Welcome to the first edition of the LGMA bulletin in 2025!
Through global challenges and weakened global processes, a shift towards national level can be expected in 2025. Therefore, the road to climate COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in November, becomes the most substantial and strategic mechanism for local and subnational governments to influence and impact the national and global sustainability agenda in 2025.
As we gear up for the mid-year climate conference in Bonn, Germany, and look towards COP30 in Belém, it is essential for local and regional governments to ensure that their national governments include them in the crucial planning and implementation phases of new more ambitious, holistic and integrated national climate commitments, called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0). While less than 5% of nations have submitted their NDCs 3.0 to the UN Climate Change Secretariat as of January 2025, it is promising to see that 45% of these have been submitted by nations that have endorsed COP28 CHAMP initiative, with 100% performance in demonstrating good practices for multilevel climate action.
Throughout 2025, Town Hall COPs will be an effective tool in equipping local and subnational governments to align with their communities for action and influence national governments for ambitious climate plans. The updated LGMA 2025 Calendar, as well as diversity of COP29 assessments by numerous global and national LGMA partners provide us the confidence that LGMA community is committed to elevate their engagements in these efforts.
Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago has been announced as the president of the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30) in Belém, Brazil following a meeting at Planalto Palace between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and ministers on 21 January.
90+ scientists and experts, including urban practitioners from five continents, have been selected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as Authors, Coordinating Lead Authors, and Review Editors for the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities (SR-Cities), set for release in March 2027. The report will address the dynamic challenges cities face due to climate change and explore solutions for sustainable urban development.
After the US' second withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, Michael R. Bloomberg, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions, announced that Bloomberg Philanthropies, along with US climate funders, will support the country in meeting its climate obligations. This includes bridging the funding gap to the UNFCCC, ensuring the commitments are upheld.
As we start the pivotal year, global sustainability faces critical challenges amidst leadership changes in key countries and evolving multilateral processes, directing a shift of focus within countries more towards concerns at the national level. Here's a glimpse of ten global sustainability agenda indicators to keep an eye on in 2025.
Held on 22-24 January 2025 in Cuenca, Ecuador, this forum brought together city leaders and partners to highlight the critical role of intermediary cities in shaping global and territorial citizenship. With a strong emphasis on trust, resilience, and democratic governance, the forum addressed key challenges such as climate action, social justice, and sustainable local economies.
Led by Yunus Arikan, ICLEI’s Director of Global Advocacy, these monthly webinars provide tailored content to support local governments in advocacy efforts and preparation for COP30. Join us at 10:00and 16:00 CET each month. Next webinar: 19 February 2025. Access the January edition materials here.
Daring Cities 2024 demonstrated that cities are not only at the forefront of climate action—they are powerful catalysts for global transformation. The Daring Cities 2024 Report highlights worldwide efforts to empower urban leaders in addressing the climate emergency through multilevel collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing.
On 29 October, UCLG and UNDP hosted the City Talks session, with discussions focusing on strategies to foster inclusive public transport, tackle inequalities, and leverage transportation as a transformative tool. These discussions were deeply aligned with the central promise of the UN Agenda 2030: “Leave no one behind."
Discover how collaboration between governments, businesses, and financial institutions in the EU is essential to increasing energy efficiency and unleashing Europe’s renovation revolution. This Renovation Revolution project by Climate Group offers a guide to accelerate progress on energy renovations.
Building on the success of the Town Hall COP's initiative, EARTHDAY.ORG and ICLEI are launching Earth Action Day in April 2025 to empower local communities in renewable energy and climate action. This initiative engages mayors, city leaders, and residents worldwide, showcasing how renewable energy drives economic growth and mitigates climate change.
Through this newly published document, UNDP showcases how Bogotá has addressed the often invisible issue of unpaid care work. By documenting the District Care System initiative, this publication serves as a toolkit for policymakers, urban planners, and advocates of social equity and gender justice.
Water systems are critical for resilience, yet climate change poses significant risks, including increased droughts, floods, and disrupted water cycles. On 10-11 March, join this Online Climate Academy and learn how European local and regional governments are already grappling with these challenges.
