The Egyptian city of Alexandria on Thursday, October 31, marked World Cities Day 2024 by gathering young climate advocates, senior officials, and urban leaders under the theme “Youth climate changemakers: Catalysing local action for urban sustainability.” This year’s theme celebrated youth leadership in climate action, highlighting their innovative and impactful contributions to building resilient urban environments.
Held at the iconic Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the observance spotlighted youth-led initiatives tackling urban climate challenges, particularly in rapidly urbanising regions. Messages from global leaders, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, praised young people’s role in advancing climate resilience in cities, which contribute over 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“Cities are at the forefront of the climate crisis,” Guterres noted in a prepared statement, “and they need the energy and vision of youth leading the charge for change.”
UN-Habitat, UNOPS, and Cities Alliance collaboration
In the lead-up to, as well as during and after World Cities Day, UN-Habitat, UNOPS, and Cities Alliance joined forces in a social media campaign to amplify the stories of Africa’s young climate champions. Launched on October 25, the campaign highlights the crucial impact of young leaders on urban sustainability, particularly in informal settlements and vulnerable regions.
With Africa’s urban population projected to double by 2050, young leaders are already paving the way for resilient urban growth, especially as African cities face increased climate vulnerability. The campaign shares daily posts, video testimonials, and real-life stories of youth-driven climate initiatives to inspire broader youth engagement through #Youth4Climate and #WCD2024.
Spotlight on youth-led urban solutions
World Cities Day 2024 featured youth-led panels on urban climate solutions and a ministerial dialogue on scaling up local climate action through partnerships and investment. The Shanghai Award 2024 honoured the cities of Agadir (Morocco) Thiruvananthapuram (India), Iztapalapa (Mexico), Melbourne (Australia), Doha (Qatar) for outstanding urban projects that promote sustainability and climate resilience.
Launch of the Shanghai Manual 2024
The event also celebrated the launch of the Shanghai Manual 2024, a comprehensive guide to urban policies that align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Cities were encouraged to submit case studies for future editions, supporting a global exchange of best practices.
Recognition for the City of Alexandria
In a special presentation, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat awarded a certificate of recognition to the city of Alexandria, acknowledging its commitment in addressing urban climate challenges and its role in hosting World Cities Day 2024.
Forging partnerships for urban sustainability
World Cities Day underscored the importance of collaboration across public and private sectors to amplify youth-led urban climate solutions. The event concluded with a call for investment in resilient urban infrastructure, setting the stage for more global dialogue at the upcoming World Urban Forum in Cairo this November.
