To circumvent the challenges involved in accelerating the construction of more resilient, inclusive, equitable and just territories in South America, the solution may lie in strengthening partnerships between all levels of government and sectors. This vision was shared by political leaders, experts, activists, civil society representatives, and private companies from South America in events during the first week of the 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations on Climate Change (COP27).

Efforts towards a just energy transition and the implementation of healthy, circular and sustainable food systems make up the mosaic of initiatives being developed by local and subnational governments in the region. Leaders from cities like São Paulo, the most populous in South America, understand that by strengthening energy and food security, for example, territories also have the opportunity to fight energy poverty, hunger, and inequality, become more resilient, encourage innovation and technology, create green jobs and generate income, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to the Paris Agreement.

In this context, an alliance was signed on November 10, from an exchange promoted by ICLEI between representatives of local governments from Brazil and Mozambique. Mayors Axel Grael, of Niterói, Ary Vanazzi, of São Leopoldo, and Manuel de Araújo, of Quelimane, and the Secretary of Agriculture and Fisheries of Maricá, Julio Cesar Santos, signed the Carta de Sinai (Sinai Charter). Besides strengthening the cooperation between the Portuguese-speaking communities, the partnership intends to promote the regular exchange of experiences on urban food systems and mobility, contributing to urban public policies in these areas.

With more than 60 representatives, the ICLEI South America Delegation at COP27 includes a governor, five state governments, seven mayors, and 13 cities from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia.