As cities worldwide grapple with the urgent challenge of climate change, innovative public-private partnerships are emerging as a critical driver of sustainable urban development. At the forefront of this movement is the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) - the largest global alliance of city leaders committed to climate action.
Representing over 13,000 cities and local governments across 6 continents and 144 countries, GCoM is a powerful platform for mobilizing climate leadership at the local level. These cities, home to over 1.2 billion people, have pledged to develop and implement ambitious Climate Action Plans to reduce emissions and build resilience.
To support these efforts, GCoM is facilitating a unique Business to City Matchmaking event, bringing together private sector innovators and city decision-makers. The goal is to accelerate the implementation of cities' climate strategies by connecting them with businesses offering relevant technical solutions and financing opportunities. The Smart Cities Marketplace team supports the matchmaking activities in preparation and onsite and matches the upcoming financing needs of the involved projects with potential suitable investors.
Participating cities, hailing from regions like South Asia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa, have identified priority areas for climate action, including waste management, building efficiency, urban mobility, and coastal resilience. They will meet with a curated selection of businesses whose products and services can address these challenges.
The Business to City Matchmaking event will take place during the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona from 5-7 November 2024. Interested businesses must apply by 23 October to secure a spot, and a confirmed meeting agenda will be distributed by 28 October.
The partnerships forged at this event could unlock transformative solutions for sustainable urban development as the world races to meet its climate goals. By bridging the gap between city leaders and private sector innovators, GCoM is accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, resilient future - one city at a time.
For more information and to apply, please contact Mr Oscar Prat van Thiel at the GCoM Global Secretariat: oprat@globalcovenantofmayors.eu.
Read here for more information on the joint European Commission representation organised by the Smart Cities Marketplace.