2020•02•26     Bonn, Germany

Photo: Unsplash / Voicu Horațiu

Partnership aims to aid urban sustainability efforts

26 February, 2020 (Bonn, Germany) — The United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), a think tank of the United Nations, and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), a global network of more than 1,750 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development, are joining forces under a new partnership to advance evidence-based research on sustainability and urban issues.

The partnership will scale up production of research outputs, catalyze learning opportunities and create knowledge sharing through joint events. The partners will work closely to co-develop proposals for research projects, and co-produce peer reviewed publications on topics of urban sustainability, among other activities.

“How to create more sustainable urban futures is one of the burning issues of our times. I am very happy about the collaboration between ICLEI and UNU-EHS as it will enable us to work together towards this goal,” said Dr. Zita Sebesvari, who leads UNU-EHS as Officer-in-Charge. “This partnership can help to bridge the gap between research and implementation and contribute to achieving the global agendas.”

“Science has shown us the grave situation that we face on climate, environment and sustainability issues. Science-based research should be a driving force in urban sustainability policy. And local governments should play an important role in the direction and development of this research. The partnership between ICLEI and United National University Institute for Environment and Human Security brings together these two leading Bonn organizations to accomplish these critical goals,” said Gino Van Begin, ICLEI’s Secretary General.

As part of the educational collaboration, graduate students and Ph.D. candidates of UNU-EHS will have the opportunity to work on real world problems mapped by ICLEI, both through internships and and thesis-writing opportunities.

In addition, UNU-EHS will serve as ICLEI’s main research partner for Daring Cities 2020, an action-oriented forum, designed by ICLEI and the city of Bonn, to empower urban leaders to tackle the climate crisis. The forum takes place 3-5 June 2020 in Bonn, Germany, against the backdrop of the Bonn Climate Negotiations and World Environment Day.

The partnership particularly draws on the strength of sharing a location in Bonn, aiming to create a setting for shared sustainability research among institutions in Bonn. Due to the global missions of both organizations, the collaboration is envisioned to include projects on sustainability at all levels, locally, nationally and internationally.

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Note to Editors

About United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security
Based in Bonn, Germany, UNU-EHS conducts research on risks and adaptation related to environmental hazards and global change. The institute’s research promotes policies and programmes to reduce these risks, while taking into account the interplay between environmental and societal factors. Research areas include climate change adaptation by incorporating insurance-related approaches, environmentally induced migration and social vulnerability, ecosystem-based solutions to adaptation and disaster risk reduction, and models and tools to analyse vulnerability and risks linked to natural hazards, with a focus on urban space and rural-urban interfaces. UNU-EHS also offers the joint Master of Science degree programme “Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security” with the University of Bonn and hosts international PhD projects and courses on global issues of environmental risks and sustainable development. http://ehs.unu.edu/

About ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network of more than 1,750 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 100+ countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development. Our Members and team of experts work together through peer exchange, partnerships and capacity building to create systemic change for urban sustainability. https://iclei.org

For more information contact:
Dr. Nadine Hoffmann
Senior Communication Associate
United Nations University
Institute for Environment and Human Security
Bonn, Germany
Tel: +49-228 / 815 0284
Email: hoffmann@vie.unu.edu

Ariel Dekovic
Head of Global Communications
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability
Bonn, Germany
Tel. +49-(0)228 / 976 299-16
Email: ariel.dekovic@iclei.org
Skype: ariel.dekovic.iclei