There is an urgent need to unlock funding for equitable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure across the globe and to prioritise infrastructure that delivers positive outcomes for people and the planet.

In this side event for the Innovate 4 Cities Conference, international climate leaders from the engineering and city policy maker communities will come together to discuss how they can bridge the gap between urban climate ambition and action through better collaboration and communication.

City leaders need to take action and tackle systemic challenges exacerbated by climate change, and engineers have technical know-how to provide evidence-based, practical solutions. However, there is a need to better communicate climate risks, potential impacts on the built environment and communities, and the benefits of implementing adaptation solutions. By collaborating more closely with the engineering community, policymakers could be better informed and equipped to advocate for their implementation to peers, investors, and ultimately, the public.

The discussion will explore challenges and opportunities to finance adaptation solutions, and identify tangible, near-term collaborative actions to accelerate implementation of just, resilient, low-carbon infrastructure that is fit for people and the planet. While the focus of the roundtable will primarily be on adaptation finance, the discussions will also explore strategies for ensuring a more systemic approach to climate action.