“Regional Water Operators for Global Collaboration”
At the HSC panel "Regional Water Operators for Global Collaboration," the importance of operator partnerships between municipal operators of public water supply and wastewater disposal in Germany and corresponding organizations in developing and emerging countries for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation) was highlighted.
The participating experts from the fields of water supply, wastewater disposal, and development financing discussed in detail long-term financing options for these practical partnerships. Among them was the State Councilor of the Environmental Authority, Mr. Anselm Sprandel, who praised the long-standing commitment of HAMBURG WASSER in this area. Operator partnerships are an extremely convincing instrument for solving the world's water management problems.
“Decarbonizing Cities Aligned with Climate Justice”
As part of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, an exciting discussion on "Decarbonizing Cities Aligned with Climate Justice" took place on October 8, 2024. The high-profile panel, moderated by Prof. Dr. Christian Stöcker, brought together perspectives from politics, administration, and international organizations. Jens Kerstan, Senator for the Environment of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, emphasized the importance of a fair and socially just energy transition in urban areas. Contributions from Edlam Yemeru (UN Habitat) and Upendo Mwakyusa (UN Youth Fellow) also highlighted the challenges faced by cities in the Global South and the importance of global cooperation for urban climate protection.
The event impressively underscored that cities are crucial actors in the fight against the climate crisis. The necessity of ensuring social justice in the implementation of climate protection measures was particularly emphasized. The discussion provided valuable insights on how sustainable energy supply, climate-friendly housing, and mobility can be aligned with social aspects. Participants were optimistic that Hamburg and other cities can take a leading role in equitable decarbonization through targeted measures.
“How do Hamburg and Dar es Salaam encounter challenges while implementing the Agenda 2030?”
A session of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference was dedicated to the intercity exchange on the question "How do Hamburg and Dar es Salaam encounter challenges while implementing the Agenda 2030?". The focus was on dealing with conflicts between the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly between Goal 11 (Target 11.1) and Goal 13 (Target 13.1).
The State Councilor of the Environmental Authority, Mr. Anselm Sprandel, and his discussion partners from Hamburg and Dar es Salaam identified scalable solutions for climate-resilient infrastructure. They examined how government, science, and civil society can successfully collaborate and learn from each other to manage conflicting goals. Practical approaches at the local level to overcome boundaries between different sectors were a key focus.
Additionally, the city partnership between Hamburg and Dar es Salaam was recognized as extremely beneficial for both cities. This partnership enables intensive exchange, helping both cities to develop innovative solutions for their challenges and strengthen their relationships. It thus contributes to achieving the global sustainability goals.
In response to the question “How do Hamburg and Dar es Salaam encounter challenges while implementing the 2030 Agenda?”, the Sustainability Unit developed a joint paper with the discussion partners and other experts. The paper highlights conflicting goals at the local level, the nexus approach as a possible solution and the implications of the various projects presented in the session at the HSC.
