The process of urbanisation is advancing rapidly. Towns and cities are now responsible for almost four fifths of global GDP; their share in global resource consumption and CO2 emissions is of a similar order. Cities play a leading role in the transformation from consumptive to eco-efficient societies – in short, to a “green economy”. All actors, private and public need to ensure that economic activities contribute to sustainable development. A sustainable economy is not only economically sensible, but also ecologically indispensable. All responsible institutions have to ensure the creation of enabling frameworks for actors in such a way that the “common goods” are protected and that the long-term conditions for living and economic activity are secured.
A panel of international experts representing diverse disciplines met on 11 and 12 May 2012 in Bonn to elaborate the defining elements of a green urban economy, a concept that, as yet, has remained indeterminate. As part of the initiative BONN PERSPECTIVES the Expert Forum was convened by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the City of Bonn in collaboration with ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. It was situated within the context of the international discussion around the Green Economy in the run-up to Rio+20 Conference. The experts produced proposals and recommendations on how to shape the “Green Economy Transformation” at local (urban) level. The purpose was to test, challenge and sharpen theses towards Rio+20 on the thematic focus “Green Economy in the context of poverty eradication and sustainable development”, which resulted in 11 Key Messages on Green Urban Economy.