The SDSN Global Commission
for Urban SDG Finance
A high-level group of mayors, experts, city networks and scholars are delivering actionable recommendations for how cities can obtain more and better financing for projects that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Op-Ed - France Inter
French public radio station France Inter devoted its morning editorial to coverage of the Commission launch. If cities are at the right level to make the ecological transition, do they have the means to do so?"
Mayors rally for urban climate finance, urge development banks to help boost city climate action
City leaders worldwide are urgently calling on multilateral development banks (MDBs) to provide essential support in addressing the pressing climate challenges facing urban areas. Ahead of the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings, in an open letter addressed to the presidents of ten global and regional MDBs, 40 mayors and governors from cities across the globe underscore the urgent need for action.
The SDSN Global Commission for Urban SDG Finance on the Subnational Governments’ role in the negotiation of the Loss and Damage Fund Operational Guidelines
The SDSN Global Commission for Urban SDG Finance met during COP 28 in Dubai and agreed to issue the following statement on Debember 6, 2023, on the occasion of the COP 28 Multivel Action, Urbanization and Built Environment Thematic Day.
New report from the Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance on MDB reform for cities
The CCFLA, working with C40 Cities and the Global Covenant (GCOM), have released Accelerating Urban Climate Finance in Low- and Middle- Income Countries - An important strategic dimension of MDB reform which looks at the reality, challenges and need for change to drive and scale up MDB support for urban climate action, presenting concrete recommendations in 5 key areas.
Op-Ed - Cities need financing to meet the global goals and fight climate change - here's why
In this op-ed, Eugenie Birch, Co-Director, Penn IUR, explains why achieving SDG 11 and the commitments in the Paris Agreement will require a radical transformation of the current international financial system to ensure that cities receive significantly greater funding for sustainable development in the coming years.
Op-Ed - France Inter
French public radio station France Inter devoted its morning editorial to coverage of the Commission launch. If cities are at the right level to make the ecological transition, do they have the means to do so?"Mayors rally for urban climate finance, urge development banks to help boost city climate action
City leaders worldwide are urgently calling on multilateral development banks (MDBs) to provide essential support in addressing the pressing climate challenges facing urban areas. Ahead of the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings, in an open letter addressed to the presidents of ten global and regional MDBs, 40 mayors and governors from cities across the globe underscore the urgent need for action.
Why Urban SDG Finance
While the world’s cities generate 80% of global GDP, they also produce 75% of total CO2 emissions. They are the key to meeting the SDGs and Paris Agreement goals by 2030, a task that requires mobilizing an estimated $4.5 to 5.4 trillion per year and calling for a greater commitment to subnational and urban SDG financing, which is currently far below this number.
Cities need new financial mechanisms and governance systems that can scale up effectively and quickly over the next 20 years. But cities today confront a global financial architecture designed largely by and for nation states, therefore not fit for purpose. Although some development banks have implemented city-oriented programs (such as the EBRD’s Green Cities program), structural and socio-political barriers continue to slow urban investments.
To this end, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) launched the SDSN Global Commission for Urban SDG Finance in June 2023, co-chaired by Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, France, Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Jeff Sachs, President and founder of SDSN.
The Commission is harnessing the insights of mayors, climate and finance experts, city networks leaders, practitioners, and scholars to develop and champion innovative ideas and solutions for increasing urban SDG finance. The University of Pennsylvania hosts the Commission’s Secretariat.
