ICLEI World Congress 2024 in São Paulo will build up on the Malmö Commitment

European mayors will head to the global event taking place in Brazil, 18-21 June

This year, the ICLEI World Congress on sustainable cities will take place in Brazil’s largest city – Sao Paulo. In fact, the event in question will be the main feature of the São Paulo Urban Summit, a week full of activities that highlight the fundamental role of cities.

This being a global forum, and given its location, it is only natural that the focus will be on the Amazon as a showcase of a region that is rich in bio and cultural diversity, but also a region that has become increasingly urbanized and vulnerable to natural calamities.

The Congress, which takes place from 18-21 June, will address such pressing global issues, offering solutions that can be implemented worldwide. Featuring international experts, policymakers, and urban leaders, the event will present actionable insights and strategies. Attendees will showcase transformative projects and initiatives poised to reshape urban resilience and development.

The ICLEI World Congress 2024 will feature a diverse program, including high-level plenaries led by international experts, interactive deep-dive sessions, site visits throughout São Paulo, and a Research & Innovation Symposium. Key themes will focus on leveraging ICLEI’s strategic pathways, understanding the Amazon region’s global significance, and exploring the impacts of climate and sustainability across all levels of government.

European representatives at the congress

European presence at the ICLEI World Congress will be robust with a view to contributing to the diversity of voices and experiences on a planetary scale.

In fact, this year’s ICLEI World Congress will build upon last year’s edition, which took place in Sweden and produced the so-called Malmö Commitment, which seeks to empower local governments to prioritize people and social equity when they tackle sustainable development in their territories. This means the promotion of healthy urban spaces and local economies based on just transition that provides opportunities for dignified livelihoods for all.

The Swedish city of Malmö will feature in the programme in one more way as well since its mayor Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh was elected as the new President of ICLEI. Her official introduction and vision for the upcoming term will be presented at the ICLEI World Congress in São Paulo. Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh will also be a featured speaker at sessions dedicated to urban innovation.

Other European mayors and experts who will attend and speak at sessions of the ICLEI World Congress are:

• Hanna Elżbieta Zdanowska, Mayor of The City of Lodz (Poland)
• Luísa Salgueiro, Mayor of Matosinhos (Portugal);
• Manuela Álvares, Environment Councilor, City of Matosinhos (Portugal);
• Lena Völlinger, Climate Protection Coordinator, City of Ludwigsburg (Germany);
• Fisnik Qosja, Mayor of the Municipality of Kavaja (Albania)

For more information, get to know the ICLEI World Congress programme. Pay attention to the sessions focusing on AI in sustainable urban development, or the unveiling of ICLEI’s ambitious project to develop a roadmap for achieving 100% renewable energy across member cities, showcasing innovative approaches and strategic planning.