4g Candidate Eurocities executive committee OSLO Eurocities AGM 2020 1 of 9 4g Oslo’s candidacy for the EUROCITIES Executive Committee Eurocities AGM 2020 2 of 9 4g Dear colleagues, Members of EUROCITIES Oslo has been a member of EUROCITIES since 1993 and My observation is that certain climate reform policies are has contributed with extensive participation in forums, not always seen to be fair among all citizens. They can working groups, task forces and projects. EUROCITIES create division and strife. In these conflicts we often is an important tool for Oslo to reach our political goals. see a generation gap. Where the young, urban people are eager to fight against climate change with strong Following the decision at the AGM in Prague, which measures, the older ones, often in the suburbs, can feel provides members from non-EU cities the possibility side-tracked, wondering where to park their car in the to apply, I am pleased to announce that Oslo is eager to city. As politicians we must work towards building make use of this opportunity and will hereby present, stronger bridges between generations to have broad for your consideration, Oslo’s candidacy for the support from the citizens. We are on the brink of the Executive Committee. decade when our world’s future will be decided. I believe The Agreement on the European Economic Area brings that European cities can build these bridges together. together the EU Member States and the three EEA EFTA I believe in the power of politics. I believe that bold States — Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway — in the leadership can move mountains. I believe in cooperation Internal Market. As a full member of the Internal Market and in team efforts. I would be honoured to be a part Norway adheres to all EU-regulations in that respect. of the EUROCITIES team. I hope that you can support As Norway is also a member of Schengen, the actions and my candidacy for a place in the Eurocities executive legislation of the EU is of vital importance also for Oslo. committee. As a member of the Executive Committee I will be more than willing to contribute to the advocacy of EUROCITIES to ensure that policies promote green, inclusive, liveable and prosperous cities. COVID-19 has struck cities particularly hard. Cities now need to be empowered in the recovery. We must succeed in making the recovery green, and ensuring that no one is left behind. One lesson learned is that cities are well equipped to adapt quickly, be flexible and to respond with force in time of crisis. Cities are well placed to both deliver on the European Green Deal and to respond to the social and economic challenges that the post- COVID-19 time will bring. In order to succeed, we need a broad variety of measures at all levels of governance. First and foremost however, we need political will and support from the people of the city. My City Government was elected in 2015, and re-elected on a red and green ticket in 2019. Employment for everyone, social equality and the battle against climate change are our most important priorities. This will also be my main priorities should I be elected to be a member of the EUROCITIES Executive Committee in the period 2020- 2023. Last year, Oslo was awarded the European Green Capital title by the European Commission. This provided us with an unique opportunity to engage with our citizens and the business community. We need everyone on board if we are to succeed with the green transformation. Oslo’s candidacy for the EUROCITIES Executive Committee Eurocities AGM 2020 3 of 9 4g Oslo’s candidacy for the EUROCITIES Executive Committee Eurocities AGM 2020 4 of 9 4g Oslo’s priorities as a member of the EUROCITIES Executive Committee Oslo is strongly committed to EUROCITIES and with a seat in the Executive Committee would wish to contribute to the political dimension in the network by supporting the strategic framework. If elected, Oslo will prioritize: Green recovery Inclusion for all – delivering on the European Green Deal – just transition, social inclusion and employment for all «Climate change is not something European cities will be at the front line in responding to to be left to someone else or the social and economic crisis that will follow the health somewhere else at another time. crisis caused by the pandemic. The freedom to work is a crucial factor when it comes to combating poverty and We need to act here and now» exclusion. Employment gives people the opportunity to lead free, secure lives and build stronger communities in our cities. Job creation and good social services will be Stopping dangerous climate change demands an key in the post-COVID recovery. unprecedented turnaround. Being the centres of population and economic activity, cities’ development is Green recovery must ensure a just transition to a low key to achieving the climate goals. carbon economy, which also reduces inequalities and improves quality of life. Lower income families are more Cities can be testbeds for new innovative solutions, exposed to health treats such as poor air quality and which can be shared and scaled up to other cities. In Oslo noise. Cities must make it cheaper and more convenient we have succeeded in creating the first mass marked to maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle regardless of the size for electric vehicles. 65% of all new cars sold are pure of your bank account. electric. Similarly, we are using our public procurement power to ask for fossil free and now even zero-emission Diversity is a strength for European cities. Campaigns construction sites. Together we can change markets and such as #Meetoo and #BlackLivesMatter show how support green business models. widespread and diverse discrimination can be. Oslo will work for tolerance, openness and equal opportunities. Without strong, effective and lasting change in cities’ These are virtues that often come under threat in an transport solutions, buildings and construction, and a economic crisis and in times of uncertainty. spatial planning that is fit for the future, Europe and the world will not achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. To promote inclusive cities both in advocacy and in the Luckily, the measures to cut emissions also make cities peer-exchange in the EUROCITIES-family will be a priority better to live in. Cleaner air, less noise, more green for Oslo. spaces and improvements to people’s health are benefits we should focus more on. We also have a biodiversity crisis. I believe a stronger «We need to work together to linkage between how we manage a low carbon transition, make our cities greener, warmer, and how we protect and enhance ecosystems, is necessary. more creative and with room for Cities are decisive in delivering on the European Green everyone.» Deal. An integrated approach, where environment and climate issues are put at the centre of economic development, is the way forward. The post COVID-19 recovery must be used to accelerate the green transition. Oslo will work to support the wider perspective, with emphasis on collaboration across the region, between different parts of EUROCITIES, as well as internationally. Oslo’s candidacy for the EUROCITIES Executive Committee Eurocities AGM 2020 5 of 9 4g Raymond Johansen, Governing Mayor of Oslo Raymond Johansen was born in Oslo in 1961. He is educated as a plumber, but most of his working life has been dedicated to policy and politics, with various leadership roles in the public sector He has a varied background from key positions in local policy, national policy and foreign affairs. Johansen served as Vice Mayor for Transport and Environment in the City of Oslo, State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has been elected Secretary General of the Norwegian Labour Party. Johansen has served as the Governing Mayor of the City of Oslo since 2015. Johansen leads a City Government Coalition composed of representatives from the Labour Party, the Green Party and the Socialist Left Party. In his current role he also has initiated extensive international cooperation and has worked with EU related issues. Relevant positions and assignments 2015–present Governing Mayor, Leader of the City Government, City of Oslo 2009–2015 Secretary General of the Norwegian Labour Party 2005–2009 State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2002–2005 Secretary General, Norwegian Refugee Council 2002 Chargé d’affaires ad interim, Norwegian Embassy in Asmara, Eritrea 2000–2001 State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 1996–2000 Head of Department for Information and Cultural Cooperation, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation 1991–1995 Vice Mayor for Transport and Nature Preservation, City of Oslo Oslo’s candidacy for the EUROCITIES Executive Committee Eurocities AGM 2020 6 of 9 4g Oslo’s candidacy for the EUROCITIES Executive Committee Eurocities AGM 2020 7 of 9 4g Oslo’s activities in EUROCITIES and our team Oslo has been a member of Eurocities since 1993. Oslo takes part in most forums and working groups and has regularly organised meetings in the network. Here is a presentation of the team and their activities. Office of the Governing Mayor Economic Development Forum Marte Ingul, Chief of Staff at the Governing Mayors Office Jan Fredrik Lockert, Economic Development Forum, Deputy Director General, Department for Business Erna Ansnes, Head of International Office Development and Public Ownership Anita Lindahl Trosdahl, Eurocities Contact Officer, Liss Kristin Steinbakk, WG City Branding and Chief Adviser International Office International Economic Relations, Special Adviser, Department