GPSC Global Forum and City Academy
22 February 2027 - 26 February 2027,
Introduction
The first GPSC Global Forum and City Academy will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 22–26, 2027, under the theme Advancing Sustainable Cities.
The event will bring together participating cities and countries, GEF agencies, development partners, and technical experts to exchange implementation experience, explore financing opportunities, and identify priorities for collaboration.
The Global Forum will focus on how integrated urban planning and investment can strengthen urban ecosystems, improve quality of life, reduce emissions, and build resilience. Discussions will explore areas such as green infrastructure, circular resource systems, sustainable urban infrastructure, and financing for implementation.
The City Academy will translate these discussions into practical learning for city officials and project teams, with a focus on applying integrated approaches to streets, ecosystems, neighborhoods, and urban regeneration. Nairobi, a participating city in the GEF-8 Sustainable Cities Integrated Program (SCIP), will provide an important local context for peer learning and exchange.
Objectives
The event aims to help cities translate sustainability priorities into practical investments and implementation. Its objectives are to:
- Strengthen city leadership and collaboration on integrated urban planning and sustainable infrastructure investment.
- Support project implementation, including GEF Sustainable Cities initiatives, through practical tools, peer learning, and knowledge exchange among participating cities and partners.
- Build the capacity of city teams to plan, finance, and deliver sustainable urban solutions, drawing on GPSC guidance and practical experience.
The five-day program will combine a two-day Global Forum and a three-day City Academy. The Global Forum will include high-level discussions, a Mayors’ Forum, thematic and technical sessions, city-to-city exchange, and opportunities for collaboration among GEF agencies, development partners, and participating cities.
The City Academy will provide more practical and implementation-oriented learning for city officials and project teams, including technical sessions, peer exchange, and field-based learning.
A detailed agenda, including session topics, speakers, and logistical information, will be shared shortly.
The event will bring together cities and countries participating in the GEF Sustainable Cities portfolio, alongside cities engaged through partner organizations and networks.
Participants are expected to include mayors and senior city officials, national government representatives, GEF agencies, the World Bank Group and other multilateral development banks, C40 Cities, UN-Habitat, technical partners, private sector representatives, and urban sustainability experts.
Further information on participation and registration will be shared shortly.
