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.

De 18 a 21 de junho, mais de 1.500 participantes globais se reuniram em São Paulo, Brasil, para celebrar o papel vital das redes internacionais na conexão de cidades, vilas, regiões e comunidades. Durante a plenária de encerramento do Congresso, os líderes do ICLEI enfatizaram o poder da colaboração e da troca de conhecimentos no avanço dos esforços locais de sustentabilidade e no enfrentamento de desafios compartilhados, impulsionando as transformações globais tão necessárias.

Urban development is at a crossroads. Cities around the world are grappling with challenges ranging from climate resilience to digital transformation, social cohesion, and sustainable economic growth. During the ICLEI 2024 World Congress, several sessions addressed these pressing issues through interactive discussions and expert-led panels. This blog highlights three key sessions that provide invaluable insights for government officials, policymakers, urban planners, and other stakeholders.

To truly empower local people, community needs must be incorporated into policy, ideally using familiar language to communicate climate action and involving diverse groups in decision-making processes. Examples from cities like Baltimore, Glasgow, Lusaka, Rosario, and Baguio demonstrated the benefits of local stocktakes and continuous dialogue.

This interactive session showcased how creativity can enhance project design, build trust, and improve outcomes. From illustrated maps to promote nature-based solutions in Colombia, to the integration of art and policy to envision sustainable cities, to photos that portray community perspectives, creativity is a vital tool for driving sustainable change and fostering community engagement.

Megacities are the result of ongoing urbanization processes. A megacity is a very large urban area with a population exceeding ten million people. Nowadays, there are over 40 such megacities globally, collectively housing more than 9% of the world's population. The rise of megacities has led to significant environmental impacts, emphasizing the need for more sustainable urban planning and public services.

Placing people at the heart of development policies is crucial, especially in the Global South. In this panel, leaders discussed balancing human rights, biodiversity, and resilience amid urbanization and climate change.

(Este artigo foi traduzido via software) A 8ª Cúpula para Governos e Cidades Subnacionais, um evento oficial paralelo à COP16...

(Este blog foi traduzido por software) Uma das principais lições da pandemia global da COVID 19 foi o valor da...