Tallinn participated in the UN Climate Change Conference COP28

Tallinn hosted a day at COP28 at the Estonian pavilion, involving international organizations as well as various Tallinn-based companies and universities. The programme was a deep dive into the challenges and solutions in urbanization, transport, and the environment.

"The key of practical solutions to decarbonization and a sustainable future lies often in cities, where also the majority of greenhouse gases is produced. We need leadership, cooperation, decisions and their implementation now for a lasting environmental change," said the Deputy Mayor of Tallinn Joosep Vimm.

“Tallinn hosted programme gave the opportunity to discuss how cities make various investments, considering the future challenges related to the climate crisis – so that they’ll be as future technology and biodiversity-friendly as possible,” said Tallinn Strategy Director Raido Roop. It also provided an opportunity to showcase what the Estonian capital has already achieved in environmental matters and discuss and exchange the experiences with different specialists. “On the international stage, we must introduce ourselves through technology and innovation, which are the basis on which Estonia is known,” he added.

The day started with a morning coffee chat. The discussion spotlighted urban sustainability leadership and smart city initiatives, emphasizing the role of policies and collaborations in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

The next panel explored digital green twins and their role in urban system optimization, showcased how digital tools are pivotal for climate adaptation and citizen engagement. '15 Minutes to a Just City' tackled sustainable mobility, particularly the 15-minute city concept, and discussed the eco-social paradox in cities.

'Driven Cities' by the guided networking session hosted by Beast, addressed challenges like excessive car use and shared mobility solutions. Smart Cities panel provided practical case studies on leveraging green innovation in cities.

Rail Baltica brought a high-level discussion on the sustainable transport megaproject Rail Baltica, which delved into developing resilient and sustainable connections in transportation. Energy Efficiency panel, led by Utilitas, delivered new perspectives on sustainable energy solutions in urban environment.

The last but not least panel of the day “Environmental Status of Our Seas” dived into ocean and sea conservation. Ms. Merle Liivand aka The Mermaid, Open Water Swimmer and Ocean Ambassador’s unique experiences as a World Economic Forum Front Voice for Climate and 5x Guinness World Record Holder brought a personal and urgent perspective to the need for collaborative action to safeguard these ecosystems. The day wrapped up with a reception for urban enthusiasts to network and share ideas.

More info about Estonia at COP28: https://estonia.ee/estonia-at-cop28/