The World Bank and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) have launched the next phase of the Sustainable Cities Integrated Program, expanding support to 40 additional cities across 20 countries. Announced in Rio de Janeiro ahead of COP30, the new phase will provide $170 million in grant financing under the GEF-8 cycle, alongside structured pathways to mobilize co-financing for sustainable urban development.
Since its launch in 2016, the Sustainable Cities Program has delivered $480 million in GEF grants to more than 90 cities in 34 countries, leveraging nearly $6 billion in co-financing for transformative urban projects. The expanded phase reflects growing recognition of cities as critical drivers of climate action, environmental protection, and inclusive growth, particularly as urbanization intensifies pressures on natural resources and infrastructure.
The new phase will be implemented by the World Bank through the Global Platform for Sustainable Cities (GPSC), combining targeted grant funding with global knowledge, peer learning, and technical tools. This dual-track approach integrates best practices, research, and practical methodologies directly into city-level project design, enabling local governments to convert sustainability ambitions into bankable, scalable investments.
City leaders and development partners convened at the GPSC Mayors’ Roundtable and Urban Nature Forum to exchange experiences and lessons from ongoing projects. Participating cities highlighted how integrated planning, nature-based solutions, and improved urban services are helping address challenges such as flooding, pollution, land degradation, and climate vulnerability while improving livability and economic resilience.
Examples from Belize City, Brazzaville, and Ulaanbaatar illustrated how GEF support is strengthening coastal protection, reducing environmental risks, expanding green infrastructure, and improving waste, water, and energy systems. These initiatives demonstrate how targeted financing combined with institutional capacity building can help cities scale long-term, climate-smart development strategies.
The program also emphasized the importance of mobilizing sustainable finance. Cities and multilateral development banks shared approaches to improving project bankability, strengthening municipal borrowing frameworks, and de-risking investments. Case studies, such as Bogotá’s international sustainability bond, showed how cities can tap capital markets to finance low-carbon transport and resilient infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the new phase of the Sustainable Cities Integrated Program will focus on nature-positive and resilient urban development, decarbonizing the built environment, and advancing circular economy models. Cross-cutting priorities such as land-use planning, inclusive policies, gender considerations, and financing are intended to ensure integrated and equitable outcomes.
By embedding peer learning, global expertise, and financing strategies into every stage of project development, the World Bank and GEF aim to help cities lead the transition toward sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban futures.
