Sustainable Cities Impact Program

Recognizing that cities are key to achieving global environmental and sustainability goals, the Global Environment  Facility (GEF) launched the Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach Pilot in 2016 as part of the GEF-6 cycle (2014-2018). The program is now under implementation, supporting 28 cities in 11 countries with integrated urban sustainability solutions, and the Global Platform for Sustainable Cities (GPSC) helps facilitate city-to-city exchange and knowledge creation.

Building on the experience and lessons learned from this pilot, the Sustainable Cities Impact Program in the GEF-7 cycle (2018-2022) advances the integrated approach of urban planning and implementation under its brand name UrbanShift. The program is supporting more than 23 cities in 9 countries and focuses on integrated urban planning, low-carbon infrastructure, sustainable waste management and nature-based solutions for urban sustainability. UrbanShift brings together global, national, and local stakeholders, and engages with city-based organizations and the private sector to work towards common sustainability visions.

In total, the GEF’s Sustainable Cities program works with 50 cities across 17 countries, through $310 million in GEF grants, leveraging nearly $4 billion in co-financing. The program aims to reduce more than 250 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions and support the sustainable management of nearly 1 million hectares in addition to climate resilience benefits and socio-economic benefits of vulnerable communities. 

For more information about the GEF's Sustainable Cities Program, download the brochure. 

Source: Sustainable Cities (GEF)