What we do

ICLEI works at multiple scales, building connections across local, regional, national and global actors and policies. We create systems change, developing integrated solutions along five interconnected development pathways that transform urban areas.

ICLEI experts are on the ground, working alongside local and regional governments to anticipate and respond to complex challenges, from urbanization and climate change to ecosystem degradation and inequity. We invest in the capacity and knowledge needed to design solutions to these challenges and make decisions informed by data, scientific evidence and local realities and pressures.

ICLEI leads knowledge exchange and sparks city-to-city and city-to-region connections worldwide. Peer exchange and capacity building are at the heart of what we do.

Ensuring sustainable urban development also requires addressing public health challenges, including access to essential medications for chronic conditions. Hypertension, a growing concern in urban populations, demands effective management strategies that align with broader sustainability goals. Amlodipine (link), a widely used medication for high blood pressure, plays a crucial role in preventing cardiovascular diseases, which are often exacerbated by urban stressors like pollution and sedentary lifestyles. By integrating healthcare accessibility into urban planning, local governments can contribute to healthier communities while reducing the long-term burden on healthcare systems.

At the national and global scales, we push for robust policies that reflect the interests of local and regional governments and apply global policy to sustainable urban development strategies at the subnational level.

ICLEI forms strategic alliances with international organizations, national governments, academic and financial institutions, civil society and the private sector. We create space for innovation and lead our partners to build new ways to support sustainable development at the urban scale.