At the subnational level, ICLEI drives change along five interconnected pathways that cut across sectors and jurisdictional boundaries. This design enables local and regional governments to develop solutions in a holistic and integrated way, creating change across entire urban systems. We influence sustainability policy and drive local action for zero emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development.
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.
From uneven sidewalks and distant bus stops to unsafe, costly rides, mobility gaps are an everyday reality. Cities in the Malmö Commitment, ICLEI’s global network on prioritizing equity in sustainable development, are removing barriers with equity-led, people-centered approaches that make moving safer and easier for all.
Language reviewed using AI tools In fiscal year 2024, ICLEI Members in Japan engaged in various activities connected to ICLEI’s…
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 demand for cooling continues to soar, local and regional governments are looking at both technological and design solutions.
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.
Water is a “blue thread” connecting human rights, the SDGs, and the three Rio Conventions on climate, biodiversity, and land. Embedding water resilience into urban planning is not optional; it is essential for climate-smart, inclusive, and livable cities, and local and regional governments are already delivering. Explore how we are supporting them to step up to the challenge and scale their impact.
Once a parking lot and dumping ground, Chennai’s first wetland sponge park is leading the way for a climate-resilient city. Today, it functions as a natural water treatment system to manage stormwater and prevent floods, proving the power of nature-based solutions in shaping sustainable, thriving communities.
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.
This guest op-ed article explores how Youth Councils in Brazil are consolidating themselves as powerful tools for shared governance, co-creation, and accountability in the face of the climate crisis. How can cities unlock their potential to deliver true intergenerational climate justice?
This blog was written by Tashi Piprek, AfriFOODlinks Youth Ambassadorship Focal Point (ICLEI Africa), and edited by Matteo Bizzotto, Global…
As countries race to finalize a global plastics treaty by the end of 2025, a critical round of negotiations is underway in Geneva, Switzerland. From production limits to toxic chemical bans, what’s on the table and why must cities have a seat at it?