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Cities must be recognised as strategic partners in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to social inequality. This was the central message of the Urban 20 (U20) webinars, jointly hosted by the Cities of Tshwane and Johannesburg as co-host cities of U20 South Africa 2025. Held on 31 March and 15 April 2025 at Invest SA in Sandton, these high-level discussions set the stage for critical upcoming events, including the Sherpa Meeting and African Mayors Assembly, which Tshwane will host from 12 to 14 June 2025.
The second webinar, themed “Building the Capacity of Cities to Withstand and Adapt to Climate Change,” brought together international thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to develop practical strategies for urban resilience. Now in its seventh year, the U20 – a formal G20 engagement group – continues to amplify the voices of mayors and city leaders, ensuring urban perspectives shape global agendas.
Discussions emphasised the need for national strategies to better integrate local governments, particularly in creating equitable, climate-ready cities through collaboration, finance, and inclusive policies. A key focus was the role of strategic investment in building sustainable cities.
Carlos de Freitas, Executive Director of the Global Fund for Cities Development (FMDV), outlined priorities to bridge the funding gap, including strengthening institutional trust, fostering public-private dialogue, exploring blended finance models, and developing investment-ready projects. “Local governments must become market-makers, high-impact solution providers, and leaders in rebuilding community trust,” he asserted.
This vision aligns with the work of the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA), which showcased its commitment to sustainable urban growth, investment attraction, and capacity building. As Tshwane’s economic catalyst, TEDA is driving green infrastructure, facilitating global partnerships, and empowering communities to adapt to climate change.
The collaboration between Tshwane and Johannesburg as U20 co-hosts, combined with Tshwane’s upcoming leadership of the Sherpa Meeting and African Mayors Assembly, underscores South Africa’s growing influence in the global climate action movement. These efforts position African cities at the forefront of urban innovation, proving that local action is essential to solving global challenges.
