Advancing Urban Sustainability for a Green Recovery

Cities are central to economic growth and have a pivotal role in achieving global climate, nature, and sustainable development goals. Yet this potential remains largely untapped as cities continue to face unprecedented environmental and social challenges. The current COVID-19 pandemic has affected cities deeply and impacted their capacity to adopt sustainable pathways for future growth. It has also put forth health as a fundamental aspect of urban sustainability.

Over the past six years and spanning two funding cycles, the GEF has invested in integrated urban planning and implementation as a means to help cities address interrelated environmental degradation challenges. In collaboration with cities, national governments, international agencies, networks, and various stakeholders, the GEF program is promoting innovative and impactful solutions for sustainable urban transformation.

Drawing from the experiences of cities under the program, including UrbanShift cities, this report looks at key urban sustainability elements and solutions and discusses strategies to advance green recovery.