VIENNA - Over 500 people from around the globe gathered to discuss climate change at the urban level during the eighth edition of the Bridge for Cities event organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.

The first day began with an opening ceremony featuring key addresses by distinguished figures, including a message from the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, which was delivered by Ghada Waly, Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna (UNOV). Guterres highlighted the importance of cities in combating the climate crisis and in driving sustainability and circularity.

In his address, UNIDO Director General, Gerd Müller, emphasized how technology and innovation are crucial in advancing sustainability and digitalization in urban areas.

For his part, LI Song, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of China to UNIDO and other Vienna-based organizations, highlighted the importance of sustaining efforts towards urban green development, reaffirming China's support, notably within the Belt and Road Initiative.

Other distinguished guests included Rafael Tuts, Director of the Global Solutions Division at UN-Habitat, and Shaima Al-Sheiby, Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Economic Services at OPEC Fund for International Development, who elaborated on how their organizations support cities around the world with technical assistance and finance.

The ceremony concluded by Omar Al-Rawi, Member of the Vienna City Council, reiterating the City of Vienna’s commitment to the event and accentuating the significant role of mayors in fostering environmentally friendly and sustainable cities.

A Mayors' Dialogue brought together more than 20 city leaders from diverse urban centres to share information about driving climate action at the local level. An in-depth discussion with visionary leaders Eleni Myrivili and Carlos Moreno underscored cities’ pivotal role in combating climate change.

The second day delved deeper into climate change and its socioeconomic impacts, with a Mayors' Panel highlighting real-world solutions and experiences from city leaders from Dhaka, Antsirabe, Amman, Lilongwe, Glasgow and Santo Domingo Este. These leaders shared insights into how urban areas can simultaneously mitigate climate change and foster socio-economic growth.

A Roundtable on Financing Urban Transformation shed light on the critical aspect of funding ambitious climate initiatives in cities. The discussions stressed the need for innovative financing mechanisms and public-private partnerships to support urban sustainability projects.

The UNIDO Bridge for Cities event was made possible through the support of the Government of China.

For more information about the event and to access the materials, please visit www.bridgeforcities.org