Iloilo City to join UN climate forum in Austria

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City government will be sharing its local climate actions in the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s (UNIDO) “Bridge for Cities” forum in Vienna, Austria on September 4 to 5, 2023.

UNIDO’s annual state-of-the-art forum will focus on “Accelerating Climate Action through Urban Innovation,” which brings together stakeholders around the world to discuss urban-industrial development trends and explore how innovation can propel climate action and foster more sustainable, resilient, and livable cities.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the city’s participation is an opportunity to showcase the local government’s inclusive and sustainable urban and industrial development initiatives.

Among the urban innovations of the city include the transformation of the Iloilo River through Esplanade development, which serves as both a riverbank protection measure and an advocate for sustainable river management.

The city government has also made efforts to combat flooding and sea level rise through massive mangrove planting, the establishment of tree parks, and beach forest developments.

Additionally, the city has been proactive in promoting biking and eco-friendly transport and has an active operation center to improve emergency and disaster response.

The forum, through mayors’ dialogues, exhibitions, and city matchmaking sessions, aims to provide various opportunities to form partnerships and exchange knowledge.

It will likewise showcase examples of climate action and urban innovations in the area of circular economy, energy, and technology.

The importance of partnerships between cities, stakeholders, businesses, international organizations, financial institutions, think tanks, and academia will also be highlighted to address urban challenges.

Special emphasis will be placed on financing urban transformation and climate action through innovative approaches and collaboration with financial institutions and climate funds.