Effective Climate Governance in Intermediary Cities: A Focus on Climate Mitigation

UN-Habitat, 2025

Intermediary cities play a vital role in climate mitigation efforts as the global community strives for sustainability. This comprehensive guide provides actionable insights on achieving balance between economic development, environmental protection and social equity within these important urban centers. The document explores key approaches including climate-sensitive budgeting, strategic urban development planning and policy mechanisms that encourage green transformation.

Created specifically for urban managers, climate advocates and governmental bodies at national and regional levels, this resource offers a structured approach to developing durable climate initiatives and implementing climate-intelligent urbanisation strategies. Additionally, it serves as an essential reference for businesses, researchers, community organisations and other United Nations agencies seeking to support or collaborate on climate projects. This guide equips stakeholders with essential knowledge and methodologies to implement significant climate measures and guide their cities toward sustainable resilience.

To support urban managers in practice, the guide sets out a series of critical pathways for climate resilience and mitigation in intermediary cities, including:

  • Raising awareness and strengthening stakeholder participation
  • Enhancing capacity for effective climate mitigation
  • Developing and implementing supportive policy and legal frameworks
  • Establishing a climate governance framework
  • Strengthening coordination with higher levels of government
  • Ensuring financial sustainability for climate mitigation
  • Advocating for climate-sensitive urban plans
  • Using data and effective communication channels
  • Leveraging partnerships with the private sector
  • Fostering regional and global partnerships
  • Strengthening monitoring, reporting and evaluation systems

These pathways provide a practical foundation for cities to design and implement robust climate strategies tailored to their unique contexts.