The third CityCOP Forum brought together city leaders, scientists and innovators to explore science-based, people-centred climate transitions. Co-convened by Kaohsiung City Government and ICLEI as part of the Smart City Summit & Expo, the event connected urban climate action with a positive vision for people’s lives.
In his presentation, “Cities for Flourishing Lives: City leadership in the post-SDG world,” Dennis Pamlin, Executive Director of FL4ALL and Senior Advisor at RISE, outlined an expanded approach to urban leadership. The ambition is to connect net-zero commitments with innovation that meets human needs and enables flourishing lives within planetary boundaries.
The presentation explored how cities can support clusters of solution providers, help entrepreneurs develop internationally relevant innovations and create opportunities for citizens to participate in sustainable lifestyles. This approach broadens the role of cities from reducing their own environmental impacts to developing solutions that benefit communities elsewhere.
AI and brain science introduced further dimensions of leadership, highlighting the importance of flourishing minds and the need to understand how technologies and environments influence human wellbeing. Tools presented included assessments of city strategies, expanded climate and innovation leadership, and mental pollution.
Proposed next steps included:
- Establishing flourishing lives for all as a shared direction for city innovation.
- Supporting young entrepreneurs and setting ambitions for exporting sustainable solutions.
- Developing city frameworks, an industrial transition toolkit and a shared knowledge hub.
Using Kaohsiung as an example, the presentation invited cities to connect industrial transformation, innovation and quality of life with a broader leadership agenda for the period beyond the SDGs.