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Governor Schwarzenegger discussed public-private partnership with mayors

In a panel discussion held today about public-private partnerships, the audience heard some examples of innovative partnerships between cities and private companies

16 December 2009

Among others, Chairman of Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson, and CEO of Better Place, Shai Agassi, debated with the mayors.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger also participated in the panel debate and talked about the importance of citizen engagement: “We cannot wait for national governments to fight climate change on their own, because then we would have to have wait for a long time. I also believe it is wrong to think of this as a top-down decision, so the only way we can be successful is by cooperating. All good things start on a grassroot level, so hopefully this meeting in Copenhagen will inspire citizens, mayors and state leaders and help turn the fight against climate change into a hip movement.”

The panel discussion also included the challenges and opportunities for carbon financing for developing cities.

One of the partnerships presented today was between Better Place and the Mayor of Los Angeles for the development and implementation of infrastructure for electric powered vehicles. The partnership was presented by the founder and CEO of Better Place, Shai Agassi, and the Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa.

David Miller, Mayor of Toronto and Chair of the C40: “Cities cannot fight climate change on their own. We need all kinds of partnerships to serve the public interest. As Chair of the C40, I must emphasize that in order to fight climate change, we need a global partnership involving national governments, the public and businesses.”

For further information:

• Ms. Rikke Houkjær: +45 2677 2295