For the last five years,  Daring Cities (opens in a new tab) has provided a platform for cities and regions boldly tackling the climate emergency. 

This year, under the theme "Powering collective action to respond to the climate emergency," Daring Cities 2024 aims to elevate multilevel climate action serving as a platform for sharing cutting-edge research, best practices, and innovative solutions.

Co-convened by ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability and the Federal City of Bonn, the event kicks off from 3 to 5 June, alongside the annual UNFCCC Bonn Climate Conference. 

The fifth edition features a packed program, focusing especially on the implementation of historic COP28 UAE outcomes on multilevel climate action and linking the climate agenda to sustainable urbanization.

In the words of the Mayor of Bonn, Germany, Katja Dörner, and ICLEI Global Executive Committee Member, "Daring Cities has grown into a pivotal platform for local and regional government leaders who are spearheading concrete action and multilevel collaboration. We are actively shaping the future of our cities, towns, and regions for 2030 and beyond. Together, we are daring to make a difference." 

Wrapping up  Cornerstone I "Reflect," (opens in a new tab) of Daring Cities 2024, which oriented the discussion on past climate initiatives, especially those from UNFCCC COP28, the event now transitions into  Cornerstone II "Exchange." (opens in a new tab) It combines the best of in-person and virtual engagement to exchange knowledge, build capacity, and amplify the voices of diverse stakeholders to accelerate multilevel action through a holistic and integrated approach. 

Cornerstone II kicks off with Daring Cities 2024 Bonn Dialogues. This in-person event convenes key actors in the urban climate space for high-level dialogues. Significant milestones will shape this year's edition:

• CHAMP Endorsers Roundtable: 72 countries have endorsed COP28's  Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) initiative (opens in a new tab), committing to enhance cooperation with their local, regional and subnational governments to collectively pursue efforts on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in 2025. Daring Cities is committed to building momentum for CHAMP by bridging gaps and engaging directly with national governments to gather input on their commitments. On 4 June, this event will gather endorsers, UNFCCC leaders, mayors, and strategic partners to guide CHAMP implementation toward the upcoming COPs in Baku and Belém.
• Insights for Multilevel Action: On 4 June, this event includes a Plenary featuring the first-ever joint public dialogue with COP28 and COP29 High-Level Champions, Razan Al Mubarak and Nigar Arpadarai, respectively, along with UN and national leaders, CHAMP endorsers, and mayors. A live broadcast will be available; watch it  here (opens in a new tab). The event is followed by roundtable discussions focusing on NDCs, just transitions, the upcoming IPCC Report on Cities and Climate, and fostering synergies between climate, nature, and land. For in-person attendance, please contact  daring.citiesicleiorg. Spaces are limited.
• Cities, buildings, and urban systems dialogue: On 5 June, the  Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency (opens in a new tab), with ICLEI as its focal point, will hold a dialogue with the Co-Chairs of UNFCCC Sharm El Sheikh Mitigation Ambition and Implementation Work Programme. This session underscores the urgency of scaling up urban mitigation efforts to achieve the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal, focusing on cities, buildings, and urban systems' critical role in reducing emissions and enhancing efficiency.

* Daring Cities is supported by major contributions from the Federal City of Bonn, the Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the Foundation for International Dialogue of the Savings Bank in Bonn, and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany.