PUBLIC PROCUREMENT NEWS

  

News

7 May 2013

Chair and Vice-Chairs chosen to lead Procura+ Sustainable Procurement Campaign

A panel of international experts have been chosen to head ICLEI’s Procura+ Campaign, Europe’s foremost campaign to encourage sustainable procurement at the local level. The three candidates were chosen based on their commitment in the field of sustainable public procurement. The appointees will lead the Campaign from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2015. Pekka Sauri, Deputy Mayor of the City of Helsinki (Finland), returns as the Chair of Procura+.

Mercè Rius I Serra was appointed Vice Chair, along with Deputy Mayor of the City of Malmö (Sweden) Lari Pitkä-Kangas. Deputy President for Environment of the Province of Barcelona (Spain), Ms. Rius i Serra has been heavily involved in the issue of green public procurement throughout her political career. Mr. Pitkä-Kangas has a great deal of experience in implementing sustainable procurement policies in a municipal context, and a particular interest in sustainable development. Each Chair will act as an ambassador for the Campaign.

Speaking on his role, Pekka Sauri said: "Public spending represents almost one fifth of GDP in the European Union - clearly, responsible public procurement represents a tremendous opportunity, not only to make our societies more sustainable, but also to ensure social justice and fair treatment. I'm delighted to be reappointed chair of the Procura+ Campaign, and look forward to continuing to support its work in mainstreaming sustainable public procurement across Europe and encouraging exchange amongst public authorities.” Pekka Sauri continued: “In this time of EU procurement directive reform, it is my belief that the Campaign can send a strong message to Europe on the importance of Sustainable Public Procurement.”

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