Placing people at the center: Embedding equity in circular food systems
Without equity, circularity risks optimizing food systems without transforming them – a distinction matters for millions of people.
How protecting migratory species built bridges between governments during COP15 in Brazil
The discussions showed how financing, peer learning, and cooperation across regions can help protect migratory species in the habitats and corridors they depend on.
Our most popular stories in 2025
To wrap up 2025, we look back at six stories that resonated most with our readers. From urban biodiversity and nature-based solutions to extreme heat, green finance and global sustainability agendas, these pieces capture a defining year for cities and regions.
Ten ICLEI resources that readers downloaded in 2025
Every year, ICLEI works with local and regional governments, partners, leaders and other experts to develop and publish state-of-the-art, context-specific…
Circular Development Equitable Development ICLEI organization ICLEI's Five Pathways Japan Office Nature-based Development Resilient Development Zero emission Development
ICLEI Members in Japan are scaling action through ICLEI’s five pathways
In fiscal year 2024, ICLEI Members in Japan engaged in various activities connected to ICLEI’s five pathways toward sustainable urban…
A global Plastics Treaty stalls, but cities can push ahead
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.
Building livable cities starts with water resilience
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.
From asphalt to wetland sponge park: How Chennai is absorbing water and building resilience
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.
Working with youth across the world: Cities powering inclusive climate action
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.
Youth are taking climate stock. Here are ten ways cities can act with them.
To truly harness youth leadership, local and regional governments must go beyond consultation, co-creating processes where young people set agendas, influence decisions, and hold institutions accountable.
Can local climate dialogues really shape national climate action? The Town Hall COP Initiative is trying to prove they can
ICLEI’s Town Hall COP Initiative is emerging as a powerful model to make climate action truly locally led, transformation-oriented, and, most importantly, nationally relevant.
Mind the gap: How youth fall between presence and power in urban governance
This guest op-ed article argues that youth participation in urban governance must move beyond symbolism to real power, especially in the Global South.