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 and UN-Habitat, it brings together the people who generate evidence, make decisions, shape policy and implement urban climate action across local, regional, and national government, alongside academia, civil society and industry. I4C26 convenes both cutting-edge science on climate change and cities as well as the translation required to ensure it informs – and accelerates – policy and practice at scale.

The conference responds to and builds on outcomes from global climate processes, including the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities (SRCities) and the decisions taken under the UNFCCC at COP30. It tracks progress and co-generates evidence for the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) and Sustainable Urban Resilience for the Next Generation (SURGe) initiatives, engages with the next generation of Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement (NDC 3.0), and draws on the momentum of the Montréal Call to Action on Cities, Climate Research, and Governance, connecting city-level evidence with national and global processes.

Held previously in 2018, 2021, and 2024, the 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference is coming to Nairobi, Kenya on 21-24 June 2026.

Innovate4Cities is a core initiative of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), running in concurrence with the Invest4Cities and Data4Cities initiatives. It is the role of I4C to identify and tackle the identified data, information, and technology gaps prioritized by cities and local governments for climate action. I4C is positioned to facilitate science-based, technology-driven, replicable sustainable action and implementation at local level, across the world.

GCoM membership is not a prerequisite to involvement in the 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference.However, for more information about the requirements of being committed to GCoM, and to express your interest to join GCoM, you can register here.

The Global Research & Action Agenda (GRAA) frames the next generation of knowledge and innovation synthesis built to inform broader processes like the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities. Founded on evidence from Innovate4Cities Conferences and Marketplaces since 2018 and the 226 sessions that were facilitated as part of the formal I4C24 Schedule, the GRAA also aims to infuse cutting-edge practice, research, and innovation into each step of the city climate action journey—while tackling knowledge gaps and action priorities surrounding the new pillars of justice and equity, systems approaches, and city-level models, data, and knowledge.

The conference will:

• Synthesize and mobilize research, knowledge, and innovation generated across science, policy, practice, and business to address high-priority GRAA areas, with a view to supporting the finalization of SRCities and informing processes such as COP and the World Urban Forum.
• Support the SRCities process by gathering evidence, case studies, and experience from local governments, networks, and practitioners, aligned with the evidence needs of SRCities and the GRAA.
• Strengthen partnerships across research, practice, business, and innovation, connecting opportunities linked to CHAMP, the UN Pact for the Future, and the Global Digital Compact, while using tools such as the Climate Innovation Readiness Navigator (CIRN) to support city climate action journeys.

Cities and local governments are instrumental to pathways that achieve low-emission, resilient, and safe communities around the world. Converting your ambition into action, however, often requires partnerships, expertise, capacity, and knowledge of business, academia, and civil society to implement your plans. Innovate4Cities Marketplaces allow cities and local governments like yours to:

• Connect and match with businesses and academics on unique project/ solution/program offerings that can facilitate action plan implementation; and,
• Learn from other cities and local governments about sustainability-related challenges and opportunities they face – and share good practices to address them.

The private sector is playing an increasingly critical role in delivering urban climate solutions contributing expertise, innovation, and investment at unprecedented scale. Yet identifying viable, investable opportunities in cities often requires time, trusted relationships, and a clear understanding of local needs, risks, and enabling conditions.

I4C26 offers a unique platform for businesses, investors, and solution providers to engage directly with cities, local governments, and research institutions working at the forefront of climate action. Through 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference, private sector participants can:

• Connect directly with cities and local governments to identify concrete implementation, policy, and research challenges where private expertise, technology, and investment can unlock impact and returns.
• Explore investment-ready opportunities while gaining insights into local governance, planning processes, and project pipelines – supporting more efficient and informed due diligence.
• Learn from peers across the private sector about common barriers, risks, and opportunities in urban climate investment, and exchange good practices for scaling solutions at the city level.
• Strengthen collaboration across the science–policy–finance nexus, aligning commercial objectives with credible climate evidence and city-led priorities.

By bringing together cities, researchers, and the private sector in one space, I4C26 can support businesses to translate climate ambition into implementable, bankable, and scalable urban solutions, delivering value for both climate outcomes and business performance.

Academic and research institutions play a central role in advancing the evidence base that underpins effective urban climate action. From generating new knowledge to testing innovative methods and evaluating impacts, research is essential to understanding complex urban systems and informing decisions at local, national, and global levels.

Yet the influence of research depends on its relevance, accessibility, and connection to real-world challenges. Translating evidence into action increasingly requires close collaboration between academia, cities, policymakers, civil society, and the private sector.

I4C26 offers a unique platform for researchers and academic institutions to:

• Learn from and partner with other academics and research institutions on shared challenges and opportunities in conducting research at the intersection of cities and sustainability, and exchange good practices for advancing interdisciplinary and applied work.
• Engage directly with cities and local governments to co-design research agendas, ensuring that research responds to local priorities and supports implementation, policy development, and decision-making.
• Translate research into impact by testing tools, methods, and insights through real city cases, pilot initiatives, and practitioner partnerships that move research from analysis to application.
• Position research to inform global and local climate processes, including contributions to the IPCC’s Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, by connecting scientific evidence with decision-makers shaping urban climate policy and practice.

Civil society plays a critical role in shaping both the ideas and the spaces that define how cities function. For sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban societies to emerge and endure, civil society must be actively engaged in shaping public discourse, influencing decision-making, and co-creating the physical and social environments in which people live and interact.

Innovation often emerges in response to necessity and understanding the lived realities, priorities, and needs of communities is essential to addressing urban challenges effectively. Doing so requires close coordination between civil society, local governments, the private sector, and the research community.

I4C26 provides a dedicated platform for non-governmental organisations and civil society actors to:

• Connect and collaborate with local governments, researchers, and businesses to address implementation, policy, social, and cultural challenges — leveraging citizen action, community knowledge, and information networks to drive inclusive solutions.
• Learn from and partner with other civil society and non-governmental organisations to exchange experiences on representation, participation, and social cohesion at the intersection of cities and sustainability, and to share practical examples of what works.
• Strengthen the role of community-driven action in city climate solutions, ensuring that urban innovation is socially grounded, locally relevant, and responsive to real community needs.

GCoM’s three core initiatives focus on generating the next generation of knowledge, data, tools, and technical support for local policymakers to tackle sustainability challenges and contribute to a global climate solution. 

• Innovate4Cities delivers a nexus point between decision-makers and solutions providers.
• Invest4Cities is GCoM’s platform to facilitate and mobilize cities’ access to climate finance and technical assistance for critical investment in urban climate change mitigation and resilience projects.
• Data4Cities is the evidence-based foundation to measure and manage cities and local governments’ climate ambition and progress in a standard and consistent way as a means to drive innovation and investment.

Launched at COP26, The Urban Transitions Mission (UTM) is a global initiative to mobilize decision makers across all levels of government to prioritise climate-neutral and net-zero pathways enabled by clean energy and systemic innovation across all sectors and in urban governance. The Mission works with a growing cohort of 136 ambitious cities worldwide to demonstrate integrated pathways towards holistic, people-centred urban transitions built around clean energy and innovative net-zero carbon solutions.

The UTM is one of the seven missions of Mission Innovation. Co-led by the European Commission, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, and JPI Urban Europe, UTM mobilises a Global Innovation Alliance of partners, and national governments to support cities to develop, pilot, and scale innovative solutions and approaches for urban transitions. 

UTM works closely with Innovate4Cities to close the gap between research, development, and deployment of systemic innovation. UTM acts as a high-impact solutions broker, helping to turn the research priorities identified by I4C into tangible urban action by connecting cities with academia, research and private sector partners to co-develop solutions to key challenges and R&I gaps identified. To harness established expertise and foster knowledge partnerships between cities and academia, the UTM and I4C have launched the UTM Research Clusters, collaborative hubs inviting academics, researchers, universities, and think tanks to engage with the UTM city cohort in the co-creation of innovative solutions using localized science, data, and other insights, offering a platform to test new approaches.

Register your interest for the 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference (I4C26) and join the GCoM network. As supporting events take place leading into the I4C26, develop an understanding of the scope of urban innovation required around the world through GCoM members and partner institutions.

• About the 2024 Innovate4Cities Conference

At the 2024 Innovate4Cities Conference, more than 2,000 participants from 100+ countries reimagined urban climate solutions, bringing together decision makers, scientists, civil society leaders, and city climate experts. The conference event provided an essential convening space to synthesize knowledge and scale up urban climate policies and solutions. Explore here the updated version of the Global Research and Action Agenda for Cities and Climate Change Science (GRAA), in light of the I4C24.

For an understanding of the insights & outcomes of the I4C Marketplace activities informing the I4C24 agenda, the report is available here.

• About the 2021 Innovate4Cities Conference

Building on the 2018 Edmonton Cities and Climate Change Science Conference and the resulting Global Research and Action Agenda (GRAA) on Cities and Climate Change Science, the 2021 Innovate4Cities Conference focused on the nexus of science, practice, and innovation – including local challenges, priority needs, and cross-sector opportunities to realize ambitious climate action.

The event highlighted more than 500 urban innovative solutions to address climate change and brought together more than 7000 practitioners, researchers, policymakers, innovators, youth, and business leaders to deliver a strong message on the knowledge and partnerships needed to raise climate ambition.

The 2021 Innovate4Cities Conference was co-hosted by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) and UN-Habitat, and co-sponsored by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The Innovate4Cities 2021 Conference proceedings are available for review here.

• About the Cities and Climate Change Science Conference, Edmonton

The Cities and Climate Change Science Conference (CitiesIPCC Conference) took place from 5-7 March 2018, in Edmonton, Canada. The proposal for this conference was approved by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in October 2016 and subsequently co-organized by a diverse group of organizations, including UN-Habitat, UN Environment (UNEP), C40, Cities Alliance, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), Future Earth, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). The conference brought together over 750 participants, including researchers, practitioners and policymakers.

The proceedings of Cities & Climate Change Science Conference held in 2018 are available here. and the resulting 2019 Global Research and Action Agenda for Cities and Climate Change Science (GRAA) can be found here.

There are both in-person and online opportunities for students, creative, and young professionals to join the I4C26 Young Knowledge and Creative Associates Team. As part of the Event Support Team, you will contribute to key outputs from the conference. If you would like to be involved, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/tayfXjB8XSHdZgwJ6.

The Innovate4Cities conference will be held from June 21-24, 2026, at UN-Habitat’s Global Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya (Parklands/Highridge, United Nations Ave). 21 June will be dedicated to pre-registration, followed by the conference program from 22–24 June 2026.

If you wish to submit a session proposal, the deadline is on 3 March 2026. You will need to first register to attend the Innovate4Cities conference.You may register and submit your session proposal through our official platform.

If you are interested in attending I4C26, you are required to register as a participant online at our official platform. The deadline is on 21 June 2026.

No, participation in the I4C26 is entirely free of charge, including submitting a session proposal. However, registration is required for all attendees to access the venue and sessions and all participants, including Member States delegations and UN campus staff who are based in Nairobi, Kenya holding a ground pass to access the UNON Complex, are required to register online here and to obtain a Innovate4Cities Conference photo badge.

Yes. Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be available during scheduled breaks throughout the three days of the conference, but please note that lunch will not be provided.

The details of the three-day schedule are currently being finalized and will be published on the website in April.

We aim to have screens, microphones, speakers and interpretation services in every plenary and break-out room. Details are being finalized and will be updated on the website. 

To deregister and make your spot available to someone else, please contact us by email to let us know.

While in-person attendance is highly encouraged, all sessions (plenaries, parallel sessions and workshops) will be live-streamed; however, this coverage does not extend to non-programmatic activities held outside the conference rooms. In addition, a mobile app will be available to allow virtual attendees to submit questions and engage with the conference.

Swahili and English are the primary languages spoken in Nairobi. While Swahili is the national language used for daily social interaction, English is the official language of government, business, and education. This makes it incredibly easy for English-speaking visitors to navigate the city.

It is customary to greet people with a friendly “Habari yako” (hello) and to say “Asante” (thank you) when receiving service. 

Nairobi is in the East Africa Time (EAT) zone, which is 3 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+3).

Nairobi’s accessibility is improving but remains inconsistent. The UN-Habitat complex itself is fully accessible with ramps and elevators and staff are available to provide support.  For transport, standard “matatus” are not accessibility-friendly, so we recommend using UberAssist or pre-arranged private shuttles. Major hotels offer accessible rooms. Please contact the secretariat in advance to arrange specific mobility support.

Nairobi is a wonderful destination to visit year-round due to its high altitude, which keeps the climate temperate and comfortable even though it sits near the equator.

The best time to visit is generally during the dry seasons: January to February and June to September. Since our conference is in June, you’ll be arriving at the very beginning of the “cool and dry” season. During this month, you can expect mild, overcast mornings that give way to pleasant afternoons. The average daytime temperature in June is around 23°C, reaching comfortable highs of 25°C, while dropping to a crisp 12°C or 13°C at night.

Business casual attire is recommended. Traditional or cultural dress is also welcome.

Essentials include (digital) business cards, a notebook, a laptop or tablet, and any necessary presentation materials. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle and comfortable shoes for walking.
Kenya uses a standard voltage of 240V and a frequency of 50Hz. The plug type is Type G, which is the same three-pin rectangular plug used in the United Kingdom. If your devices use a different voltage or plug type, please bring an adapter.

Located just minutes from the UN Complex, The Village Market is the primary hub for evening relaxation, offering diverse international dining, boutique shopping, and a 10-pin bowling alley. For a nature break before sunset, Karura Forest (Gate A on Limuru Road) provides secure trails for walking or cycling, though the last entry is at 5:45 PM. As night falls, the Westlands neighborhood, a 15-minute drive away, offers Nairobi’s best nightlife, including upscale restaurants and bars oFor those interested in wildlife, the Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and Giraffe Centre are best saved for a dedicated half-day tour before or after the conference dates, as their viewing hours are strictly during the day.

For more information on activities in Nairobi visit the Nairobi City County Website and across Kenya, visit the Magical Kenya official tourism website.

Nairobi has good internet connectivity. The conference venue, along with most cafes and public spaces, offers free Wi-Fi.

For emergencies, the National Police Hotline numbers (all of Kenya) are 999/112 /911.

It is the participant’s own responsibility to obtain a visa for the Republic of Kenya. Participants required to be in possession of a visa are advised to obtain one as early as possible. A valid visa should be obtained in advance from the Kenyan Embassy/High Commission in the participants’ country of residence or the nearest Kenya Embassy in the region. The information provided here acts only as guidance.

A valid passport, valid for at least six months from date of arrival and an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), is required for entry into Kenya. Information on how to apply is available on the website of the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) application system. The confirmation of your participation in the Conference can be used as supporting documentation for such applications which is available to download under the “notifications” tab on https://events.unhabitat.org/.

Participants are warned of the many pseudo sites purporting to offer the service of a Kenya visa and only apply using this link.

The nearest airport is the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located about 27 kilometers from the conference venue. Uber is available to use in Nairobi and so are taxis which are available 24 hours a day at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. They are recognizable by their yellow colour. The price must be negotiated with the driver before entering the vehicle. Nairobi is a very extended city; the fare and the duration depend therefore on the destination and the road traffic. It can take 30-60 minutes (sometimes longer depending on traffic) between the airport and the city for a fare between KES1500 and KES3000 (Kenyan currency). It is recommended that you ask the driver to take the expressway with toll fees.

The conference will be held at the UN-Habitat Headquarters in Gigiri. For maximum convenience and to avoid morning traffic, we recommend staying within a 5–10 minute walk of the complex. Top options include the Trademark and Tribe hotels (located at Village Market), Gem Forest, and Gigiri Lion Villas. Other nearby options, such as the Glee Hotel or Comfort Gardens, are just a 5-minute drive away.

It is recommended to arrive in Nairobi at least one day before the conference begins. On the first day of the conference, plan to arrive at least 1 hour early to allow time for registration protocol at the UN Offices gate and finding your way around. Remember to carry your Identification Document (National ID/passport) and have your event invite email ready at the gate.

​Nairobi offers a range of efficient transportation options to reach the UN Offices. For direct and private travel, ride-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt, Faras, and Little Cab are widely available and highly recommended for their convenience and safety. Alternatively, traditional Cabs for Hire can be arranged through hotels or local services like Kenatco. For those preferring the local public transport system, the vibrant and flexible ‘matatus’ (minibuses) serve the area frequently; you can board routes 106, 108, or 116 from the central business district (specifically the Koja or Odeon stages) and ask to be dropped off at the UNEP stage on Limuru Road. From the UNEP stage, the UN Complex is a short, secure 3–5 minute walk (approximately 200–300 meters) along United Nations Avenue.

It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers health, trip cancellations, and lost luggage, especially if traveling internationally.

Malaria is common throughout the year in many parts of the Country. Nairobi, the Capital City is however considered free of malaria. It is still recommended that participants consult their doctors about malaria prophylaxis when travelling to the Republic of Kenya, including adequate safeguards such as insect repellent and bed nets. Clothing like long trousers and long sleeves that may protect the arms and legs from mosquito bites are advised.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving in the Republic of Kenya from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travelers arriving from countries listed below are required to possess a valid vaccination certificate for yellow fever: Angola, Argentina, Benin, Plurinational State of Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Columbia, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, the Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, the Sudan, Suriname, United Republic of Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The latest advice on all vaccinations recommended for visitors to the Country may be obtained from the Kenyan Embassy/High Commission in the country of the participant.

Session organizers and speakers will be provided with a communications toolkit, including suggested social media copy and branding assets. You are encouraged to share your session through your institutional networks, mailing lists, and social media channels, tagging Innovate4Cities to amplify reach.

Yes. The Innovate4Cities team will promote sessions through announcing the sessions of the official conference schedule on the website, as part of the broader I4C26 communications campaign. Toolkits will be available to also promote your own sessions.

Yes. Coordinated promotion with co-speakers, partner organizations, and networks is encouraged to increase visibility and engagement. Aligning messaging across partners helps reach diverse audiences and strengthen participation in your session.