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The rapid transformation of the world through urbanization has been a defining feature of the last century. This shift has elevated cities into economic powerhouses that foster innovation, economic development, and social interactions. However, this has come at a cost: often prioritizing immediate…

Cities are central to economic growth and have a pivotal role to play in achieving global climate, nature, and sustainable development goals. Yet this potential remains largely untapped as cities continue to face unprecedented environmental and social challenges. The current COVID-19 pandemic has…

Building on the GEF-6 phase, the Sustainable Cities Impact Program in GEF-7 (2018-2022), under its brand name UrbanShift, advances the integrated approach of urban planning and implementation. The program brings together global, national, and local stakeholders to work towards a common vision of…

The Integrated Approach Pilot (IAP) program on Sustainable Cities aims to promote sustainable urban development through integrated models of urban design, planning, and implementation. The program adopted two interrelated and complementary components – direct investment in sustainability solutions…

Delivering Transformational Change: The Journey of the Global Environment Facility looks back over the two terms of CEO and Chairperson Naoko Ishii. It also looks forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Over the last eight years, the GEF has focused on drivers, or root causes, of…

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the 11th goal particularly relevant to cities. SDG 11 commits the world to making “cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.” Building on the SDGs, the New Urban Agenda…

The Sustainable Cities Program is an ambitious attempt to promote urban sustainability, recognizing the unique window of opportunity that comes with rapid urbanization. As mayors in developing countries seek to transform cities as inclusive and resilient hubs of growth, there is a growing demand…