Cities on a Mission: making Urban Transitions happen

“For transitions and implementations on the ground cities come in” stated Rosalinde van der Vlies, Director of Clean Planet at the European Commission, highlighting the critical role cities play in addressing urban challenges and climate change.

Between 7^th and 8^th of October 2024, the Urban Transitions Mission (UTM) and the Urban Transitions Mission Centre (UTMC) brought together more than 100 city representatives, urban experts and stakeholders from across the globe. The event, held in Brussels, focused on empowering cities to lead urban transitions toward sustainability.

Cities are increasingly seen as innovation hubs where the built and natural environments must work in harmony. However, they face significant challenges, such as the need for capacity building and local financing to turn good ideas into action.

Philippe Froissard, Head of Unit at DG RTD, European Commission, opened the UTM Centre’s Annual Conference on the 8th of October. The day featured discussions on participatory budgeting through an interactive exercise led by Helsinki. The session underscored the importance of community-driven initiatives, while a debate on multi-level governance stressed the need for people-centered cities that prioritize the well-being and quality of life for their residents. Attendees agreed that future actions should be measured not only by efficiency, but also by their long-term sustainability impact.

A key highlight was the Finance and Funding Dialogue, organized in collaboration with Viable Cities. The session called for a significant increase in urban climate finance to meet global climate targets, especially as urban populations are expected to rise from 50% to 70% by 2050. According to the Climate City Finance Leadership Alliance (CCFLA), annual urban climate finance must increase more than fivefold to stay on track for the 1.5°C climate target.

The Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Partnership also showcased its successful multilateral funding coalition, aimed at addressing urban challenges through research, innovation, and capacity building. This initiative helps local authorities, infrastructure providers, and citizens translate global sustainability strategies into actionable, local solutions.

As the conference concluded, it became clear that international collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to sustainability are essential to drive the urban transformations needed to combat climate change. The discussions and insights from the event underscored the pivotal role of cities in shaping a sustainable future, where people, nature, and infrastructure coexist harmoniously. With increasing urbanization and the urgent need for climate action, cities must continue to serve as testing grounds for bold solutions and forward-thinking policies.

The UTM Centre’s Annual Conference and the UTM Global Innovation Summit 2024 provided an important platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and chart a path forward. The event reaffirmed that the global urban community stands united in its determination to ensure cities of the future are sustainable, resilient, and inclusive for all.

For more information about the Urban Transitions Mission Centre (UTMC) please see this page.