What does an ecological civilization look like? China’s Guiyang City is showing the way

What does an ecological civilization look like? China’s Guiyang City is showing the way

ByXiaoqian Zhou

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

The beginning of the end of plastics pollution, what does this mean for the Republic of Korea Cities?

The beginning of the end of plastics pollution, what does this mean for the Republic of Korea Cities?

ByMagash Naidoo

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.

How New Taipei City’s E-House Program is pioneering nearly zero-carbon communities through public-private collaboration

How New Taipei City’s E-House Program is pioneering nearly zero-carbon communities through public-private collaboration

ByGuest Author

Aiming for net-zero emissions in 2050, the largest city on the island of Taiwan has successfully implemented several initiatives, like its “Energy-Saving E-House Program,” the region’s first-ever housing energy-saving initiative engaging private stakeholders from the real estate sector and local communities.

Saitama City brings the G7 to COP29

Saitama City brings the G7 to COP29

ByAriel Dekovic

Despite cities being home to the majority of G7 citizens, local governments are not yet systematically consulted by national governments on critical decisions affecting their communities. The Urban7 (U7) is seeking to change that within the G7 group of countries.

Local government representation in international fora doesn’t end with the United Nations agendas, such as the Climate COPs. Local and regional governments are advocating for representation – especially with regards to sustainable development objectives – on multiple fronts, including the G7, G20 and other multilateral platforms.