Image of people walking, trees around

Transforming cities for people and planet

UrbanShift supports cities around the world to adopt integrated approaches to urban development, building an equitable, zero-carbon future where both people and planet can thrive.
Find out more

We live on a rapidly urbanizing planet, but our cities are struggling to provide basic services to their people – from clean air and water to reliable public transport and safe, affordable housing. As a result of this unprecedented urban growth, carbon emissions are on the rise and pressures on vital ecosystems are intensifying.  

Chengdu, China

CHINA CITY ACADEMY

In this three-day workshop, city officials will engage with regional and global experts to strengthen their knowledge and capacity around Green & Thriving Neighbourhoods and Urban Biodiversity.

Learn more

CITIES LEADING THE WAY

The need for cities to transform their development trajectory has never been more urgent. UrbanShift works with more than 23 cities across nine countries, bringing together local leaders, national governments and a range of global stakeholders to enable urban development that is both nature-positive and human-centric. Hover over the map below to see the 23 primary cities and 16 secondary cities that form part of UrbanShift (GEF-7 cycle). You can also see the 28 cities that participated in the pilot program  (GEF-6 cycle).

Women working on city academy course materials

Now Live: UrbanShift Online City Academy

UrbanShift offers eight free, self-paced courses on essential topics for creating more sustainable, equitable cities. Explore the course offerings and enroll today!

Learn More

LATEST NEWS & EVENTS

freetown, sierra leone
City Spotlight

Building an Equitable, Climate-Resilient Future in Freetown

From an inspiring study tour on urban cable cars to insight-filled trainings on climate action planning and finance, UrbanShift has supported Freetown—and all of Sierra Leone—to accelerate its climate goals.

Chennai Lake
City Spotlight

How Chennai is restoring Kadapakkam Lake with nature-based solutions

An UrbanShift spotlight on integrated water management, climate adaptation, and local innovation

touring a garden in barranquilla
City Spotlight

How Teresina is Accelerating its Transition to a Green and Resilient City

From UrbanShift's capacity-building activities, this scorching city in northeastern Brazil is drawing inspiration and technical knowledge to build sustainability from the ground up.

Brazil Colorful Houses

OUR FUNDER AND PARTNERS

UrbanShift is the brand name of the Global Environment Facility’s Sustainable Cities Impact Program. It is led by the UN Environment Programme and implemented in partnership with the World Resources Institute, C40 Cities, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, the UN Development Programme, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. UrbanShift builds on the lessons and experiences of the Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach Pilot, facilitated through the Global Platform for Sustainable Cities.

Learn more

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: