Follow a 
See our 
View our
Download the
Ms Kobie Brand
Deputy Secretary General, ICLEI Regional Director, ICLEI Africa
Message from our Regional Director, Kobie Brand
It does not take a pandemic to tell us just how deeply interconnected and fragile our life-support systems on Earth are – those very systems that have for centuries enabled humanity to live here – nor how close to irreversible tipping points some of these social, economic and environmental systems already are.
But it takes a pandemic to put us in unchartered territory within a mere few weeks, where daily events far outpace humanity’s ability to comprehend, let alone digest and reflect on what is happening around us. The tragedy of COVID-19 is unfolding before our very eyes, instantly through social media, along with remarkably brave efforts to curb, respond, protect, treat and care – and alas also to mourn – and adjust to what well may be a completely new way of life for all of us. Lives forever altered.
Our continent, our beloved Africa, is waiting, seeing the first stages of the pandemic coming towards us in waves. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. But I have no doubt that Africans will stand together. Our leaders are taking bold action, taking emerging lessons and rapidly translating them into actions so that we will get through this pandemic together. Today I want to pay special tribute to all those leaders and first responders in our cities, our towns, our villages, at the local level across our vast Continent, who work every day, sometimes with little to no rest nor resources, to care, serve and work tirelessly in the true spirit of “Ubuntu”. They put others first and themselves often in harm’s way while saving lives, bringing us food and water and keeping our communities safe – ensuring that dignity and humanity will prevail. This, in times of already deeply felt impacts of climate change and environmental stress.
To all our governors, mayors, and thousands of municipal friends, ICLEI Africa is standing by your side, in solidarity and in action. We will continue to support and serve our ICLEI members and partner cities – building on, upscaling and reinventing our services, projects and tools to provide maximum support during the pandemic and thereafter, while focusing on more climate resilient cities and a future allowing us to live in harmony with our mother, Planet Earth. Let us embrace this year’s Earth Day in a special way, by connecting the dots, with greater attention, between health, nature, climate and planet.
In solidarity,
Kobie
Reputable, practical guidance for climate action during the pandemic
Climate change is a cross-cutting challenge and, especially during the current crisis, the idea of taking climate action can be overwhelming for many cities. To mobilise city-level climate action that also addresses the current health crisis, we have created dedicated communications channels to clearly guide our cities with relevant information and tangible climate change solutions.
We at ICLEI Africa are spending all our time grappling with how we can best support our cities in achieving their sustainability goals, while responding to the COVID-19 crisis responsibly and swiftly. Following #AfricanCitiesInSolidarity and visiting our COVID-19 webpage will allow our cities and those that serve them to access resources relevant to African cities during the current health crisis. Following #ClimateAction4Africa will provide cities with solutions that build climate resilience and increase energy access within a world severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Meggan Spires
Senior Manager: Climate Change, Energy & Resilience, ICLEI Africa
Using this time to reflect on urban sustainability
Climate change is a cross-cutting challenge and, especially during the current crisis, the idea of taking climate action can be overwhelming for many cities. To mobilise city-level climate action that also addresses the current health crisis, we have created dedicated communications channels to clearly guide our cities with relevant information and tangible climate change solutions.
Stay inspired to act
Building healthy, resilient cities has never been more important. Now, more than ever, our cities need to be centres of resilience to support the health and livelihoods of all citizens. We created this poster to both inspire and guide anyone with an interest in a thriving, resilient African city. Find the solutions that resonate most strongly with your home city and be part of the movement to transform our cities.
The importance of connecting people with nature in times of social isolation
The COVID-19 pandemic is placing huge strain on our communities, our governments, our healthcare systems and our economies. As our cities are grappling with this massive challenge, the value of nature in urban spaces should not be underestimated.
Growing a healthy planet: Ten tips for planting the right trees in the right places
There has never been a more important time to invest in nature. Green cities are healthy cities, resilient to future shocks – some of which will be unexpected. We know with certainty that planting trees is a good investment. But it’s crucial to do it right, as ill-considered tree-planting could do more harm than good.
Planning as a form of climate action
For many cities in Africa, climate action planning is an essential component of effective and efficient climate action. As towns rapidly grow to become cities, officials must put ambitious plans in place to ensure they consider both people and planet. Fortunately, climate action planning is something officials can continue to do, even in remote settings.
ICLEI Africa online and anywhere
At ICLEI Africa, we pride ourselves on our impactful ways of engaging participants in face-to-face sessions. We’re currently rethinking how we do what we do, increasingly focusing on our online resources and platforms. Cities and regions can continue to benefit from these regardless of our physical presence. Here are some of our latest case studies, handbooks and tools to keep you inspired to make impactful change.
