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.
Looking ahead to COP30, what cities and regions do in advance of this global climate summit may matter more than the conference itself. On the road to Belém, local and regional governments have a unique opportunity to engage with their national governments, shift the trajectory of the climate emergency, and push for inclusive, multilevel climate action.
With platforms like CitiesWithNature, the Berlin Urban Nature Pact, and metrics like the 3-30-300 rule, local and subnational governments are now better equipped than ever to track their impact and drive systemic change, proving that the path to a nature-positive future starts on the ground.
With lush forests, clean air, and a fast-growing green economy, Guiyang is proving that cities can thrive without costing the Earth. On 5–6 July, urban leaders will gather here for the Eco Forum Global Annual Conference to promote harmony between humans and nature, a journey that Guiyang has proudly led for years
Multilevel governance dialogues have taken place across seven UrbanShift countries, engaging city representatives from diverse urban contexts.
Who owns the land, and who gets to decide how it’s used? These questions are not just about property—they are about power, rights, and justice. Explore the vital connections between urban and rural areas and the role of gender justice in sustainable land management.
The Malmö Commitment pioneers are exploring how targeted energy efficiency measures can support energy equity, demonstrating how these measures can contribute significantly to making housing more affordable for everyone.
In Izmir’s Pazaryeri and Imariye neighborhoods, women are on the frontlines of climate resilience, navigating floods, heatwaves, and economic challenges while leading solutions that strengthen entire communities.
Green bonds can unlock infrastructure investment opportunities for cities and nations to finance transformative solutions.
Shimokawa Town in Hokkaido is the smallest member of ICLEI Japan. Rich in forest resources, it has become a model…
As nations increasingly turn inward, losing sight of common global challenges, progress towards mitigating our present energy systems’ local and international environmental impacts is threatened.
By embracing the wisdom of First Peoples and integrating cultural burning into modern land management, we can protect landscapes, restore ecosystems, and strengthen our connection with nature.
The Republic of Korea hosted INC-5, bringing national governments together to forge a global treaty to end plastic pollution. This initiative began at the 2022 UN Environment Assembly with the adoption of Resolution 5.14 titled: End Plastic Pollution: towards an international legally binding instrument.