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.
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?
Climate migration is no longer a future threat: It’s a present-day reality, with cities on the frontline of response. From building resilient, inclusive infrastructure to shifting public narratives and planning ahead, local governments have a critical role to play.
With only 27 new NDCs submitted by June 2025, covering just 21% of global emissions, are governments actually delivering on that promise?
As national governments are preparing their next round of Nationally Determined Contributions, their success depends heavily on actions taken at the local level.
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.
From subway-grown vegetables to instant wildfire alerts, Seoul, Republic of Korea, is making AI work in everyday life.