UrbanShift supports cities to adopt integrated approaches to urban development, shaping a resilient, inclusive, zero-carbon future where both people and planet can thrive.
Building up on the progress and experience of the Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach Pilot project earlier funded by the GEF to support 24 cities across 11 countries, the GEF Sustainable Cities Impact Program comprises of an additional 23 cities in 9 countries, which together are working with global, national and local practitioners and national governments of each individual country to achieve their cities objectives by:
- Strengthening governance, institutions, processes, and capacities to undertake evidence-based, sustainable, inclusive, integrated planning and policy reform;
- Undertaking sustainable integrated low carbon, resilient, conservation or land restoration investments in cities;
- Initiating innovative financing and business models for scaling-up sustainable urban solutions; and
- Influencing policy making and actions at local, regional and national levels to promote sustainable and inclusive cities.
UNEP is collaborating with the World Bank, ADB, UNDP, WRI, C40, ICLEI and stakeholders from the selected countries in bringing together GEF grants worth USD 147 million and cofinance from a myriad of partners leading to mitigate more than 130 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions and to sustainably manage or restore 1 million hectares of land.
The Global Initiative of UrbanShift, implemented by UNEP and co-executed with WRI, C40 and ICLEI is providing cities with opportunities to strengthen their skills, share experiences, build partnerships, engage with the private sector, and mobilize new sources of financing.
The Climate Change Mitigation Unit will continue to support countries to develop Cities projects within the GEF 8 Sustainable Cities Impact Program.
