CityTalk is Your Source for Urban Sustainability Stories
Local actions driving global change
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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.
ICLEI at COP30
In Belém, cities and regions showcased that they are already implementing climate solutions — and they are ready to scale them.
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The forest COP that never turned into the cities’ COP
“During the so-called ‘implementation COP’, the absence of commitments on issues related to urbanization is not a mere technical detail…
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Belém, a model for climate leadership – from the Amazon to the world
Belém, host city of COP30, shows that protecting the Amazon means empowering its cities and people. Through its Local Climate…
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A new chapter for climate federalism in Brazil: Lessons and legacy from the LGMA National Coordination Group for COP30
Brazil’s pioneering multilevel coordination effort is reshaping multilevel governance and collaboration at home and inspiring global pathways. From the beginning,…
Ending plastic pollution
ICLEI continues to champion the essential role of local and subnational governments in ending plastic pollution. From managing waste systems to pioneering circular economy solutions, local governments are already on the frontline of the plastics crisis.
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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…
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Two years, no agreement on plastics: Where to from here? The Local and Subnational Government Coalition asks after INC-5
The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5) to develop a Global Plastic Treaty concluded without…
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What is the progress on the Global Plastic Treaty and how it could impact subnational governments
2023 has been a year of tremendous progress for Circular Development, but we have a lot more work that needs…
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Key takeaways for cities and subnationals at INC-3
This blog was written by Dr Magash Naidoo, Head of Circular Development, ICLEI World Secretariat One thing has become clear,…
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Cities and Subnationals Weigh in on a Global Plastics Treaty at INC-2
This blog was written in collaboration with Ariel Dekovic, Charis Hoffmann, Kobie Brand, and Togo Uchida from ICLEI. In early…
Risk management in cities
Building long-term urban resilience.
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A new safety net for Latin American and Caribbean cities
The Urban Infrastructure Insurance Facility (UIIF), introduces an innovative way for cities in Latin America and the Caribbean to access…
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Insuring our future: Strengthening disaster resilience in Latin America and the Caribbean
During the first in-person event in San José, Costa Rica, the Urban Infrastructure Insurance Facility (UIIF) Project united representatives from…
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Three pillars to empower women in climate and disaster risk financing: Bridging the gender gap
“Natural hazards, such as floods, droughts, and earthquakes, are gender-neutral, but their impacts are not.” This statement from the World…
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Addressing the climate crisis in socially unequal areas: Global funds, poverty eradication and risk management
Addressing the climate crisis in socially unequal areas involves utilizing tailored insurance mechanisms, such as those provided by the Urban…
Youth Voices
ICLEI’s guest op-ed and blog series designed to amplify the perspectives of young climate leaders across the globe.
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Young Africans at the heart of the food transition: Towards sustainable, inclusive and resilient systems
Part of ICLEI’s “Youth Voices,” this guest op-ed article calls for greater recognition of young people’s potential in food policy…
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Turning play into participation: Building child-friendly, climate-resilient cities
Building child-friendly cities is a climate adaptation strategy. In Austria, Graz and Feldbach prove it works.
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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,…
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The role of Youth Councils in Brazilian local governance and how cities can unlock their potential
This guest op-ed article explores how Youth Councils in Brazil are consolidating themselves as powerful tools for shared governance, co-creation,…