Nairobi, 24 April 2025 – A new blog article published by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) on the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace underscores the role of cities in tackling the climate crisis – and the partnerships needed to scale up action.

Authored by Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, the article explores how urban development, if guided by integrated planning and backed by multilateral cooperation, can help cities reduce emissions, build resilience, and improve lives.

Drawing on UN-Habitat’s World Cities Report 2024, the article highlights the growing risks faced by urban residents – especially those in informal settlements and coastal areas – and calls for stronger financing frameworks to support locally-led solutions. It showcases examples from Jakarta and Senegal where community-driven initiatives have improved housing and infrastructure while strengthening climate resilience.

The article also points to new efforts supported by UN-Habitat to accelerate impact, including the Urban Planning Accelerator being developed with C40 Cities. The initiative aims to support compact, regenerative cities that reduce sprawl, protect natural ecosystems, and prioritize affordable, climate-resilient housing.

As the piece concludes, effective climate action requires collaboration across governments, communities and sectors – and multilateralism remains a powerful tool to drive that collective effort.

Read the full blog post on IIED’s website