This virtual event at Climate Week NYC will feature the launch of the Cities4Forests “Call to Action on Forests and Climate”, a declaration urging governments, companies, and financial institutions to urgently ramp up policies and investments to support forest conservation, restoration, and sustainable forest management.

Cities4Forests, a coalition of 73 major cities committed to greater forest action, will host a panel discussion of high-profile mayors who are leading some of the most innovative efforts to use forests and other nature-based solutions to fight climate change, ensure water security, preserve biodiversity, protect human health and well-being, and promote greater social equity.

This event will pave the way for increased climate ambition at the UN Climate Summit COP26 in Glasgow as leading national governments, global companies, and major financial institutions respond to the Call to Action by demonstrating their commitments to forest action for climate mitigation and adaptation, pledging to work with cities on forest issues; and sharing the most impactful forest-related plans, policies, and investments.

The 90-minute event will feature keynote remarks and a panel of leading mayors, a video presentation of city voices from around the world, and time for a virtual Q&A.

Speakers include:
Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone
M Anil Kumar, Mayor of Kochi, India

The event will also feature opening remarks from Ani Dasgupta, President and CEO of World Resources Institute