More than 300 African mayors, city officials, national policymakers, investors and business leaders have stepped up efforts to build the resilience of African cities through more finance and better planning. The leaders gathered in Nairobi, Kenya for the Green & Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum, which is funded by the Global Environment Facility, hosted by C40 Cities, and supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Resources Institute and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. The forum saw the launch of the Roadmap on Sustainable Finance for Global South Cities, a partnership to help cities cut emissions and an open letter from African mayors calling for national governments to create the enabling conditions to finance sustainable urban development and increase resilience to the climate emergency. Africa’s cities are expanding at an unprecedented pace. The continent’s urban population is expected to hit 1.5 billion people by 2050. However, over 90 per cent of the fastest-growing cities are already facing extreme climate risks. With concern growing, the forum aimed to create a decisive moment for resilient urban planning, sustainable investment and climate action. Given Africa’s young population, youth climate leaders also joined discussions to ensure the voices and expertise of young Africans are at the center of future climate action. Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone and Co-chair of C40 Cities, said: “African cities are already at the vanguard of climate action and innovation. Our youth populations are already championing climate action and investing in their own futures. “It is time for the international finance community to invest in their energy and ideas. We know the next generation is ready to lead the charge for a greener, fairer future. It is now the duty of city leaders to access the resources they need to create a greener, fairer future for all of us.” Outcomes of the forum The open letter, endorsed by the governors and mayors of some of the continent’s largest cities, aimed to unlock much-needed funding for resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban growth. The governors and mayors urged African national governments to prioritize investments in the green economy and climate resilience, create good green jobs, strengthen municipal finance and remove barriers to public-private partnerships. They further stressed that African nations are already losing an estimated 2-5 per cent of gross domestic product to extreme weather each year but that every US$1 spent on climate adaptation could return US$4 in avoided losses and damages, finds UN Habitat. The Roadmap on Sustainable Finance for Global South Cities outlined the practical steps that mayors and their teams can take to act and advocate for climate action. It highlighted two key strategies: (1) prioritize and identify actions that can be taken at the city level to support local climate action; and (2) engage in partnerships and advocate with national, regional and global stakeholders, including national governments, international financial Institutions, private financiers, global climate funds and institutional investors, to achieve global climate goals. The roadmap, developed by #UrbanShift, C40 and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, will help mayors access affordable financing for important projects like clean energy and public transport. The roadmap also recommends giving cities more financial independence, creating national platforms to coordinate efforts and grouping projects together to attract greater investment. UNEP invited stakeholders to return to Nairobi in December this year to participate in the Seventh UN Environment Assembly (Nairobi, 8-12 December) and its Cities and Regions Summit on 5 December. The Assembly will feature a review of the subnational government engagement in the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements and will discuss local financing and funding for cities to support achieving global climate goals. Additional quotes Sakaja Johnson, Governor of Nairobi, said: “I am really excited that C40 made the decision to host the Green & Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum, which brought representatives from some of the continent’s biggest and leading cities to Nairobi. “Africa’s young population means there is ample opportunity to transform the reality of many cities and many residents. We will continue leveraging technology and entrepreneurship to develop clean energy solutions which must be accompanied by the development of a greener, fairer economic model for all. “Investing in climate solutions in Africa works. With a projected return of US$4 for every US$1 initially invested, this is a unique opportunity for global investors to deliver much-needed impact on the ground and address these challenges.” Martin Krause, Director, Climate Change Division, UNEP said: “African cities are increasingly vulnerable to extreme climate events, some facing devastating floods and others extreme drought. National climate action plans which are co-developed with sub-national governments can empower cities to facilitate resources and funding. This allows plans to be implemented more effectively, protecting urban residents and promoting low-carbon, resilient development." Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, said: “Many African cities are already on the frontline of the climate crisis, facing record-breaking temperatures, food insecurity and significant levels of climate migration. African mayors are showing considerable leadership but they need the financial power to match their ambition. “Mayors are ready, communities are mobilizing, and the solutions exist – now it’s time for governments and investors to step up. Unlocking finance for cities isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smartest possible investment in Africa’s future. Every dollar invested in sustainable urban development today will pay back in resilient economies, thriving communities and a healthier planet for generations to come." Asma Jhina, Senior Advisor at the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, said: “While cities in the Global South have bold climate ambitions, transforming ideas into bankable, implementable projects remains a challenge. The urgency is undeniable. “Yet, without significant financial reform and a shift in investment flows, cities will remain unable to finance the climate solutions their communities desperately need. “The Roadmap on Sustainable Finance for Global South Cities comes as a decisive step towards equipping mayors with the tools to access funding, advocate for fiscal decentralization and create viable pathways for green investments.” Mohamed Bakarr, Manager of the Integration and Knowledge Division of the Global Environment Facility Secretariat, said: “Sustainable urban development in Africa relies on the vital collaboration between cities and national governments. “This partnership is key to creating an enabling environment for directing finance where it can most impact climate, nature and people in cities. Investing in sustainable cities enhances urban resilience, protects nature and boosts national prosperity, securing a thriving future for all.” Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management, African Development Bank Group, said: "The economic case for unlocking climate finance for African cities is undeniable. “Cities are the engines of our continent’s growth, and every dollar invested in resilient urban infrastructure yields multiple returns –lower costs from climate shocks, increased private sector confidence and a more dynamic local economy. National governments are key to unlocking the fiscal barriers cities face and empowering cities to invest in climate resilience, setting the foundation for stronger, more competitive economies across Africa." For further information, contact Elsa Lefevre, Programme Management Officer, UNEP, elsa.lefevre@un.org About UrbanShift UrbanShift is funded by the Global Environment Facility, led by the UN Environment Programme and implemented in partnership with the World Resources Institute, C40 Cities, ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, the UN Development Programme, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank. UrbanShift works to transform cities for people and planet through sustainable, integrated, zero-carbon urban development.

The Jordan Integrated Landscape Management Initiative (JILMI) aims to combat the adverse effects of climate change in one of the most water scarce and drought-prone countries in the world. The project addresses multiple climate impacts, in particular water scarcity in the northern Jordan Valley through an integrated land and water resources management approach, targeting small-scale farming communities in three sites – the Yarmouk, King Talal Dam and Kafrain watersheds. A combination of capacity building, climate-resilient agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and improved water management will directly benefit 246,942 people in the Jordan Valley by reducing their climate vulnerability. Approximately 756,000 people across the broader Jordan Valley will benefit indirectly from enhanced water resources, strengthened local governance, reduced water loss, and improved awareness of clim Topics Climate Action Download Project Factsheet: Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Jordan 2024-2032 English

Tanzania’s Kigoma region hosts a population of approximately 2.4 million and over 190,000 refugees from neighbouring countries, the majority of whom live in the refugee camps of Nduta and Nyarugusu. • These settlements, which were rapidly established in response to critical humanitarian needs, are located in areas where the surrounding ecosystems are being degraded. • A new initiative is set to be a flagship approach on the practice of using nature-based solutions as a holistic strategy to adapt to climate change - technically referred to as ecosystem-based adaptation - especially in landscapes hosting displaced populations. • Climate-resilient land use planning, forestry, agriculture, water use efficiency, flood and soil erosion control and policy interventions will be implemented in an integrated landscape approach. Topics Climate Action Download Project Factsheet: Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Tanzania 2024-2029 English

With over half of the world's population being below 30 years old, youth are central in achieving a more sustainable and healthier planet. They are also central to UNEP’s mission which is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP, in collaboration with the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP (CYMG), invites global youth (aged 18-35) and youth networks to participate in this global survey. Your insights will help us understand your priorities and interests in tackling environmental challenges and how UNEP can better engage youth in addressing the triple planetary crisis. The survey is available in English, French, Russian and Spanish languages. The survey is available in English, French, Russian and Spanish languages and open until March 10th

Protected and conserved areas are vital places for both nature and people. They play a critical role in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. They also provide important cultural, spiritual and economic benefits, supplying ecosystem services that help to safeguard the planet for the future of humanity. In December 2022, Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity agreed to conserve 30% of Earth’s land and seas by 2030. This commitment is referred to as Target 3 and is one of 4 goals and 23 targets to tackle the global nature crisis under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The Protected Planet Report 2024 is the first official evaluation of global progress on all elements of Target 3 since the Framework was adopted in 2022. Topics Nature Action Download Protected Planet Report 2024 Full report

In the azure waters of the Indian Ocean lies Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands. While being the smallest country in Africa in terms of land area, Seychelles serves as a strong voice for small island states through its environmental stewardship and sustainable development initiatives. Seychelles is facing numerous challenges relating to the triple planetary crisis: the crisis of climate change; the crisis of nature and biodiversity loss; and the crisis of pollution and waste. To address these, the country has remained steadfast in its commitment to environmental conservation through its partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since 2002. Seychelles regularly contributes to UNEP’s core Environment Fund, the organization’s main source of flexible funding and the bedrock of its work on the triple planetary crisis. "The programmes that UNEP has been operating over the past years have really contributed to the success of Seychelles that we see today," said Flavien Joubert, Seychelles’ Minister of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment. “We expect that with time, we will continue to evolve in our relationship with UNEP and cover all areas, even those that traditionally we haven’t.” Most recently, Seychelles has partnered with UNEP to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in its transportation sector. As part of the Global Programme to Support Countries with the Shift to Electric Mobility, a Global Environment Facility–funded project led by UNEP with a consortium of partners, Seychelles has connected with 29 other low- and middle-income countries and leveraged expertise from UNEP on heavy-duty vehicles to advance its electric transportation. This feeds into the achievement of Seychelles' renewable energy targets. Currently, the country operates on 5 per cent renewable energy, aiming to reach 15 per cent by 2030. Like many small island states, Seychelles faces difficulties in waste management due to its limited land area and vulnerability to environmental impacts, exacerbated by rapid population growth and increasing tourism. The Solid Waste Management Plan of Seychelles 2020-2035 outlines strategies to address this by focusing on efficient waste collection, recycling initiatives and reducing landfill dependence. It aims to mitigate land and marine pollution through integrated approaches tailored to the island's geographic and environmental constraints. At a systemic level, Seychelles recognizes the need to transition to sustainable consumption and production. UNEP, through the Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund, has supported the Seychelles in developing its circular economy roadmap and action plan. To further catalyze investment in circular economy ventures and businesses, a Circular Economy Challenge fund worth US$150,000 was initiated in March 2024. Looking ahead, Joubert believes in Seychelles’ ability to lead by example. "As we convene at international forums such as the United Nations Environment Assembly and COP meetings, our aim is to produce the best results in our own country so that it contributes to global goals." Seychelles is one of UNEP’s 2023 full-share funding partners, whose contributions to the Environment Fund, UNEP’s core fund, enable agile, innovative global solutions for climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Learn how to support UNEP to invest in people and planet.   

Overview Documents Dear Stakeholder, We are pleased to inform you that the fourth meeting of the open-ended ad hoc group on measurability and indicators will take place, online, on Wednesday 12 February 2025, from 14:00 to 16:30 CET. Below is the link to facilitate your registration to the meeting: https://unep.webex.com/weblink/register/r9c5bb5ccb87a8a24b114ea2ae3303308 Documents will be available in due course. We look forward to your participation. Best regards, GFC secretariat GFC/OEAHGMI.4/1/Rev.1 - Provisional Agenda GFC/OEAHGMI.4/2 - Interim criteria to select indicators of the Global Framework on Chemicals GFC/OEAHGMI.4/3 - Report workstream 3 Dear Stakeholder, We are pleased to inform you that the fourth meeting of the open-ended ad hoc group on measurability and indicators will take place, online, on Wednesday 12 February 2025, from 14:00 to 16:30 CET. Below is the link to facilitate your registration to the meeting: https://unep.webex.com/weblink/register/r9c5bb5ccb87a8a24b114ea2ae3303308 Documents will be available in due course. We look forward to your participation. Best regards, GFC secretariat GFC/OEAHGMI.4/1/Rev.1 - Provisional Agenda GFC/OEAHGMI.4/2 - Interim criteria to select indicators of the Global Framework on Chemicals GFC/OEAHGMI.4/3 - Report workstream 3

Office of Chief Scientist Overview Foresight Expert Panel Regional Workshops UNEP Foresight Roadmap and Upcoming Events Delphi Survey Scenario Building Workshop The Global Foresight Report Youth Workshop Solar Radiation Modification (SRM)

The Environmental Protection Agency of Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) has officially launched the country's first electric mobility strategy, and introduced electric three-wheelers known as e-kekes. The efforts are part of a larger initiative “Supporting Sierra Leone with the Shift to Electric Mobility” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the country and improve urban mobility and air quality with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, “Supporting Sierra Leone with the Shift to Electric Mobility” will develop regulatory frameworks, pilot electric three-wheelers and battery-swapping stations, and design sustainable business models. A core focus of the project is scaling up and replicating successful initiatives while implementing fiscal policies to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption across Sierra Leone. The initiative, which is funded by the European Union through the SOLUTIONSPlus project, kicked off in 2024. It is co-financed and implemented by the national government in partnership with UNEP, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and local stakeholders. The initiative marks a significant step in Sierra Leone's commitment to sustainable transportation. It will initially deploy a fleet of 15 e-kekes in the capital Freetown, focusing strongly on gender inclusion by targeting 30 per cent of women drivers to test drive the concept. Related Story How electric vehicles are helping Asia, Africa take a bite out of greenhouse gas emissions Story The big switch: battery swapping stations speed the shift to electric vehicles in Thailand How electric vehicles are helping Ecuador achieve its climate goals Story Tanzania’s smoke-spewing three-wheelers face new electric competition The shift to e-kekes promises substantial environmental benefits. Traditional three-wheelers consume 4 litres of gasoline per 100 kilometers, contributing significantly to air pollution—which, according to the UN, is annually linked to 394,000 premature deaths in the African region. Transitioning to electric vehicles will help reduce local air pollutants, mitigate pollution-related health risks in urban areas, and enhance road safety by promoting quality e-kekes over gasoline-powered three-wheelers. Additionally, e-kekes offer significant cost advantages despite their higher upfront investment of 1.2 to 1.5 times compared to traditional vehicles, feasibility studies show. The vehicles' reduced operational costs and an efficient battery swap system create a compelling economic case for adoption. Moreover, e-keke drivers can expect higher profits while paying reduced daily rental fees of US$1.5, compared to the current US$5 for conventional kekes. Sierra Leone's government champions e-kekes as an eco-friendly transport solution, promising job creation and energy independence, with widespread impact potential for its 75% keke-using population. Photo by NEEV Salone The initiative aligns with the broader EPA and Ministry of Transport-led shift to electric two—and three-wheelers, which represent 10 per cent of Sierra Leone's vehicle fleet. These efforts aim to boost economic resilience by cutting fossil fuel dependence and supporting the nation's 2050 carbon neutrality ambitions. The project also aims to foster entrepreneurship in the local electric vehicle sector and create employment opportunities for young people in the EV industry. “Supporting Sierra Leone with the Shift to Electric Mobility” is scheduled to run until 2026. It includes innovative features, such as solar powered battery-swapping stations deployed to ensure operational efficiency. A robust monitoring framework will track vehicle performance, environmental impact, and socio-economic benefits, including the program's effect on women's participation in the transport sector. Learn more about UNEP’s Global Electric Mobility Programme here. For further information: annika.berlin@unep.org UNEP’s Global Electric Mobility Programme supports over 60 countries in the Global South with US$130 million in grants to transition away from fossil fuels in the transportation sector. It advocates for e-mobility targets and policies globally, collaborating with the International Energy Agency through Global Working Groups including the Global Working Group on Electric Two and Three Wheelers. Regionally, UNEP partners with organizations, including the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank, and the Centro de Movilidad Sostenible to host support and investment platforms, fostering e-mobility marketplaces and capacity building to support policy development. The SolutionsPlus project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.