The Summit of the Future: Connecting the future of multilateralism and urban sustainability

The Summit of the Future: Connecting the future of multilateralism and urban sustainability

ByAriel Dekovic

The Summit of the Future (SoF) begins on 22 September at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York. The Summit is an initiative of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (pictured above; photo credit Kiara Worth / UNFCCC) to improve the UN system and strengthen multilateralism. The high-level event brings world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future.

Can cities run on renewables? Kenya’s Kisumu County has a roadmap to prove it

Can cities run on renewables? Kenya’s Kisumu County has a roadmap to prove it

ByBarbara Riedemann

On 1 August, ICLEI, in partnership with the County Government of Kisumu, unveiled a tailored-made roadmap towards 100% renewable energy by 2050. Under the 100% Renewables Cities and Regions Roadmap project, Kisumu is sparking the shift to transition its energy landscape. By targeting key sectors such as electricity, transport and clean cooking, the county is setting a powerful example for urban areas worldwide on how to embrace renewable energy solutions.

Local leaders showcase climate, poverty reduction and partnerships at UN SDGs Forum 2024

Local leaders showcase climate, poverty reduction and partnerships at UN SDGs Forum 2024

ByICLEI Network

From 8 to 17 July in New York City, the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) convened UN Member States and representatives from civil society organizations to follow up and review progress on a subset of the 17 Global Goals, ranging from promoting gender equality to preserving biodiversity. ICLEI actively participated in this year’s Forum, which featured key events for cities and regions: The launch of the 8th Edition of the Global Taskforce’s Annual Report and the Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda.

Reflections from a meeting of climate ministers with a Danish tragedy as backdrop

Reflections from a meeting of climate ministers with a Danish tragedy as backdrop

ByAnna Aaen

This piece was written by Anna Aaen, Deputy Mayor, City of Aalborg, Denmark, following the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial hosted by the city of Elsinore on 21-22 March 2024. It is a wonderful feeling to leave a meeting filled with energy and motivation. And it is even better when the meeting’s agenda is both significant and challenging – namely, global climate action at the local level.

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.

Top 10 global sustainability events not to miss in 2024

Top 10 global sustainability events not to miss in 2024

ByMatteo Bizzotto

In 2024, the global climate agenda is at a pivotal point following COP28, which marked the “beginning of the end” of the fossil fuel era and highlighted the need to cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030. This year is poised to be a ‘super year’ for sustainability, with six major UN events converging and local and regional governments playing a critical role in advancing the global sustainability agenda amidst unprecedented climate challenges.