ICLEI World Congress 2024

What we did

The ICLEI World Congress 2024, held in São Paulo from June 17 to 21, stands as a monumental event orchestrated by the ICLEI World Secretariat in collaboration with ICLEI SAMS. This congress is a testament to the global commitment towards sustainability and local governance, drawing an impressive attendance of over 1,500 participants from 96 countries. The event featured 181 inspiring speakers and hosted more than 50 captivating sessions, underscoring the global impact and significance of our collective efforts.

How we tracked

1349 participants (821 brazilian + 524 foreigners) +100 political leaders +60 countries - from all continents 19 side events +280 speakers 30 thematic sessions 6 plenaries 8 mobile workshops

What we achieved

Throughout June, the congress facilitated a series of biodiversity agendas, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of the discussions. On June 17, a delegation from South Korea, alongside ICLEI Korea, visited Campinas to exchange insights on Nature-Based Solutions, a key agenda linked to the INTERACT-Bio project. Concurrently, ICLEI SAMS organized a meeting between technicians from the City of São Paulo and Cape Town, focusing on urban and metropolitan planning strategies that incorporate biodiversity considerations. The official program of the World Congress included the session "Nature and Health" on June 20, co-organized by ICLEI SAMS and related to the Conexus project. This session highlighted the intersection of urban planning and health, emphasizing the role of nature in enhancing urban resilience. Another significant highlight of the ICLEI World Congress 2024 was the creation of the Youth Strategy, a pivotal initiative aimed at mobilizing young representatives and integrating their voices into the sustainability dialogue. This strategy was launched with great enthusiasm, as youth representatives from various countries gathered to sign a manifesto during the opening ceremony, symbolizing their commitment to sustainable development and active participation in local governance. The Youth Strategy not only underscores the importance of intergenerational collaboration but also ensures that the perspectives and innovative ideas of the younger generation are incorporated into the global sustainability agenda.