This event is an opportunity for the international community to learn about and discuss two new GEF flagship initiatives on Sustainable Cities and Food Security. Speakers will include national government officials and heads of multilateral agency partners, highlighting national and local projects under the auspices these programs and how lofty ideas can be translated into practical implementation. These programs will work to develop, test, and implement solutions through coordinated projects that enhance cooperation, generate lessons learned, and aim for scaling-up.

The Sustainable Cities Integrated Program is a unique global initiative to work with cities to address the challenges of a rapidly urbanizing world and the subsequent pressure on cities through integrated urban management. The program will demonstrate how innovation and high impact investments can contribute to a sustainable management of cities. This ambitious five-year endeavor is a partnership of the GEF, 23 cities from 11 countries, and city-based networks, together with regional development banks, UNDP, and others. The program provides GEF grant of US$145 million and $1.5 billion of co-financing.

The Food Security Integrated Program aims to work with small-scale farmers to sustainably increase yields thereby increasing food security for millions of poor people, while preventing desertification, improving land health, and sequestering carbon. The program, coordinated by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and in partnership with UNDP and several other Agencies, will work to create and strengthen institutional frameworks and scale-up proven solutions. With time, this program is expected to deliver significant benefits in poverty reduction, particularly among the poorest of the poor and women. The program provides GEF grant of $120 million to 12 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, leveraging an additional $805 million.