Unlocking the Power of Multilevel Climate Governance and Action (MLG&A) for Accelerated Climate Action

Achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement requires more than ambitious national commitments. It calls for effective coordination, shared responsibility and sustained collaboration across all levels of government. Local and regional governments (LRGs) are essential actors in translating climate ambition into tangible action, yet their potential is often constrained by fragmented governance, limited access to finance and insufficient integration into national planning processes. Strengthening multilevel governance and action (MLG&A) is therefore critical to bridging the gap between national commitments and local implementation, including in the context of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

At this event ICLEI is launching its new Implementation Guide for Accelerated Climate Action – Opportunities for Effective Multilevel Governance and Action. Spanning all ICLEI regions, from Fiji to Canada and beyond, the Guide brings together a rich diversity of experiences, practical approaches, and lessons learned from around the world. Its strength lies not only in its geographic breadth, but also in its honest assessment of what works, what remains challenging, and where ambition has yet to translate into implementation.

At its heart, the Guide explores six practical mechanisms for effective multilevel climate governance and action, illustrating how governments and stakeholders can move from dialogue and coordination to shared responsibility and concrete results. Through real-world examples, lessons learned, and actionable recommendations, it offers both inspiration and practical guidance for accelerating collaborative climate action across all levels of government and society.

Presented jointly by ICLEI and UN-Habitat, this high-level session brings together representatives from national and local governments, international organizations and city networks, to showcase practical approaches, experiences and lessons learned from around the world. Through a high-level dialogue, participants will explore how stronger multilevel cooperation can accelerate the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), overcome institutional barriers and translate climate ambition into effective action on the ground. 

Host: ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, UN-Habitat

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