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Over 250 leaders from African cities, including mayors, policymakers, investors, and business leaders, gathered in Nairobi on Monday for the Green & Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum.
The event, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and hosted by C40 Cities, is supported by major global organizations such as the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Resources Institute (WRI), and ICLEI.
At the event, held at the UN headquarters in Nairobi, Governor Johnson Sakaja welcomed participants and highlighted the continent’s immense potential for transformation.
“Africa’s youthful population offers a tremendous opportunity to reshape the future of cities and their residents,” Sakaja stated.
“African city leaders are showing exceptional leadership, but they require financial support to match their ambitions. Governments and investors must step up,” Sakaja emphasized.
Martin Krause, Director of UNEP’s Climate Change Division, noted:
“National climate action plans, developed in collaboration with sub-national governments, can empower cities to mobilize resources and funding for more effective climate actions, safeguarding urban residents and promoting low-carbon, resilient growth.”
However, more than 80% of these projects have primarily relied on grants, pointing to the need for new funding mechanisms.
The forum also marks the unveiling of a new Roadmap on Sustainable Finance Action and Advocacy for Global South cities, aimed at helping mayors access funding and push for fiscal decentralization.
The Green & Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum is expected to lay the foundation for sustainable urban development across Africa, fostering stronger collaborations between city leaders, national governments, and global investors.
