Every year, ICLEI works with local and regional governments, partners, leaders and other experts to develop and publish state-of-the-art, context-specific...

"During the so-called 'implementation COP', the absence of commitments on issues related to urbanization is not a mere technical detail – it is a symptom of a structural gridlock in climate multilateralism. Is the game, then, already lost?" reflects Philip Yang, Special Envoy of the COP30 Presidency for Urban Solutions, in this special guest op-ed.

Developed under the AfriFOODlinks project, the Cultivate Marketplace is a city-led initiative designed to transform how municipalities and funders meet, learn from each other, and build investable pathways together.

Brazil’s pioneering multilevel coordination effort is reshaping multilevel governance and collaboration at home and inspiring global pathways. From the beginning, the intention of this group was to bring climate federalism to life: National, state, and local actors aligning positions, sharing knowledge, and building a unified narrative that could travel from the streets of Brazilian cities to the negotiation rooms of the UNFCCC.

While parts of Europe and North America are slowing their push for renewable energy, Southeast Asia's clean energy transition is gaining speed.

Through the IKI-funded Blue-Green Development in Kiribati project, communities in South Tarawa pair local know-how with practical tools to boost food security and strengthen resilience, proving that land-based, nutritious food systems can thrive even in fragile atoll landscapes.

Climate action is only as effective as the communities it reaches, but too often, city programs favor those with more resources, leaving disadvantaged groups behind. Through the INCLU:DE project, ICLEI and partner cities are testing practical ways to remove barriers and make climate programs accessible and fair. The result: Higher uptake of climate solutions and more resilient, trusted local governance.

In Quezon City and Pasig City, Philippines, the SPARK Project centers on a participatory approach with community volunteers using a digital walkability app to review their own streets -rating sidewalks, crossings, and intersections- to share firsthand insights on how to make their neighborhoods safer and more walkable.

As global Plastics Treaty negotiations failed to reach consensus, cities and regions cannot wait. Read four takeaways to guide local action against the plastic waste piling up daily in cities.

Recognizing youth as powerful drivers of change, local and regional governments are creating meaningful spaces for their voices, leadership, and ideas. This International Youth Day, discover how ICLEI Members are actively involving young people in shaping inclusive and impactful climate action.

As cities face extreme weather events and growing inequality, nature-based solutions (NbS) can boost biodiversity, manage risks, and improve urban life. But financing remains the biggest hurdle. Turning ideas into action means rethinking how we plan, value, and invest in nature.

The 2nd CHAMP UNFCCC Focal Point Dialogue provided a platform for national government endorsers and their strategic partners to assess progress and guide CHAMP’s implementation toward COP30.

Town Hall COPs are redefining what inclusive, multilevel climate governance looks like on the road to COP30.

Under the theme “Stronger national climate plans through multilevel action,” the sixth edition of Daring Cities aims to serve as a pivotal platform for local and regional governments to influence global climate negotiations. Explore what Daring Cities 2025 is bringing to the table.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea, has implemented a comprehensive set of ambitious initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a particular focus on transportation and building efficiency.

Looking ahead to COP30, what cities and regions do in advance of this global climate summit may matter more than the conference itself. On the road to Belém, local and regional governments have a unique opportunity to engage with their national governments, shift the trajectory of the climate emergency, and push for inclusive, multilevel climate action.

During the ICLEI World Congress 2024 closing plenary on 21 June, Katja Dörner, Mayor of Bonn, Germany, and chair of the Climate Action Governance Portfolio for the ICLEI Global Executive Committee, called on urban leaders to proactively engage with their national governments and local government associations to enhance NDCs by 2025 and support CHAMP. National associations of local governments – under the leadership of ICLEI governance Members - in Germany, Brazil, and the U.S. have pledged to CHAMP, pioneering a global movement to push for stronger local involvement in national climate plans.

Amazonian cities are diverse in opportunities and needs. The region’s biodiversity is amongst the world’s most important but its cities’ sustainability challenges are less well-known. These jurisdictions require financial support and capacity building to create sustainable, conservation-oriented, equitable, nature-based spaces with circular development. At the ICLEI World Congress, mayors from this region convened to amplify the voices of these unique cities.

In a world increasingly shaped by the climate emergency, cities are stepping into the forefront of resilience and sustainability efforts. During the ICLEI World Congress’ plenary “Our Changing World,” ICLEI Members and experts discussed how cities can leverage local initiatives to drive global impact, emphasizing the urgency of integrated approaches to mitigate environmental risks and build climate-resilient communities worldwide.

Urban areas can restore ecosystems and improve residents' well-being. Cities like São Paulo, Puducherry, and Austin showcased innovative strategies for urban resilience and economic growth, proving that systemic change for a sustainable future is possible.

Part of ICLEI's “Youth Voices," this guest op-ed article calls for greater recognition of young people's potential in food policy development, as well as structural support for their initiatives.

On 10 October, World Mental Health Day, is a reminder that urban environments, climate resilience, and social connections profoundly shape wellbeing, and that local governments play a critical role in safeguarding it.