“Change the Power” has increased public awareness of global interdependencies between the EU and the Global South, as well as the relevance of local authorities on the global stage.
More than 300 000 people were involved in 220 local awareness raising events. They now understand more and can critically reflect on global agendas, such as the SDGs, the Paris Agreement and Habitat III, as well as the difficulties facing countries in the Global South and their communities.
Also, the importance of cities and local governments in international issues has increased, as well as the recognition by many countries of the role of the local level in the implementation of climate strategies. Local authorities increased the involvement of the European public in major development debates. These included two big online events about Brazil, linking political, environmental and health aspects. Over 1 800 European municipalities signed a Resolution against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, whose signature has been postponed due to the public pressure put on EU decision makers.
“Change the Power” also advocated for the ratification of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention no. 169, which gives additional legal protection to natural environments endangered by the exploitation of resources. The Convention was ratified by Luxembourg in 2018 and by Germany in 2021.