UN Habitat General Assembly Side Event: Responding to Climate, Nature, and Pollution Emergencies through Urbanization and Multilevel Action

31 May 2023 – The GPM will co-host, alongside ICLEI and UN-Habitat the side event Responding to Climate, Nature, and Pollution Emergencies through Urbanization and Multilevel Action at the 2nd UN Habitat Assembly (UNHA2) taking place on June 5^th 2023.

The side event will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers from various backgrounds, bringing diverse perspectives to the table. Matthew Bach, the Governance and Social Innovation Coordinator at ICLEI European Secretariat, will serve as the event’s moderator, while the keynote address will be delivered by Peter Kurz, the Mayor of the City of Mannheim, Germany, and the Chair of the GPM.

Panelists include representatives from UN-Habitat, the UN Environment Programme, and Global Task Force of Local and Regional Governments. 

Furthermore, the event brings together national governments that have played leadership roles in recent international processes to share their reflections. Representatives from Egypt, Germany,  Japan, People’s Republic of China, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates will provide valuable perspectives as respondents.

The UN Habitat Assembly Side Event aims to foster collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders at different levels. It offers an opportunity for participants to learn about successful initiatives and strategies, share experiences, and identify areas where multilevel action can be further enhanced. By highlighting the importance of urbanization in addressing global challenges, the event seeks to promote inclusive and sustainable development and non-UN processes such as Urban7 (U7)as an engagement group of the G7. The GPM and ICLEI host the secretariat of the U7.

This event promises to be a thought-provoking and insightful gathering of key stakeholders. With experts, representatives from UN institutions, and national governments sharing their experiences and reflections, the event will offer valuable knowledge and practical solutions for addressing climate change, nature conservation, and pollution at the urban level.