Transforming commitments into action: Highlights from the ICLEI World Congress 2024 Closing Plenary

Transforming commitments into action: Highlights from the ICLEI World Congress 2024 Closing Plenary

ByBarbara Riedemann

From June 18 to 21, over 1,500 global attendees converged in São Paulo, Brazil, to celebrate the vital role of international networks in connecting cities, towns, regions, and communities. During the Congress’ closing plenary, ICLEI leaders underscored the power of collaboration and knowledge exchange in advancing local sustainability efforts and tackling shared challenges, propelling the much-needed global transformations.

Sustainability and innovation in urban development

Sustainability and innovation in urban development

ByAnne Marie Cleary Rauker

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.

Empowering local voices to tackle the climate emergency

Empowering local voices to tackle the climate emergency

ByICLEI Network

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.

The art of impact: How creativity boosts sustainable change

The art of impact: How creativity boosts sustainable change

ByICLEI Network

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.