Delhi Declaration Advances Urban Climate Leadership

On 9th October 2025, the Delhi Declaration on Local Action for Global Climate Goals was adopted at the first ARISE Cities Forum 2025, uniting cities and local governments from the Global South to advance urban climate leadership ahead of COP30.

Key Points

Unified Climate Commitment: The Delhi Declaration calls for stronger multilevel cooperation and accelerated climate action, highlighting the role of cities and local governments in achieving global climate goals.
Formal Handover to COP30: The Declaration will be presented to the COP30 Presidency in Belém, symbolising the leadership of cities in driving climate ambition globally.
Global South Representation: The declaration amplifies the voice of the Global South in the UNFCCC process, advocating for recognition of cities as key partners in achieving the Paris Agreement objectives.
Enhancing NDCs and Climate Finance: It urges the development of measurable, resourced local NDCs, direct access to climate finance, and the systemic integration of local priorities in global climate decision-making.
Commitments for Urban Resilience: Signatories pledged to advance inclusive urban resilience by integrating adaptation, circularity, and nature-based solutions into climate planning and urban development.