The Largest Global Alliance for City Climate Leadership Appoints Mayors Kamel J. Alghossainy and Emile Nakombo to its Board of Mayors and Leaders to Champion Regional Solutions and Accelerate Inclusive Climate Action

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (March  5, 2026) – Today, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) welcomed two mayors to its board of mayors and leaders: Mayor Kamel J. Alghossainy of Baakline, Lebanon, representing the Middle East and Northern Africa region, and Mayor Emile Nakombo of Bangui, Central African Republic, representing the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Mayors Alghossainy and Nakombo will join GCoM’s global leadership, working alongside Co-Chairs Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Teresa Ribera, European Commission Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition. As board members of the world’s largest alliance of mayors for climate, they will champion local climate action and lead ambitious, multilevel initiatives to help local governments meet the highest standards of a clean city. 

“Cities are showing the world what bold climate action looks like, and Mayors Alghossainy and Nakombo are helping to lead the way. Our board will benefit from their experiences and perspectives, as we support local action that is delivering measurable change to improve people’s lives,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies.

“Local leaders are the architects of global solutions. By bringing Mayors Alghossainy and Nakombo onto the board, we strengthen our ability to deliver inclusive, climate-resilient development and unlock new pathways for climate investment. Their leadership will help accelerate progress, cut emissions, and improve public health across their regions, advancing our mission to build healthier and more competitive economies,” said Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, France and GCoM Global Ambassador. 

Mayor Alghossainy, recently elected as Mayor of Baakline in the May 2025 Lebanese municipal elections, is renowned for pioneering sustainable development in the Chouf region. Mayor Alghossainy also serves as the head of the Union of Chouf Sweijani municipalities, where he promotes and actively implements regional strategies focused on water, waste, the environment, diaspora engagement, and youth empowerment, promoting governance and sustainable local development. With over 16 years of executive experience in technology, energy, and innovation, he also serves as Chief Executive Officer of Park Innovation and Chief Operating Officer of International Robotic Tank Solutions, driving digital and sustainability initiatives across Lebanon.

“It is an honor to join the Board of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy to empower local communities across the Middle East and North Africa to achieve a resilient future,” said Mayor Kamel J. Alghossainy. “I look forward to working with fellow mayors and leaders to advance innovative climate solutions and foster inclusive governance for all.”

Mayor Emile Nakombo of Bangui, Central African Republic, has extensive experience advocating for cities at both regional and international levels, bringing a deep understanding of the climate and energy challenges facing African cities. As Mayor of Bangui since 2016, Nakombo has led the city to being fully badged for their Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP). Mayor Nakombo has also secured significant international support from partners such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the European Union, and United Cities France. Nakombo is recognized for elevating the voice of African Cities in global climate dialogues and mobilizing resources for local climate action. Since 2025, Nakombo also serves as the Chair of the Regional Mayors Forum for the Covenant of Mayors Sub-Saharan Africa and, in this role, elevates the regional voices of GCoM signatories.

“I am proud to represent Sub-Saharan Africa on the GCoM Board. African cities are at the forefront of climate innovation and energy transition, and together we will continue to elevate our voices, drive regional coordination, and secure the resources needed to implement climate action for our people,” said Mayor Emile Nakombo.

###

About the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM)

GCoM is the largest global alliance for city climate leadership, uniting a global coalition of over 13,800 cities and local governments and 100+ supporting partners. The cities and partners of GCoM share a long-term vision of supporting voluntary action to combat climate change and towards a resilient and low-emission society. GCoM serves cities and local governments by mobilizing and supporting ambitious, measurable, planned climate and energy action in their communities by working with city/regional networks, national governments, and other partners to achieve our vision. Led today by UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions Michael R. Bloomberg and European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, the coalition comprises cities across 6 continents and 147 countries, representing over 1 billion people or more than 13 percent of the global population.

To learn more about GCoM, please visit our website, or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.