As the world grapples with the harsh reality of falling off the Paris Agreement track, the COP28 Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnership (CHAMP) for Climate Action, provides a small ray of hope for getting back on track. The initiative commits endorsing countries to enhance cooperation with their local, regional and other subnational governments – including cities, towns, states and regions – to collectively pursue efforts to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees abo...| CityTalk
“The climate crisis is global. But the work to address it is global, national, regional and local” – Axel Schmidt Grael, Mayor of Niterói, Brazil and Chair of the ICLEI Climate Action Support Portfolio, during the CHAMP endorser roundtable on 4 June, under the umbrella of Daring Cities Bonn Dialogues 2024.| CityTalk
From coffee cups to soda bottles, over 1,000 tonnes of waste are generated every day in Medellín, Colombia. In response, the city has been focusing on reusable systems.| CityTalk
From recycling hubs to traceability and green finance, ICLEI’s SWITCH-Asia project is helping Chinese small and medium size enterprises go circular. Read about six field-tested levers cities can apply - each with a clear 90-day checklist to drive real impact.| CityTalk
* This blog was written by John Warren Tamor as part of a partnership between ICLEI and YOUNGO Cities Working Group, contributing to “Youth Voices,” ICLEI’s guest op-ed and blog series, featuring insights from young changemakers.| CityTalk
Climate action is only as effective as the communities it reaches, but too often, city programs favor those with more resources, leaving disadvantaged groups behind. Through the INCLU:DE project, ICLEI and partner cities are testing practical ways to remove barriers and make climate programs accessible and fair. The result: Higher uptake of climate solutions and more resilient, trusted local governance.| CityTalk
From uneven sidewalks and distant bus stops to unsafe, costly rides, mobility gaps are an everyday reality. Cities in the Malmö Commitment, ICLEI’s global network on prioritizing equity in sustainable development, are removing barriers with equity-led, people-centered approaches that make moving safer and easier for all.| CityTalk
In Quezon City and Pasig City, Philippines, the SPARK Project centers on a participatory approach with community volunteers using a digital walkability app to review their own streets -rating sidewalks, crossings, and intersections- to share firsthand insights on how to make their neighborhoods safer and more walkable.| CityTalk
This blog was written by Kanak Gokarn, with contributions from Rohit Sen, Maryke van Staden, and edited by Matteo Bizzotto (ICLEI World Secretariat)| CityTalk
Urban farmers are becoming more numerous in Malmö and they deliver fresh food with minimal climate impact to both restaurants and households.| CityTalk
This blog was written by Tashi Piprek, AfriFOODlinks Youth Ambassadorship Focal Point (ICLEI Africa), and edited by Matteo Bizzotto, Global Communications Senior Officer (ICLEI World Secretariat).| CityTalk
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.| CityTalk
Since launching in early 2025, the Town Hall COP Initiative has gained momentum, with 70+ local governments and civil society organizations registered to host an event. Seven cities in six countries have already hosted their events, and South Africa became the first national government to officially endorse the initiative. Read on for the latest updates on how local voices are shaping climate action ahead of COP30.| CityTalk
On 17 June 2025, while formal negotiations at the UN Climate Change Conference (SB62) unfolded in Bonn, a powerful moment took place behind closed doors: The 2nd CHAMP UNFCCC Focal Point Dialogue, convening CHAMP Endorsing Governments, together with Friends of CHAMP and supporting partners, including the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency.| CityTalk
