Global Covenant of Mayors

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) is the largest global alliance for city climate leadership, established in 2016 by merging the Compact of Mayors and the European Union's Covenant of Mayors. This international coalition brings together over 11,500 cities and local governments from 6 continents and more than 140 countries, representing over 1 billion people worldwide. GCoM operates on three core pillars: climate change mitigation through greenhouse gas emissions reduction, adaptation to climate change impacts, and access to clean and affordable energy. Cities joining the alliance commit to developing climate action plans, implementing measures, and tracking progress toward meeting or exceeding climate and energy objectives. The organization is structured with a Board providing strategic direction, comprised of ten mayors and local officials representing different regions. A Global Secretariat based in Brussels serves as the organizing hub, connecting cities with resources and support. Regional/National Covenants function as local chapters to provide targeted assistance based on regional needs. By 2030, GCoM cities could collectively reduce 1.3 billion tons of CO2 emissions annually—equivalent to removing 276 million cars from roads. The alliance emphasizes that local governments are key contributors to climate solutions, with city networks serving as critical partners in supporting participating municipalities. Co-chaired by European Commission leadership and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, GCoM represents a powerful response from cities taking leadership in addressing climate change challenges.