Event Documents
Partners

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 – 12:15
From Urban Heat to Cool 15-Minute Havens: Advancing Climate Action in Cities
A Fireside Chat with Eleni Myrivili and Carlos Moreno
12:15 – 14:00
Lunch break
14:00 – 15:20
Mayors Dialogue 1
Accelerating industry decarbonization for inclusive and sustainable cities
15:20 – 15:40
Break
15:40 – 17:00
Mayors Dialogue 2
Advancing innovation and partnerships for a net zero transport
18:00 onwards
Reception hosted by the City of Vienna (by invitation only)
5 September
09:45 – 10:45
Mayors Panel: Climate initiatives driving positive social and economic transformation
10:45 – 11:00
Break
11:00 – 12:15
Deep Dive Session: Sharing solutions to common urban challenges
12:15 – 14:00
Lunch break
14:00 – 16:00
Roundtable: Financing urban transformation and climate action
16:30 onwards
Reception at VIC Restaurant (by invitation only)
Photos
BRIDGE for Cities 2023 Highlights
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