Background
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges that humanity faces today. Its effects are already being felt worldwide, from rising temperatures and sea levels to extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods. These changes are causing significant impacts on people’s lives, livelihoods, and the environment.
Urban areas are at the forefront of the fight against climate change. With around 55% of the world’s population living in urban areas and this figure projected to rise to 68% by 2050, cities are responsible for around 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, cities are also driving innovation and collaboration for climate action.
Cities have a unique opportunity to promote sustainable development and combat climate change. Urban innovation can accelerate the transition to low-carbon, resilient, and livable cities. By promoting circular economy principles, adopting smart technologies, increasing energy efficiency, and switching to renewable energy, urban areas can reduce their environmental footprint and become more sustainable and resilient.
Urban innovation can also help cities adapt to the impacts of climate change. Cities can implement nature-based solutions, such as green roofs, green walls, and urban forests, to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality. Innovative transport solutions, such as bike-sharing schemes and electric vehicles, are already reducing emissions and improving urban mobility in cities. By adopting these innovations, the quality of life in cities can improve, while contributing to the fight against climate change.
Focus
The 2023 edition of Bridge for Cities on “Accelerating Climate Action through Urban Innovation” seeks to bring together urban stakeholders from cities along the Belt and Road and beyond to discuss the latest urban development solutions and explore how urban innovation can drive climate action and create more sustainable, resilient, and livable cities.
The event will showcase examples of climate action and urban innovations in the area of circular economy, energy, and technology
It will highlight the critical role of partnerships between cities and other urban stakeholders, including the business sector, international organizations, financial institutions, think tanks and academia, to address the urban challenges
The event will put a special emphasis on financing urban transformation and climate action, through innovative approaches and collaboration with financial institutions and climate funds
By fostering collaboration and innovation, the event aims to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for cities and the planet
Agenda
Through its many activities, including the high-level opening ceremony, mayors dialogues, exhibition, city matchmaking sessions and cultural performances, the event provides ample opportunities for participants to forge partnerships and exchange knowledge.
4 – 5 September 2023
Vienna International Centre
Central European Time (CET)
4 September
10:00 – 11:00
Opening Ceremony
11:00 – 12:00
Bridge Townhall: One-on-one interview with Expert (TBD)
12:00 – 13:30
Lunch
Cultural Performance in Exhibition area
13:30 – 15:00
Mayors Dialogue: Session 1
Organized with the City of Vienna
15:00 – 15:15
Break
15:15 – 16:45
Mayors Dialogue: Session 2
Organized with the City of Vienna
16:45 – 17:00
Closing Remarks for Day 1
18:00 onwards
Reception
5 September
09:30 – 10:45
Special session
10:45 – 11:00
Break
11:00 – 12:30
City-Business Matchmaking: Session 1
Organized with AIG, Chatham House, University of Strathclyde
12:30 – 14:00
Lunch
Cultural Performance in Exhibition area
14:00 – 15:30
City-Business Matchmaking: Session 2
Organized with AIG, Chatham House, University of Strathclyde
15:30 – 15:45
Break
15:45 – 17:00
Roundtable: Financing urban transformation and climate action
Organized with AIG, Chatham House, University of Strathclyde
17:00 – 17:15
Closing Remarks
Bridge for Cities 2023 Documents
Organization Team
Mr. Jie Zhao
Chief of Regional Coordination Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, UNIDO
Mr. Kanishka Rathore
Partnerships and Coordination Expert, Regional Coordination Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, UNIDO
Mr. Francesco Azzena
Project Administrator, Regional Coordination Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, UNIDO
Ms. Sofya Parfenova
Project Associate, Regional Coordination Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, UNIDO
Mr. Ming Zhang
Team Assistant, Regional Coordination Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, UNIDO