ICLEI and RISE launch a guide for a new climate and innovation agenda
18 March 2025, 08:11
Cities around the world face accelerating climate challenges, yet traditional climate actions remain insufficient. A new report by ICLEI and Swedish research institute RISE, presents an Expanded Climate and Innovation Agenda (ECIA) that positions cities as global solution providers, not just demand creators.
"To achieve global sustainability, we must fundamentally shift from measuring success through traditional economic growth to delivering genuine solutions that fulfill human needs for flourishing lives," says Dennis Pamlin, senior advisor at RISE and co-author of the report. "This requires a structural and mindset transformation away from outdated industrial-era perspectives, where unlimited growth was seen as inherently positive. Instead, we must focus on better solutions, not simply more solutions."
The report emphasizes that addressing climate change effectively demands going beyond emission reductions and towards innovations that meet human needs sustainably. Cities can take a lead by creating conditions for exponential growth in innovative start-ups whose solutions can be exported globally. This approach not only tackles climate challenges but also creates opportunities for economic renewal and global collaboration.
ICLEI and RISE urge cities, policymakers, start-ups, and innovators worldwide to join this expanded agenda, leveraging new tools and approaches presented in the report.
"Cities have an unprecedented opportunity to redefine how we deliver flourishing lives sustainably," says Pourya Salehi, Head of Urban Research, Innovation, and Development Team at ICLEI. "Through radical innovation and cross-sector collaboration, cities can become powerful engines for solutions that serve humanity and the planet."
ICLEI and RISE will present the paper at the 2050 Net Zero City Expo in Taiwan and welcomes cities, start-ups, and organizations interested in becoming part of this global shift toward an expanded climate and innovation agenda.
For more information:
Dennis Pamlin, RISE, dennis.pamlin@ri.se
Read the report:
https://www.ri.se/en/expertise-areas/projects/win-the-future
About RISE Research Institutes of Sweden
RISE is Sweden’s research institute and innovation partner. Through our international collaboration programmes with industry, academia and the public sector, we ensure the competitiveness of the Swedish business community on an international level and contribute to a sustainable society. Our almost 3300 employees engage in and support all types of innovation processes. RISE is an independent, State-owned research institute, which offers unique expertise and over 130 testbeds and demonstration environments for future-proof technologies, products and services.
About ICLEI:
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network working with more than 2500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125+ countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development.
ICLEI makes sustainability an integral part of urban development and creates systemic change in urban areas through practical, integrated solutions. We help cities, towns and regions anticipate and respond to complex challenges, from rapid urbanization and climate change to ecosystem degradation and inequity.
Read more: https://iclei.org/about_iclei_2/
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