Cross-cutting session: Public-Private Partnerships for innovation and scaling solutions
The inaugural in-person workshop series will center on Agenda-serving Innovation–a strategic approach emphasizing systemic, transformative innovations aligned explicitly with climate and sustainability objectives, placing human needs at its core. Unlike fragmented or incremental innovation, this model prioritizes holistic solutions that proactively fulfill societal needs rather than merely mitigating the negative impacts of existing systems. Through real-world examples and case studies, participants will explore how cities can develop thriving innovation ecosystems that directly address their priorities, advance net-zero goals, and position themselves as global leaders and exporters of sustainable climate solutions.
Goals:
- Obtaining an understanding of agenda-serving Innovation and how it uses human needs at the center of solutions while addressing sustainability and climate change issues in cities.
- Opportunities for further engagement with international initiatives and events (e.g. ECIA, UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub Systemic Workshop, COP30).
- Peer learning and collaboration opportunities for ComP cities, strengthening regional efforts to scale innovative climate solutions.
The panel:
Elizabeth Adamczyk, Councillor, City of Newcastle, Australia
Simone Sandholz, Head, Urban Futures and Sustainability Transformation Program, UN University
Dennis Pamlin, Executive Director, Flourishing lives 4 all (FL4ALL)
Luis Neves, Global CEO, GeSI
David Corbett, Officer, Urban Innovation, and Development, ICLEI