innovate4cities

What is Innovate4Cities?

Innovate4Cities (I4C) is the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM)’s city-focused research and innovation initiative. Built around the needs of cities, I4C connects policy, practice, and science – locally and globally – to unlock climate solutions at speed and scale. Through hosting dedicated spaces for knowledge exchange, global conferences, and pioneering research and innovation outputs, I4C creates and strengthens opportunities for cities across the globe to turn ambition into action.

Tackling Climate Change and Building a Resilient Future for All

Do you live in a city? Home looks different for each of us, but more than half of the world’s population calls a city home. By 2050, that number will soar to 70%. Cities are not just where we live; they are the building blocks of our future.

As we face the growing challenges of climate change, cities sit on the frontlines — and in the driver’s seat. Mayors are not just local leaders, they are global climate champions.

To keep Earth livable and limit warming, we must act now to build net-zero, resilient, and equitable communities.

The Global Research and Action Agenda on Cities and Climate Change Science

The Global Research and Action Agenda for Cities and Climate Change Science (GRAA) brings together the latest research, practical experiences, and innovative approaches to urban climate action. The GRAA identifies critical knowledge gaps and outlines action priorities that can drive progress, creating a shared roadmap for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers worldwide.

Explore the updated GRAA

Latest News

Explore all the news here

Missed the I4C26 Online Info Session? Watch the recording now

On 10 and 11 February 2026, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) hosted two online info sessions to guide prospective contributors through the I4C26 Call for Session Proposals. These webinars provided a comprehensive deep dive into the conference themes, session formats, and the selection criteria for our upcoming Conference in Nairobi. … read more

Online Info Session: Navigating the I4C26 Call for Sessions Proposals

Are you planning to co-create knowledge and action with us at the 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference (I4C26)? The 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference (I4C26) is the fourth global convening at the crossroads of city climate science, decision-making, and implementation. Co-hosted by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) and UN-Habitat, it brings together the people … read more

How to submit a session proposal for I4C26 (step-by-step)

Submitting a session proposal for the 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference (I4C26) is designed to be straightforward, but we know that online platforms can sometimes feel unintuitive. This short guide walks you through the key steps, so you can focus on sharing the knowledge, evidence, and experience that deserve a place on the global urban climate agenda. … read more

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