UCLG-MEWA took part in a study visit organized on December 4-5, 2024, in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, under the EU4 Energy Transition: Covenant of Mayors in the Western Balkans and Türkiye Project, and led by the Multi-Level Governance Platform for Climate (MLGP4Climate).
The visit aimed to enhance collaboration between Türkiye and Lithuania in implementing SECAPs (Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans) by focusing on information-sharing and innovative approaches related to sustainable energy and climate actions, in line with Türkiye’s 2053 Net Zero Target.
Objectives of the Study Visit
The program sought to share information on Lithuania’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and its SECAP implementation, with the goal of enriching participants’ approaches to sustainable development and climate resilience, while also reinforcing international cooperation.
Twenty-two municipalities from Türkiye with an existing SECAP portfolio, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change of Türkiye, UCLG-MEWA, and other national/international organizations participated in the visit, which highlighted innovative practices aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
During the study visit, meetings held with leading institutions in Lithuania provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge on a variety of thematic issues:
- CPMA (Central Project Management Agency): Current cooperation opportunities with Türkiye were evaluated.
- Ministry of Environment of Lithuania: Waste management, water treatment, and energy efficiency policies were introduced.
- Environmental Project Management Agency (APVA): Experiences in the global dissemination of environmental projects were shared.
- Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania (ALAL): Emphasis was placed on technology-supported SECAP implementation and collaborations.
- Vilnius Municipality: The city’s sustainable waste management and transportation policies were presented, and it was announced that Vilnius has been named European Green Capital for 2025.
Such events play a crucial role in deepening international cooperation, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals at both the regional and global levels.