UN-Habitat and Global Covenant of Mayors call for programme submissions for the landmark
July 2021 - UN-Habitat and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy are calling for proposals for the upcoming virtual Innovate4Cities Conference.
The I4C Conference (11 – 15 October 2021) supports accessible, innovative, equitable city climate action through promoting, guiding, and sharing city-focused research and innovation, driving partnerships and implementation at the local and neighbourhood scale.
The call for submissions for the conference programme will close on 4 August. The co-hosts invite their global network from academia, city practitioners, policymakers, the private sector, civil society and international organisations to showcase the latest science and innovation to bridge the gap between climate ambitions and results.
Submissions should focus on research and innovation across the themes inspired by the Global Research and Action Agenda on Cities and Climate Change Science, that resulted from the first Cities and Climate Change Science Conference in Edmonton, Canada in 2018.
Topical Themes:
- Built and Blue/Green Infrastructure
- Sustainable Consumption & Production
- Finance
- Informality
- Uncertainty
- Urban Planning and Design
Cross-cutting Themes:
- City-level models and data
- Governance
- Scale
- Systems approach
- Justice and equity
- Digitalisation and smart cities
- Health and wellbeing
The I4C Conference will discuss the current COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the urban landscape. COVID-19 has transformed cities, widening existing inequalities, exacerbating financial hardships, and exposing new vulnerabilities. When we rebuild cities in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, we must ensure that the green recovery is inclusive and provides co-benefits, such as improving health outcomes, promoting economic development, delivering jobs, and addressing gender and racial inequities. Justice and equity have therefore been added as cross-cutting themes for the conference, along with health and wellbeing and digitalisation.
Who can apply?
- Academic and research institution
- Charitable Foundation
- Financial Institution
- Intergovernmental Organisation
- Local and regional government association
- Local government
- National government
- Governmental ministry or agency
- Media
- Non-governmental organisation
- Private Sector
- Trade association
The submissions for events can be in a range of virtual formats. The programme aims to be innovative and provides space for all voices to be heard. The conference focuses on research and innovative practice and will showcase a diverse range innovation.
Key dates for call for submissions
- Launch: 5 July 2021
- Deadline for submissions: 4 August 2021
- Notification of selection to programme submitters: 3 September 2021
- Deadline to confirm offered programme slot: 8 September 2021
Interested applicants should submit this form before 4 August 2021.
When we rebuild cities in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, we must ensure that the green recovery is inclusive and provides co-benefits, such as improving health outcomes, promoting economic development, delivering jobs, and addressing gender and racial inequities. The conference will showcase a diverse range innovation. We are looking for new data, research and insights, and encourage you to apply for the call to become a part of the conference.
For more information contact:
Steven Bland, Climate Change and Innovation Specialist, Programme Development/Innovation Unit, UN-Habitat
Jasdeep Randhawa, Lead – Innovate4Cities Conference, Climate Change and Innovation Specialist, UN-Habitat unhabitat-climate@un.org
Jorn Verbeeck, Head of Research & Innovation, Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) jverbeeck@globalcovenantofmayors.org
Cathy Oke, Special Advisor, Innovate4Cities, Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy cathy.oke@unimelb.edu.au