Publication by GCoM and ICLEI Highlights How Strategic Partnerships Are Critical to Accelerate Sustainable Urban Climate Action

A city's journey from an initial climate project idea through to project implementation requires time, a substantial degree of preparation, resources, and capacities. Strong and strategic partnerships are also critical to support cities to advance that journey.

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), the City Climate Finance Gap Fund Partnership, and ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability have worked together since 2022 on accelerating climate finance in cities, and this publication summarizes the findings and learnings, while highlighting the value of partnerships.

"Empowering Cities and Financing Climate-Resilient Urban Futures: Insights from the Gap Fund's partnerships with GCoM and ICLEI" was officially launched at the Chefchaouen Local Climate Finance Forum, a high-level event bringing together mayors, ministries, financial institutions, and development partners to advance climate finance for sustainable urban development in the Middle East and North Africa.

The publication offers insights from collaborating with cities across the Global South that are leveraging early-stage technical assistance to move from climate ambition towards opportunities for project implementation. The document highlights how strong partnerships, strategic engagement, and peer learning have enabled cities to enhance the quality of their projects, strengthen multilevel governance, and advance their climate finance pathways.

The Forum also marked a symbolic moment for the city of Chefchaouen, a Gap Fund beneficiary, whose waste valorization project featured prominently in the publication. GCoM Regional Ambassador and Mayor of Chefchaouen, Mohamed Sefiani, shared the city's journey in leveraging early technical assistance to define and prepare a project that is now ready to seek investment.

"This publication demonstrates that when cities are equipped with the right tools, strong governance structures, and early-stage support - and backed by powerful partnerships - they not only participate in climate action; they lead it!", said Johanna Z. Granados Alcalá, moderator of the session and Head of the GCoM-Gap Fund Partnership team.

With more than 100 citiesnow supported through Gap Fund technical assistance, this publication offers guidance and inspiration for policymakers, donors, and local leaders looking to accelerate just and resilient urban development.