more broadly the issues related with green and sustainable finance and financial regulation. Graduate of a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Environmental Policy at Sciences Po, she previously worked at the French National Assembly, at a consulting firm and at the French Ministry of the Environment, where she was co-rapporteur of the report ‘French strategy of green finance.
Juan Manuel REVUELTA
Director General, Finnova Foundation
Juan Revuelta was President of the European Regions Research and Innovation Network (ERRIN) between 2009 and 2011 and since 2010 he has been Director General of the Finnova Foundation (financing innovation in the regions). Finnova represents and defends legitimate public and private interests related to funding and innovation before the EU. Currently, Finnova manages the largest Interreg project in terms of volume (€24.5M), in the field of forest management, climate change and innovation in firefighting and prevention. Juan created the first Department of Innovation in the City Council of Valencia, achieving the positioning of the city of Valencia as a leader in Europe in the LIFE Environment in Circular Economy programmes. He was Director General of the Valencian Government in Brussels for 8 years. He has a degree in Business Law from the University of Valencia and Master in Tourism Management from IE Business School. He also completed the IESE Public Management Leadership Programme.
Ijeoma OKEREKE
Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), Nigeria
My work in the past 3 years has been committed to grassroots advancement and mobilizing citizens for action, an important trait found in great reformers today. A major part of my daily task revolves around mobilizing citizens to take up the responsibility of holding their leaders to account while engaging representatives of the government at both federal and state levels to execute budgeted projects. As a communicationist, I seek to understand the relationship between the media, democracy and the environment and that is why I am particularly interested in the World Forum for Democracy, a community of young people who are standing up for their rights and the environment.
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