Advancing Ecological Transition: Insights from AFL's Annual Day
20 June 2024The AFL gathered over 170 of its members, partners, and counterparts on Thursday, June 20th, at the Espace du Centenaire (Paris 12th) for its seventh annual Day event, once again hosted by Jean Dumonteil. Throughout the day, participants exchanged views on a forward-looking question: Financing the ecological transition: the era of "whatever it takes" for local authorities?
The day commenced with an address by Marie Ducamin, Mayor of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande (35) and President of the AFL's Board of Directors. It began with a speech by Antoine Pellion, Secretary-General for Ecological Planning under the Prime Minister. One of the key takeaways from his speech can be summarized by the statement: "Achieving more in ten years than we have in the past thirty, that is the challenge for the transition!"
The morning's first panel discussion focused on financial themes. Thiébaut Julin, CFO of the AFL, led the discussion with Carol Sirou, President of EthiFinance, Olivier Labe, CFO of BNG, Paul Bérard, Deputy General Manager of Île-de-France Region services, and Isabelle Vic Philippe, Euro Aggregate Director at Amundi Asset Management. They shared insights on green finance, debating whether it represents a mere illusion or a revolution in the financial world amidst its recent growth.
The latter part of the morning featured the unveiling of the fifth edition of the AFL's Financial Health Barometer. Following presentations by Henri Daudignon and Matthieu Bierce, three elected officials reacted to the latest updates on local finances, highlighting diverging trajectories between different local government groups.
The afternoon session began with Emmanuelle Cosse, President of the Union sociale pour l’habitat, discussing the intersection of social and environmental issues in social housing, emphasizing energy renovation, social diversity, densification, and related mobility challenges.
The final panel of the day focused on water management and the allocation of funds to address associated challenges. It kicked off with an AFL/INET study presented by two territorial administrative students, outlining management optimization and funding options for local authorities. The discussion included contributions from Vazken Andréassian, director of HYCAR Research Unit at INRAE, Daniel Marcovitch, vice-president of the board of the Seine-Normandie water agency, and Nicolas Gérard, president of the intermunicipal water syndicate of Euron Mortagne.
The day concluded with lively exchanges and thanks extended to all participants, Jean Dumonteil for hosting, and anticipation for next year's event.