2026 Innovate4Cities Conference

The Innovate4Cities Conference (I4C26) is coming to Nairobi, Kenya on 21–24 June 2026. Co-hosted by UN-Habitat and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), I4C26 will bring together city leaders, researchers, innovators, and climate experts to connect science, policy, practice, and innovation for a sustainable urban future.

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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

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2026 AI x City Climate Action Hackathon at I4C26

2026 AI x City Climate Action Hackathon at I4C26

The 2026 AI x City Climate Action (CCA) Hackathon is officially kicking off at I4C26! We are inviting Innovate4Cities delegates to join the Hackathon team at 2 high-energy sessions in Nairobi.  Whether you have a fully-formed tech solution or just a spark of an idea, this is your chance to engage with a global ecosystem … read more

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Join the in-person Organized Expert Review for the SRCities Second Order Draft at I4C26

Join the in-person Organized Expert Review for the SRCities Second Order Draft at I4C26

The Global Covenant of Mayors and UN-Habitat, in partnership with ICLEI–Local Governments for Sustainability and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC), are pleased to facilitate an in-person Organized Expert Review for the Second Order Draft (SOD) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Cities (SRCities).  … read more

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I4C26 Knowledge and Creative Delegates

The volunteer I4C26 Knowledge and Creative Delegates initiative brings together early-career researchers, students, and practitioners to document and share the ideas emerging from the conference. Delegates play an active role in sessions, in conversations, and in shaping how the conference communicates its outcomes. One of the goals of the program is to amplify youth voices … read more

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