Image of people walking, trees around

Transforming cities for people and planet

UrbanShift supports cities around the world to adopt integrated approaches to urban development, building an equitable, zero-carbon future where both people and planet can thrive.
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We live on a rapidly urbanizing planet, but our cities are struggling to provide basic services to their people – from clean air and water to reliable public transport and safe, affordable housing. As a result of this unprecedented urban growth, carbon emissions are on the rise and pressures on vital ecosystems are intensifying.  

CITIES LEADING THE WAY

The need for cities to transform their development trajectory has never been more urgent. UrbanShift works with more than 23 cities across nine countries, bringing together local leaders, national governments and a range of global stakeholders to enable urban development that is both nature-positive and human-centric. Hover over the map below to see the 23 primary cities and 16 additional cities that form part of UrbanShift (GEF-7 cycle). You can also see the 28 cities that participated in the pilot program  (GEF-6 cycle).

LATEST NEWS & EVENTS

Youth Climate Action Protest
Webinar

Engaging youth in climate action: Pragmatically moving forward

Young people must be involved in critical decisions concerning their future and given an active role in addressing the climate emergency. Join UrbanShift for a lively discussion on this topic on International Youth Day.

Two women and a child standing at a bus stop
Recap

MAINSTREAMING GENDER INTO URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN

The design of a city defines, to a great extent, the activities that take place within it. A lack of gender expertise in urban planning can therefore lead to serious disadvantages for women, children and gender minorities.

City of Kigali Mayor Pudence Rubingisa taking part in a community tree plantation. City of Kigali / Flickr.
City Spotlight

Kigali: On the path toward green, climate-resilient growth

Faced with a fast-growing urban population, the Rwandan capital is working to transform itself into a model green city. We spoke with Mayor Pudence Rubingisa about his sustainability goals and priorities for Kigali.

Brazil Colorful Houses

OUR FUNDER AND PARTNERS

UrbanShift is the brand name of the Global Environment Facility’s Sustainable Cities Impact Program. It is led by the UN Environment Programme and implemented in partnership with the World Resources Institute, C40 Cities, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, the UN Development Programme, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. UrbanShift builds on the lessons and experiences of the Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach Pilot, facilitated through the Global Platform for Sustainable Cities.

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