The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) recently participated in the BRICS Urbanization Forum, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among member countries in tackling urban growth challenges. This article explores the nuances of urbanization in BRICS nations, the impact of climate change on urban areas, the proposed BRICS Local Government Climate Change Programme and the importance of alternative funding solutions.
Urbanization affects city centers and rural peripheries alike, offering remarkable opportunities if managed well. With varying levels of urbanization in Brazil (90.6%), Russia (73.8%), China (56%), India (31.2%), and South Africa (62%), nuanced approaches to addressing urban development challenges are necessary.
One of the most pressing issues faced by local governments is the impact of climate change on urban areas. Cities across the globe are experiencing a range of extreme climate events that threaten infrastructure and basic services. These climate-related challenges strain public budgets and discourage private investment, potentially jeopardizing a country’s economic growth and financial stability. Vulnerable groups, particularly the poor, are disproportionately affected by these events.
To address this urgent matter, cities must gain access to climate finance that enables both immediate recovery from extreme events and long-term adaptation to the slow-onset impacts of climate change. The proposed BRICS Local Government Climate Change Programme aims to unlock funding for adaptation and mitigation while supporting cities in establishing necessary human capital and attracting climate-smart investments.
SALGA calls on BRICS member states to establish the Local Government Climate Change Programme, empowering local governments to lead efforts in building coalitions, acquiring climate technical skills, ensuring access to financial resources, and fostering local peer-to-peer learning and good practice exchange. This program would facilitate the collaboration between local governments in addressing global challenges impacting sustainable urbanization, such as climate resilience and peaceful coexistence of citizens in urban spaces.
To support infrastructure development and climate and disaster resilience in cities, innovative alternative funding solutions from BRICS nations are crucial. Coordinated efforts across all sectors of society and levels of government are necessary to drive effective, efficient, and ambitious climate actions.
Platforms like the BRICS Urbanization Forum play a vital role in promoting multilateral dialogues to find solutions to the many challenges facing sustainable urban development. As part of this forum, SALGA hopes that local government support will be strengthened and the localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to subnational levels will be considered, recognizing that global commitments will ultimately be met or failed at the local level.
By fostering cooperation and exchange of knowledge, tools, and solutions among BRICS member countries, the forum aims to tackle the challenges of urbanization while creating livable, harmonious cities where citizen vulnerabilities can be reduced. Together, these countries can achieve sustainable urban development and contribute to a global effort to build resilient communities that can adapt to the impacts of climate change.
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