In 2023, the Green Finances area of ICLEI South America achieved significant milestones with the implementation of two cycles of the “Flagship Cities” initiative. Led by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in Latin America (GCoM) and funded by the European Union, this initiative focuses on supporting cities with ambitious climate goals, turning their visions into concrete actions and tangible projects.
The main challenge faced by many of these cities is transitioning innovative ideas into operational realities, often limited by the lack of direct experience or specialized knowledge in developing projects ready for financing. The “Flagship Cities” initiative addresses this critical need, accompanying a selected group of cities through specialized technical assistance from concept to finance. The goal is to empower municipal employees, promoting effective climate action by combining consultancy, guidance, and the review of successful cases.
The core of this initiative is to equip participating cities with the knowledge and tools necessary to refine their climate projects, identifying the most viable paths to adequate financing. During the implementation cycles, the initiative was mentored by renowned institutions, enriching the program with a diversity of perspectives and expertise, essential for the development of innovative and sustainable solutions.
The results achieved in the initial cycles are testimonies to the transformative impact of “Flagship Cities”, demonstrating the importance of this initiative as a platform for innovation and collaboration, accelerating the implementation of crucial climate projects and reinforcing community engagement and urban resilience in participating cities in Latin America.
Blogs
