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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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Since 2021, UrbanShift has supported 23 cities across Asia, Africa and Latin America to advance integrated and sustainable approaches to urban planning. As the program comes to a close, we are reflecting on the transformations that have unfolded over the past five years--and the people who have made them possible.  

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2024-2025 Annual Report

UrbanShift's final Annual Report spans an impactful year of over 30 events and major progress across our network of 23 cities.

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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 secondary 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).

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Accelerate Sustainable Transformation With UrbanShift Online City Academy

UrbanShift offers eight free, self-paced courses on essential topics for creating more sustainable, equitable cities. Explore the course offerings and enroll today!

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LATEST NEWS & EVENTS

freetown, sierra leone
City Spotlight

Building an Equitable, Climate-Resilient Future in Freetown

From an inspiring study tour on urban cable cars to insight-filled trainings on climate action planning and finance, UrbanShift has supported Freetown—and all of Sierra Leone—to accelerate its climate goals.

Chennai Lake
City Spotlight

How Chennai is restoring Kadapakkam Lake with nature-based solutions

An UrbanShift spotlight on integrated water management, climate adaptation, and local innovation

touring a garden in barranquilla
City Spotlight

How Teresina is Accelerating its Transition to a Green and Resilient City

From UrbanShift's capacity-building activities, this scorching city in northeastern Brazil is drawing inspiration and technical knowledge to build sustainability from the ground up.

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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