In recent years, ICLEI has strengthened its work in the area of Green Finance, seeking to establish itself as a benchmark in environmental and climate finance. The central objective of this area is to create a more robust link between local governments and financial entities, facilitating access to financing for sustainable projects. To achieve this objective, the Green Finance area is structured around three main pillars: mapping and monitoring, articulation and facilitation, and instrumental training.

Mapping and monitoring aims to consolidate information and leverage investments through the creation of recurring databases. Articulation and facilitation focuses on connecting those who demand and those who offer resources for local projects. Instrumental training focuses on empowering members of local governments to improve their projects and obtain the necessary resources.

Several projects are being developed to implement these strategies and address the specific needs of different regions:

Amazonia Through Climate – The project “Amazon for Climate – Green Finance for Local Governments” is a collaboration between ICLEI South America, the Climate and Society Institute (iCS), the Sustainable Amazon Foundation, and iCare. Aimed at improving access to financing for climate action in the Brazilian Legal Amazon, the project seeks to support the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and local commitments. Activities include the creation of an Amazon for Climate Diagnosis, a capacity-building course for local governments, and a mentoring program for cities such as Palmas, Belém, and Manaus. Furthermore, it promotes the participation of these cities in COP26 and COP27. Associated cities include Boa Vista (RR), Belém (PA), Manaus (AM), and Abaetetuba (PA).

Energy Transition Program in Cities (PTEC) – The first edition of the Energy Transition in Cities Program, a partnership between ICLEI and Absolar, with support from GCoM, Genyx Solar, and MRV, aims to guide cities in the transition to a more sustainable energy matrix, focusing on photovoltaic solar energy. Participating cities include São Sepé (RS), São Cristóvão (SE), Abaetetuba (PA), and Contagem (MG). The program offers technical and financial training to raise awareness about the importance of the energy transition and increase the conversion rate of projects for financing.

Gap Fund Set-up Project (SUP) – The Gap Fund SUP aims to promote the exchange of knowledge and technical support for the development and presentation of successful projects, addressing existing gaps and leveraging investments. Participating cities in Latin America include Campinas (SP), Palmas (TO), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Cuenca (ECU), and Portoviejo (ECU), through workshops and interactive events. The project utilizes the ICLEI Cooperation Cycle methodology to build technical capacities and lasting connections between cities.

Iconic Cities – Funded by the European Union and technically supported by ICLEI, the “Emblematic Cities” initiative selected fifteen cities in Latin America to advance the preparation and implementation of climate projects. Cities such as Serra Talhada (PE), Belo Horizonte (MG), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), and Salvador (BA) participated in training and mentoring, receiving personalized feedback to develop and present projects to funding institutions. The goal is to ensure that cities can advance their climate actions with adequate technical and financial support.

Development of a Project Pipeline for the Brazilian Amazon – This project, in partnership with the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), seeks to create a pipeline of projects aligned with CAF's climate and biodiversity strategies, aiming to increase green financing in the Amazon region. The project involves capacity building and customized support for local governments, with the goal of improving the quality of proposals and establishing lasting partnerships. The approach is implemented in three cycles to better meet local demands, including those of Amapá and Pará.

Important Events and Announcements

During the World Congress, the unlocking of innovative funding through the partnership between ICLEI and the Climate Bonds Initiative was highlighted, aiming to transform sustainable infrastructure concepts into fundable projects. The partnership, announced by Alicia Lerner and Rodrigo Perpétuo, is part of the Transformative Actions Program (TAP), which assists local governments in developing robust, fundraising-ready projects.

Furthermore, the conclusion of the "Emblematic Cities" project in Latin America and the launch of the ABDE report on the National Development System (SNF) were significant moments, recognizing cities and addressing how sustainable financing can boost urban development in line with the SDGs.

These initiatives demonstrate the commitment of ICLEI and its partners to promoting effective and accessible climate action, ensuring that local governments can address the challenges of the climate crisis with adequate and sustainable financial solutions.

For more information on how ICLEI is driving access to finance and supporting the development of sustainable projects through our Green Finance initiatives, please contact our team by email: [email protected].

About ICLEI

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (known as “ICLEI”) is a global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in over 125 countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low-emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development. Our members and expert team work together through peer exchange, partnerships and capacity building to create systemic change for urban sustainability.