Transforming Our Cities through Integrated Governance Systems

Efforts to transform our cities for a better urban future require the challenging combination of integrated and localized governance systems, especially if we are to rapidly reach net zero and protect urban dwellers from shocks and crises. ICLEI, its members and stakeholders have pioneered a number of innovative governance approaches. These include Local Green Deals, in which local governments and their stakeholders foster integrated urban sustainability actions that bridge between sectors and enable the localization of policies from other levels of governance. The session also considers equity frameworks and planning tools for equitable climate action, as well as concrete cases of cities embedding sector-specific policies (e.g. a food strategy) within integrated urban governance. These approaches are meant to inspire the UN-Habitat community regarding the potential of innovative and integrated governance for resilient, beautiful, just and sustainable communities. The session will include sufficient time for participants to exchange with the speakers and to provide their input as to the potential of the presented approaches in their respective geographical contexts.