ICLEI

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network that has been collaborating with over 2500 local and regional governments in more than 125 countries since its founding in 1990 as the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives. The goal of ICLEI is to promote sustainable urban development and foster systemic change in urban areas.

ICLEI is convinced that local actions can lead to global changes. The mission of the network is to integrate sustainability into the daily operations of urban and regional governments, thereby addressing complex environmental, economic, and social challenges. ICLEI advocates for low-emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient, and circular development[3].

• Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange: ICLEI supports its members through peer learning, partnerships, and capacity building to develop and implement solutions for urban sustainability challenges[3][5].
• Integrated Solutions: The network develops integrated solutions along five interconnected development pathways that transform urban areas. These pathways include measures to reduce emissions, promote nature-based solutions, enhance equity, strengthen resilience, and encourage circular development[3][5].
• Policy and Advocacy: ICLEI works at local, regional, national, and global levels to promote robust sustainability policies that reflect the interests of local and regional governments. The network forms strategic alliances with international organizations, national governments, academic and financial institutions, civil society, and the private sector[3][5].

• Climate Change and Resilience: ICLEI plays a central role in combating climate change and promoting climate-resilient urban development. The network supports cities and regions in integrating equity principles into urban planning and measuring progress with key performance indicators (KPIs)[5].
• Green Finance: ICLEI promotes innovative financial mechanisms, such as green bonds, to support financing low-emission and resilient economies at the municipal level. The Transformative Actions Program (TAP) and other initiatives demonstrate how cities can implement sustainable financing solutions through public-private partnerships[5].