Climate-neutral and smart cities - Sparking global system transformation locally

How can a new instrument, "system demonstrators", go beyond pilots to scale system transformation in cities? And how can it help achieve the mission of climate-neutral and smart cities globally? Join this interactive event to learn more.

Olle Dierks

Moderator

November 5, 2024 | 13:00 - 14:30

Multipurpose room 12

Vinnova

Sweden

English

Reference:

NE 12-01

WUF12

Networking Events

Summary

This interactive networking event will focus on how a new instrument, “System demonstrators”, can go beyond pilots to scaling system transformation in cities and help achieve the mission of climate-neutral and smart cities globally.

Experiences will be presented from urban system demonstrator efforts focusing on mobility, housing and energy, ranging from Africa, Latin-America, North America, Asia to Europe.

About system demonstrators:
Cities around the world have adopted ambitious climate goals, but strategies to achieve the goals are often lacking. One reason for this is the shortage of established methods for approaching such targets.

This is where a systems approach comes into play. ‘System Demonstrators’ provides a methodological and logical way to transform a city through stakeholder mobilisation, system innovation and new models for governance.

By addressing deep structural challenges within a designated and delineated system, the system demonstrator accelerates and amplifies the transition to climate neutrality.

The system approach is operationalized by addressing five system dimensions: Finance, Policy, Behaviour, Infrastructure and Technology. These provide insights about the system's "acupuncture points", where several challenges can be tackled simultaneously.

The system demonstrator concept is developed in cooperation by Sweden’s innovation agency Vinnova, the strategic innovation platform Viable Cities and UN-Habitat. System demonstrators are currently being implemented in Sweden, Brazil, Colombia, Uganda and the UK.

Agenda

Welcome and why system perspective - Björn Svensby Kurling, Vinnova and Driving Urban Transitions

An introduction to systems change and the instrument of system demonstrators. Namrata Mehta, UN-Habitat

Short videos of system demonstrator initiatives in Lund, Curitiba and Oakland.

Panel – Experiences of implementing System demonstrators in cities. Moderated by Olle Dierks, Head of Large-Scale Investments, Viable Cities.
• Annika Bergendahl, Innovation Strategist, City of Stockholm, Sweden
• Jeremy Sweetland, Lead Project 1000 and Temporary Accommodation Transformation, Bristol City Council / Founder Bristol Housing Festival
• Alex Kivumbi, Head of Innovation and Resource Mobilisation, Makindye Ssabagabo, Uganda

Follow-up reflection
• Emily Wise, Researcher, Lund University

Panel - How can adopting a system approach support achieving the mission of climate-neutral and smart cities globally? Moderated by Olle Dierks, Viable Cities.
• Steven Bland, World Resources Institute
• Olga Kordas, Program Director, Viable Cities
• Thomas Osdoba, Program Director, NetZeroCities
• Priscilla Negreiros, Managing Director Climate Policy Initiative / Lead of the Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance
• Rupesh Madlani, CEO, Bankers without Boundaries (TBD)

An invitation to a joint global initiative for system demonstrators

Conclusion and next steps

The entire event will include interactive formats such as virtual polls, Q&A with the audience and fish bowls.

Objectives

We want to use this opportunity to engage in a dynamic dialogue with cities and local government representatives, as well as public and private decision makers about the importance of systems change to achieve climate neutrality.

The main objective of this event is to lay a foundation for a global joint platform for system demonstrators. The event gathers perspectives from the global south and the global north, giving the participants inspiration on how gaps between continents can be bridged for climate action in cities.

The event is also designed to get input into the continued development of the systems demonstrator concept from professionals. Getting international feedback is especially interesting for us, as it has mostly gained momentum in only a few countries in Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

There are also plans to apply for a side event at COP 29, which would build on the outcome from the networking session.