The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bid Committee today congratulated the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo on her election as the Chair of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40). Mayor Hidalgo will succeed the incumbent Chair, the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, who has served in this position since December 2013.
C40, a network of 85 of the biggest cities around the world, represents 650 million people and economies that make up 25% of global GDP. The group offers a forum for collaboration, knowledge sharing and driving meaningful, measurable and sustainable action on climate change and urban programmes.
Mayor Hidalgo will serve as Chair for two years with the option taking up a third and final year. Mayor Hidalgo’s election highlights Paris’ commitment to sustainability, fighting climate change and reaffirms the city’s status as a global leader in environmental initiatives.
Earlier this year Paris 2024 launched an Environmental Excellence Committee which is making significant contributions to the development of the bid. The bid has also formed a strategic partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) France to ensure the Games Plan implements best practice in sustainability with the ultimate aim of delivering a Games that changes behaviours and encourages a responsible approach to the environment.
Paris 2024 Co-Chairman and member of the IOC Sustainability and Legacy Committee, Tony Estanguet, has also been active in the promotion of green initiatives and sustainable development. He delivered a keynote speech on ‘Innovation of French Sport and the Climate’ at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change [COP21] which was held in Paris in December 2015.
Commenting on Mayor Hidalgo's election, Tony Estanguet, said:
"On behalf of Paris 2024 I would like to congratulate Mayor Hidalgo on her election as Chair of C40. This is a very important position and it’s vital that the world’s global cities come together to lead good practice in green initiatives and sustainability.
"Sustainability has been at the heart of the Paris 2024 bid since the very beginning and we are totally committed to delivering a spectacular Games that leaves a sustainable and green legacy for Paris and France. The election of Mayor Hidalgo reaffirms Paris’ status as a global leader in sustainable initiatives.
Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, said:
"It is with great pleasure that I accept the responsibility that is being handed over to me today. Becoming C40’s new chair is an honour and a privilege. The potential of C40 is huge – whether it’s climate change, social inclusion or welcoming refugees, our cities are at the forefront of many challenges and need – more than ever – to work together."
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