VIENNA, 31 OCTOBER 2022 – UNIDO’s Bridge for Cities special session virtually gathered experts and city leaders from around the world to discuss the impact of climate action on cities. The special session, commemorating World Cities Day attracted as many as 400 attendees from 85 countries.

Organized with financial support from the Government of China and in partnership with AIG, the University of Strathclyde, the City of Vienna, WSP and the Resilient Cities Network, the session featured keynote speakers and panel discussions that provided insights into how urban development can be sustainable, fair, equitable and innovative. 

UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller launching the event stressed the need to assess and understand climate change and its impact on cities so that policies developed are fit for the future.

Speaking at the launch event, Wang Qun, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of China to UNIDO, noted that a global forum like the Bridge for Cities is in line with China’s Global Development Initiative, which facilitates the exchange of innovative ideas, best practices and knowledge for sustainable development. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of UN Habitat underscored how climate change contributes to the exacerbation of social issues in cities, while Omar Al-Rawi, member of the Vienna City Council presented the city’s practical and concrete actions to become a climate neutral city by 2040.

The session’s keynote speakers, Professor Wu Zhiqiang from Shanghai’s Tongji University and Professor Richard Bellingham from the University of Strathclyde pointed out the importance of partnerships and resource mobilization to support sustainable urban development efforts.  

Representatives from various cities and regions - Minas Gerais in Brazil; Glasgow in United Kingdom; Dubai in the UAE; Singapore together with session partner, WSP Environment & Infrastructure showcased pioneering solutions and approaches that have potential for scalability and replication – these included nature-based solutions to prevent floods and digital approaches to support resilience-building in cities.

The special session lays the ground for the 2023 Bridge for Cities event, which will build and expand on the topics discussed.

The session’s proceedings will be made available on https://www.bridgeforcities.org/31-october-2022-virtual-edition/