The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is marking 10 years of its Green Cities programme with the Green Cities Mayors’ Meeting 2026 at its headquarters in London. The event, taking place on 22 and 23 June, will bring together city leaders, private-sector partners and experts to celebrate a decade of progress and discuss the next phase of sustainable urban development.
Over the past decade, the EBRD Green Cities programme has helped partner cities reduce emissions, improve air quality and raise living standards for more than 80 million people. The programme now covers 60 cities across three continents, showing how urban areas can play a leading role in the green transition.
The meeting will focus on how cities can move from climate planning to practical delivery. Discussions will explore how investment, policy advice and stakeholder engagement can be combined to implement urban solutions at scale, even in complex and challenging environments.
EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso will open the conference with a keynote address highlighting the critical role of cities in responding to climate impacts and wider global challenges. Her remarks are expected to underline the importance of urban leadership in building cleaner, more resilient and more competitive communities.
A flagship session titled “Decade of Impact” will bring together mayors from across EBRD regions, including leaders from Cotonou, Lviv and Gaziantep. The session will examine how cities finance green projects that improve citizens’ quality of life and support long-term climate resilience.
The event will also explore next-generation urban solutions, including the use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in city management. A discussion with Kaohsiung’s Deputy Mayor Charles Lin will focus on how innovation can help cities address sustainability and infrastructure challenges.
Other key topics will include electrification, heat stress, housing, cleaner and more affordable energy, and the modernisation of waste and wastewater systems. These themes reflect the growing need for cities to respond to climate risks while improving essential urban services.
Overall, the EBRD Green Cities programme’s decade of impact highlights the importance of cities in driving climate action. By supporting investment, innovation and partnerships, the programme continues to help urban areas become cleaner, more dynamic, competitive and resilient.
