Activities
Cities are complex systems. The components of urban systems, from food distribution networks and energy grids to transport and greenways, are interconnected and dynamic. Intervening to create change in any one of these components may impact others, creating systemic change. Designing solutions that take these interconnections into account is critical to sustainable development.
The five ICLEI pathways towards low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development are designed to create systemic change. When these pathways guide local and regional development, urban systems becomes more sustainable. The pathways provide provide a framework for designing integrated solutions that balance the patterns of human life and the built and natural environments. They encourage holistic thinking. For instance, working together, the local and regional governments and global experts of ICLEI consider how nature-based development contributes to resilience, or how to bring equity into low emission development.
We design our work to integrate as many pathways as possible. Each individual pathway is multidimensional, incorporating numerous strategies for sustainable development. When more pathways are integrated into any given activity, such as a project, partnership or initiative, a greater degree of change can occur. Often, our activities are guided by a predominant pathway or set of pathways. In any given city or region, multiple activities may be implemented along each pathway.
This searchable digital collection of our activities worldwide includes technical resources, including digital platforms, methodologies and tools, as well as networks, projects, programs, partnerships, events and initiatives that guide action along the pathways, spark new partnerships and create city-to-city and city-to-region connections.
Each entry in this digital collection is marked with predominant pathways, keywords and related Sustainable Development Goals.
We support cities and regions in Asia, Africa and South America in developing community-wide 100 percent renewable energy strategies, by increasing awareness and stakeholder engagement and assessing project concepts, financeability and implementation plans. (175 cities: globally)
We strategize ways to increase the value of existing buildings through significant energy and architectural transformation, ranging from facade additions to rooftop extensions, in order to reach the Nearly Zero Energy Buildings and extreme renovation goal in Europe. (Europe)
We raise awareness on how local and regional governments can impact city-region food systems, by developing knowledge materials to advance a shared understanding of, advocate and enable subnational government leadership on sustainable and resilient food systems globally. (globally)
We improve coordination and integration among African and European stakeholders active in water and climate initiatives, to improve resilience to climate change across all five regions of Africa. (5 regions: Africa)
We provide a unique platform that enables local governments to exchange knowledge on emerging issues and innovations to achieve a paradigm shift for more sustainable, resilient and equitable urban water and sanitation practices in Africa. (Africa)
We capacitate local governments in Southeast Asia to develop inclusive low emission development strategies through active citizen engagement and integration of stakeholder pledges into targets and planned activities, ultimately raising the level of ambition in national climate action plans submitted under the Paris Agreement. (9 cities: Southeast Asia)
We support and promote sustainable production of renewable resources from land, fisheries and aquaculture, and their conversion into bio-based products and bio-energy to drive growth in new jobs and industries in the bio-economy in Europe. (Europe).
We build the capacity of Canadian local governments to adapt to climate change and increase their resilience, offering a suite of solutions, including planning tools, vulnerability and risk assessment resources, stakeholder consultation workshops and peer and partner networking opportunities. (50 cities: North America)
We analyze transportation footprints and develop innovative procurement plans to deliver solutions for zero emission urban delivery of goods and services in European cities. (3 cities: Europe)
We strengthen the capacities of Indian cities to identify, plan and implement measures to achieve low carbon growth and enhance resilience, positioning cities to address the growing demand for energy, infrastructure and services. (4 cities and 4 regions: South Asia)