The Global Platform for Sustainable Cities (GPSC), led by the World Bank and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), serves as a global knowledge platform that connects cities and partners across disciplines. It provides technical expertise, innovative tools, and a convening space for cities to tackle complex challenges arising from rapid urbanization and climate change. The Regional City Academy is a core initiative of the GPSC, conducted on a regular basis, to strengthen the operational capacity of city leaders and urban practitioners. This learning program offers practical training modules to equip participants with tools for managing sustainable urban development. It fosters the exchange of best practices, enables interactions with global experts, and supports participants in creating diagnostic reports and actionable plans to enhance urban performance. 

The Regional City Academy focused on the unique needs of Asian cities, where rapid urbanization has presented opportunities and challenges. Cities across Asia face significant climate risks, urban flooding, and resource constraints, while also striving to transition toward low-carbon and resilient growth. This Academy provided a platform for city leaders to share experiences and co-develop strategies for achieving resilient, low-carbon, and inclusive urban development. 

Guangzhou, one of China’s leading megacities, exemplifies innovative urban practices, such as building green and blue infrastructure to enhance urban resilience and sponge city initiatives for flood management, making it an ideal venue to showcase real-world solutions for sustainable urban growth. The Academy was held in partnership with the Guangzhou Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources and took place in Guangzhou, China, in conjunction with the Infra4Dev Conference. Click on these links to download the agenda (in Chinese and English) and the photos of the event.