Johannesburg Hosts Global Environmental Workshop to Drive Sustainability

The City of Johannesburg is hosting over 100 delegates from 40 Southern African countries for the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) annual Expanded Constituency Workshop (ECW). The four-day event, held in Sandton, brings together key stakeholders, including GEF executives, project leaders, municipal officials, government representatives, private sector stakeholders, and members of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Focus on Global Environmental Goals

The workshop aims to empower developing nations to combat environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution, while improving land and ocean health. Susan Waithaka, Senior Country Programme Officer for GEF, emphasized the workshop’s role in advancing these efforts:

“The ECW will focus on GEF’s strategies for achieving global environmental benefits and showcase projects from member countries, sharing best practices and lessons learned.”

The event will also spotlight the outcomes of the GEF-6 Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach Pilot project in Johannesburg, a citywide initiative to enhance urban services and improve residents’ quality of life.

As part of the workshop, delegates will visit four key project sites in Johannesburg on 22 January. These visits will highlight the city’s efforts under the GEF-6 Sustainable Cities initiative, implemented in partnership with UNEP and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).

Councillor Eunice Mgcina, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning, welcomed the delegates and expressed her hope for fruitful discussions:

“Your presence reflects our shared commitment to fostering sustainable solutions. I hope the workshop inspires innovative ideas to create a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Also read: Is Johannesburg Beyond Saving? A Look at Its Rapid Decline

Johannesburg’s featured project, “Building a Resilient and Resource-Efficient Johannesburg: Increased Access to Urban Services and Improved Quality of Life,” demonstrates how cities can lead sustainability initiatives. The program aims to balance urban growth with environmental protection, showcasing Johannesburg as a model for sustainable urban development.

Beyond the workshop, delegates are encouraged to explore Johannesburg’s iconic attractions, including Constitution Hill, the Apartheid Museum, the Maboneng Precinct, Gold Reef City, and Mandela House in Soweto. These landmarks offer insights into the city’s historical and cultural richness.

The GEF Expanded Constituency Workshop is a crucial platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, reinforcing Johannesburg’s role as a leader in sustainable urban development. By hosting this event, the city reaffirms its commitment to addressing global environmental challenges while inspiring innovation across Southern Africa.

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