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

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, why system innovation and an introduction to system demonstrators - Björn Svensby Kurling, Vinnova and Driving Urban Transitions

System Demonstrators for Climate Smart Cities - 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
• Henrik Rasmussen, Executive Director, Bankers without Boundaries
• Giorgia Rambelli, Director, Mission Innovation Urban Transitions Mission (TBC)

Follow-up reflection - Benjamin Jance IV, Head of research and innovation, Global Covenant of Mayors (TBC)

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.