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8 September 2025 marks 35 years of ICLEI advancing local sustainability.
What began in 1990 as one of the first global networks of local and regional governments advancing environmental initiatives has grown into a strong, worldwide joint force of 2,500 jurisdictions committed to sustainable development in over 125 countries. United by a shared commitment to sustainable urban development, this issue celebrates our journey with a special anniversary video, featuring our leaders and experts driving action.
In this edition, we also spotlight the anniversaries of ICLEI Africa and ICLEI South Asia, share insights on climate action ahead of the IPCC Special Report on Cities, explore next steps after the Plastics Treaty stalled, and introduce a new handbook to help cities shift from single-use to reuse.
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Born at a United Nations meeting in New York in 1990, ICLEI became one of the first global networks of local and regional governments committed to sustainability. Today, our Members and leaders work hand in hand with over 700 experts across our regional offices worldwide to drive our commitment to sustainable, resilient, inclusive and safe cities, towns and regions for all. The ICLEI São Paulo Strategic Vision 2024–2030 reaffirms this pledge: Sustainability is the only path for 21st-century urban development. Here’s to the decades ahead!
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NEWS
Since 1995, the ICLEI Africa Secretariat has worked with local and regional governments, partners, and communities to co-create solutions for thriving, resilient cities. This milestone year honors its journey so far and the bold vision driving the next chapter of ICLEI’s role in Africa’s urban transformation.
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NEWS
This year, the ICLEI South Asia Secretariat turns two decades of empowering local and regional governments across the region to lead in sustainability and climate resilience. To mark the occasion, it invites you to join its journey by pledging to take meaningful action for a sustainable, climate-resilient future.Â
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More updates from our network
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A new paper highlights gaps in urban climate research and sets out a roadmap to accelerate ecological transitions. Its insights will help shape the upcoming IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities and drive a new era of data and community-driven multilevel climate governance.
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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.
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From Malaysia and South Africa’s endorsement of Town Hall COPs to Kiribati’s Ikarekebai Declaration, the initiative is emerging as a powerful model to make climate action truly locally-led, transformation-oriented, and nationally relevant.
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REPORT
7th ICLEI Global Research and Innovation Symposium
Held at the ICLEI World Congress 2024 in São Paulo, Brazil, the Symposium convened researchers, innovators, urban practitioners, and investors to foster a new generation of “next practices,” with discussions on the IPCC’s Special Report on Cities, agenda-setting innovation, and emerging technologies.
VIDEO
The Sparking Active Mobility Actions for Climate-Friendly Cities (SPARK) project is empowering residents in Quezon City and Pasig City, Philippines, to reimagine their streets through community-driven initiatives.Â
PLATFORM
Over the past five years, the Learn with ICLEI Africa platform has trained over 7,500 people through self-paced courses, interactive resources and toolkits on topics from nature-based solutions to climate finance.Â
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ONLINE EVENT
September
9
15:20 CEST
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Join ICLEI at the 3rd Annual Path Symposium
Global leaders and experts will explore how walking and cycling drive sustainable, healthy cities. Tu-My Tran, ICLEI Head of Sustainable Mobility, will join a panel to highlight the benefits of fostering active mobility in cities.
Register >>
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ONLINE EVENTS
September
10
14:00 & 17:00 CEST
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Join the Daring Cities Virtual Forum
Don’t miss two dynamic sessions: One on innovative finance for the local energy transition, and another on leveraging climate and sustainability communications, featuring communities worldwide that have hosted Town Hall COPs and ensured their messages reach broad audiences.
Register >>
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WEBINAR SERIES
September
17
10:00 & 16:00 CEST
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Monthly LGMA COP30 webinar
Led by Yunus Arikan, ICLEI Director of Global Advocacy, the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency will dive into advocacy efforts and next steps toward COP30.
Register >>
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IN-PERSON EVENT
September
21-28
New York City, USA
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ICLEI at Climate Week NYC 2025
A delegation of worldwide ICLEI Member local and subnational leaders, together with experts, will actively engage in multiple sessions and panels, showcasing bold climate action and driving the conversation forward.
More >>
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In August, we were honored to welcome the following new local and regional governments as Members:
🔹 Alzira City Council, Spain
🔹 Qingdao West Coast New Area, China
🔹 Shijiazhuang City, China
  Explore our Members
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