Can democracy save the environment? This is the guiding question of this year’s edition of World Forum for Democracy. In July, the World Forum for Democracy seeks to address this question by focusing on the intersection of the environment and the economy. In the framework of the World Forum for Democracy, the Democratic Governance Division is thus organising a webinar on 20 July to explore the role of private sector and financial instruments in the fight against climate change.
In the aftermaths of the Covid-19 pandemic, governments and the private sector are seeking to ‘build back better’ and ensure a green recovery, in line with international commitments and obligations. At the same time, they face the double challenge of tackling climate change while addressing social and economic issues deepened by the pandemic. This challenge is felt particularly at the local level.
Currently, urban areas consume over two-thirds of the world’s energy and generate roughly 70% of its greenhouse gas emissions. It is predicted that by 2050 more than half of the world’s population will live in cities. This is why, in the coming years, cities will play a key role in the fight against climate change. To contribute to a transition towards a low carbon, climate resilient economy, cities must invest in infrastructure with green potential, especially in the sectors such as energy, building, transport, waste to name few.
How, then, can this transition be achieved? What role can the private sector play? And how impactful are public-private partnerships (PPP) for green city solutions? Furthermore, what are the green finance strategies that cities could follow and how can sustainability, participation and transparency be ensured?
The webinar Public Private Partnerships for Green City Solutions will explore different approaches taken by cities towards meeting climate targets, discuss challenges and benefits associated with public private partnerships, highlight the role of innovative green finance strategies and identify ways to increase transparency, civil participation and responsiveness.
The webinar will be live streamed here and on the Facebook page of the World Forum for Democracy.
