Greetings from Sao Paolo.
I am currently sitting in the ICLEI project office in Sao Paolo. They are well located just inside the central park of the city with lots of windows and greenery. There are a total of 9 people working here, thanks to many new projects that have started since April. In particular they are working with the city of Sao Paulo to write up the draft legislation on the climate protection. The staff is friendly and speaks good English. I made sure to take pictures to show you later.
Yesterday there was a 1 day event about sustainable construction with more the 600 participants. The mayor of Sao Paulo was present for some time, quite an achievement for ICLEI. The event was powerful in bringing together the main policy makers of the city. I am constantly amazed that the mayor is in charge of a city with 17 million people! In the afternoon Mr. Buschmann presented and I was on the stage as a debater. It was great to speak about ICLEI and its multiple projects.
The Betim event was a succesful one as well. I had a chance to meet the policital leadership of Betim, which reminds me of the commitment I have seen from Mayor Salomon in Freiburg. Politicians that are personally engaged in an issue can really make a difference. While us `project people` can `do`, the elected folks can `move things´. The Mayor and some secretary are considering to send a delegation to Freiburg, althought nothing is fixed yet. After the event, I got the opportunity to spend a night in the mayor´s home, since his son was so generous to show me around the region and the nightlife in Belo Horizonte.
I am currently staying with my colleague Gabriela and going to Rio on Thursday. There I will stay with one of the participant in the Betim event, an eco-architect.
I will fly back on the 8th.
Best regards
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