Leaders from over 70 countries came together in New York for the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2017. These included our Chair, Michael Nolan, our Brazil Country Contact Point, Rosane de Souza, new USP partner, Patricia Iglecias and UN-Habitat partner Patricia Holly-Purcell - all pictured here with UN Global Compact CEO and Executive Director, Lise Kingo.

The University of São Paulo has formalised a partnership with the Cities Programme and RMIT to host the first regional office of the UN Global Compact - Cities Programme. Supported by partners from Paraná, private sector leaders and the Brazil Local Network, the aim is achieving SDG 11: Cities that are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

At the United Nations Global Compact headquarters in New York, Porto Alegre’s new Deputy-Mayor, Gustavo Paim expressed his city's commitment to the Compact and to continuing its innovation and leadership role with the UN Global Compact – Cities Programme. The discussion included engaging the private sector in urban projects to meet SDGs.

Following three devastating hurricanes (the last one, Maria the worst in 85 years), the whole island of Puerto Rico now has the immense challenge of recovery and rebuilding. First priority is getting food and water to citizens, the island has been without power and water for weeks. We understand mayors of the many municipalities are carrying immense loads. We encourage all to provide support where possible.

The recent earthquakes, also the worst in many years, have killed hundreds and left terrible destruction in Mexico. A number of organisations are seeking funds to assist the recovery and rebuilding support they are providing. Their details are easily accessed with an internet search.

SAVE THE DATE: 7 to 13 February 2018
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Cities Programme is a partner in the Urban Future global conference where mayors, architects, mobility experts, city planners, scientists, sustainability managers, representatives from Start-Ups, environmentalists, innovation experts will meet to discuss implementing their ideas for sustainable, liveable cities.

SAVE THE DATE: Feb 28 - Mar 2018
Vienna, Austria

Our Innovating City Leeuwarden is inviting Global Compact cities and regions to come to the Netherlands to be inspired and become connected to achieve global water sustainability. Held at the Water Campus Leeuwarden, innovation, technology and policy leaders from companies, universities and governments will share ideas and effective practices to contribute to a global network of water leaders. More detail to follow.

SAVE THE DATE: Sept 24 to 27, 2018
Leeuwarden, Netherlands

Known for its canals, islands and wetlands, the Argentinian municipality of Tigre prides itself in following the global objective for ‘No one to be left behind’. Read their first Communication on Engagement , a comprehensive report presented in alignment with the SDGs, Ten Principles and our City Scan diagnostic categories. See how they are promoting community participation, sustainable tourism and preserving local culture. Access for all to drinking water and sewerage systems - and sustainable energy alternatives are all on their list of social and environmental aims.

Cánton Durán in Ecuador has decided to increase their reporting to the United Nations Global Compact from every two years to an annual Communication on Progress (CoP) report. (This is only a mandatory requirement for private sector participants). Durán is an industrial city that is managed for the long term - to be more "sustainable, equitable and inclusive". This is under the leadership of Mayoress Eng. Alexandra Arce Plúas.

The Dutch Water Alliance, situated at WaterCampus Leeuwarden, and French water cluster Pôle EAU from Montpellier have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for expanded cooperation. The aim of the LOI is to strengthen collaboration between Dutch and French actors, for business - and for knowledge and education. Joint European projects and strengthened cross-border cooperation are likely to also come from this cooperation with our Innovating city, Leeuwarden.

Paraná has taken a leap forward to make the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) a reality for the southern Brazilian state, where multiple partners have come together signing a commitment to adopt the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

This document reports on the Cities Programme's pilot of an innovative cross-sectoral approach to developing the capacity of city leaders to achieve liveable, resilient cities. The ‘BMA Urban Liveability and Resilience Program’ was delivered over a 2 week period in Melbourne, Australia from 29 May to 9 June 2017 and supported by 19 Victorian organisations. Long lasting relationships between the two cities looks likely to be an additional outcome of this program.

Read Cities Programme Global Advisor Josef Konvitz's article on how people cope with a disaster, and how society copes with the lessons for the future.

Wendy Steele is an Associate Professor at RMIT in Melbourne, Australia whose research focuses on cities in a climate of change with an emphasis on climate justice/security, critical urban infrastructure and cyborg/smart cities. She is also a researcher with the Centre for Urban Research.

Dr Tanmay Bagade's expertise is in Gender and Health. An obstetrician he has experience in developing world contexts, working in India, Somalia and Papua New Guinea on maternal and child health. He has worked with the World Health Organization and is currently at the University of Newcastle in Australia.