Media response - C40 World Mayors Summit
Published on 28 October 2025
Enquiry - Fleurieu Sun
- What activities will Mayor Were be undertaking while in Rio for the C40 convention and how do these relate to the people of Onkaparinga?
- How was Mayor Were selected to travel to Rio as one of three Adelaide Mayors?
- How much will Mayor Were's trip cost to ratepayers?
- Why is this trip necessary for the council area?
Response
Comments attributed to Mayor Moira Were
I was invited to join the City of Adelaide delegation at the C40 World Mayors Summit.
The Local Government Association Board approved funds to enable the LGA’s president and myself, based on my dual roles as Chair of LGA’s metropolitan councils committee and as the Oceania representative for ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, to accept the delegation’s invitation.
Any costs over and above their funds will be met by me. I will not be seeking any reimbursements from the City of Onkaparinga.
During this visit I will join mayors from nearly 100 cities from around the world – alongside business leaders, philanthropists, investors, academics, and civil society – to discuss and learn how cities are delivering urgent, inclusive and ambitious climate action.
Addressing climate change impacts is one of the most challenging local issues we face, as evidenced by the harmful algal bloom that’s seriously impacting our coastline right now.
Local government is at the frontline of climate impacts in communities, and this can involve repairing roads after floods, restoring parks after storms, supporting communities through heatwaves, investing in new infrastructure, and building resilience into local planning.
Drawing inspiration from, and engaging with, local governments around the world can strengthen how we tackle these climate challenges locally.
Key sessions and events I’ll participate in include those focused on local leadership in climate transition, creating green and thriving neighbourhoods, using tech and AI for better climate response, urban planning and creating liveable cities, and zero-emission freight.
My attendance will also provide a chance for Onkaparinga to be part of a global conversation, showcase the work of local government in South Australia, and support Adelaide’s bid to host COP31 next year.
If secured, COP31 is expected to attract between 50,000 to 100,000 people to SA, generate more than $500 million in economic benefits, boost off-peak tourism demand, and attract new investment in green technology.
These benefits would flow to Onkaparinga businesses and communities and give us exposure on the world stage.
ENDS