Key Takeaways

• SmartCitiesWorld invites global participation in shaping the Cop30 communiqué for climate action.
• Cities’ roles in climate decision-making are increasingly recognized, but formal integration within UN processes is still lacking.
• Polls for prioritizing climate resilience policies run until June 25, with results informing the upcoming Cop30 agenda.

The Role of Cities in Climate Action

SmartCitiesWorld is encouraging global participation in the formulation of its Cop30 communiqué, focusing on cities’ pivotal roles in addressing climate change at the upcoming conference in Belém, Brazil. Recognizing that cities are on the frontline of the climate crisis, the initiative aims to formally integrate urban areas into the decision-making processes of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Currently, cities are not embedded in the UNFCCC’s core decision-making structure, despite various organizations advocating to change this. The Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency serves as an official UNFCCC observer group, representing the interests of urban areas. Recent events, like the inaugural Local Climate Action Summit co-hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Cop28 Presidency in Dubai, have highlighted the importance of cities in climate dialogues. The summit led to the creation of the Coalition for High Ambition Multi-Level Partnerships (Champ), signifying a positive shift, yet further efforts are required to enhance cities’ formal recognition in climate talks.

Under the guidance of Paul Wilson, chair of the SmartCitiesWorld Editorial Advisory Board, a working group has identified key climate resilience policies relevant to cities. This collaboration has resulted in a set of 18 priorities segmented into six policy areas. These priorities will be presented at the ongoing virtual and in-person Cities Climate Action Summit 2025, allowing participants to vote interactively.

Engagement from the global audience is crucial. SmartCitiesWorld is inviting input through polls designed to select one priority from each policy area. These polls will be accessible until 5:15 PM BST on June 25, coinciding with the closing of the in-person summit in London. Outcomes will be shared the following day, contributing to the basis of the communiqué. This document will be circulated over the summer for further endorsements leading up to Cop30 in November.

This initiative emphasizes the significance of collaborative actions to empower cities in their climate strategies and ensure their voices are heard in international discussions. Regular updates on this endeavor will be provided to keep participants informed on its progress toward addressing climate change effectively.

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