CCFLA Newsletter – April 2026
Dear CCFLA Members, Colleagues and Friends,
In this edition, we share the latest updates from the CCFLA Secretariat and its members, including recent publications, event highlights, and key developments from across the network.
Together, these efforts are helping drive progress toward more sustainable and climate-resilient cities worldwide.
We invite readers to explore the publications tracker for the latest urban climate finance resources launched or announced at COP30, and to share any additional publications that could be featured.
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas. To connect with the Secretariat or inquire about becoming a member, please contact AllianceSecretariat@cpiglobal.org.
CCFLA Announcements
Save the Date: 2026 Annual Assembly of the Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
London, United Kingdom
The 2026 CCFLA Assembly will focus on how cities can better access finance from both public and private sources, with an emphasis on unlocking greater private sector participation and strengthening cities’ roles in global financial systems.
The Assembly will comprise of two parts:
MEMBERS-ONLY EVENT (9:00 – 3:00 PM): Bringing together policymakers, investors, financial institutions, and city leaders, the Assembly will focus on practical pathways to scale urban climate finance. It will also share updates on CCFLA’s 2025–2030 strategy and create space for member-led technical discussions.
PUBLIC EVENT (3:00 – 5:00 PM): As part of this year’s Assembly, CCFLA will host a session open to the public exploring the role of de-risking in mobilizing private capital for urban climate priorities. Admission to the event will be by registration only, as space is limited. Registration will open soon—keep an eye on our social media channels and upcoming newsletters for further details.
Short-Term Consultancy | CCFLA Brazil Local Hub
Deadline: 8 May 2026, 18:00 BRT
Brazil or Remote
CCFLA is seeking a consultant to support a new report on technical assistance for urban climate finance in Brazil, drawing on the PCVR Project Bank and other key sources.
The work will focus on:
• Mapping urban climate project pipelines and needs
• Assessing gaps in technical assistance and project preparation
• Providing actionable recommendations to scale finance for cities
We are looking for:
• 5+ years’ experience in municipal or climate finance (Brazil preferred)
• Fluency in English and Portuguese
• Strong analytical and writing skills
See the Terms of Reference (ToR) for full details.
Apply Now
Knowledge
Exploring Guarantees for Resilient and Low-Carbon Cities
This new report, developed in collaboration with GIZ, provides a comparative analysis of urban infrastructure guarantee programs, based on a review of 34 facilities and consultations with practitioners. It identifies key barriers to both the supply and uptake of guarantees and outlines practical recommendations to improve their design, scalability, and effectiveness for cities. The findings highlight that while guarantees can be catalytic under the right conditions, they must be carefully structured and embedded within broader financing ecosystems to achieve impact.
Knowledge Portal Training on the Project Preparation Support Database (PPSD)
This training introduces the Project Preparation Support Database (PPSD), a searchable tool connecting users to project preparation facilities, incubators, and accelerators supporting climate-aligned projects. Designed for project developers, investors, MSMEs, and startups, it helps identify resources to build bankable projects and scale solutions aligned with NDCs.
The session will include a live demo, Q&A, and a brief overview of the Knowledge Portal. It will highlight insights from CCFLA’s project preparation workstream, along with contributions from the UK Climate Finance Accelerator.
Collaboration
Report | Transforming the urban climate project preparation ecosystem: Emerging findings on how enhanced collaboration can deliver greater coherence, efficiency and impact
This report, produced by The Partnering Initiative (TPI) in partnership with International Climate Initiative (IKI) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, examines the urban climate project preparation ecosystem through the lens of partnership, diagnosing why so many climate projects stall before reaching implementation despite substantial support infrastructure.
CCFLA is working with TPI to elevate key findings and explore opportunities for stronger collaboration across the ecosystem.
Policy Engagement
Event Recap | ‘From Science to Action’ Workshop
On 16-17 April 2026, Alastair Mayes represented CCFLA at the second ‘From Science to Action’ Workshop in Brussels, convened by GIZ in partnership with UN-Habitat and Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. The workshop brought together city networks, multilateral organizations, development finance institutions, and research partners to co-design practical strategies and products to communicate the upcoming IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities findings.
Over two days, participants focused on identifying high-impact audiences and shaping targeted approaches to influence decision-making. The workshop concluded with clear, actionable strategies to support the report’s launch and sustain momentum across key stakeholders, from climate leaders and multilateral development banks to national and subnational governments and the private sector.
Event Recap | High-level Roundtable: ‘Scaling Investment in Cities: The Role of DFIs’
On 17 April 2026, Dr. Barbara Buchner represented the CCFLA Secretariat at a closed-door roundtable hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies and co-hosted by C40 Cities and Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, in partnership with the MDB Cities Group.
The discussion brought together mayors, national governments, and leaders from development finance institutions to explore how to scale up mitigation and adaptation finance for cities. Building on momentum from COP30 and recent mayoral commitments, the roundtable focused on moving from dialogue to action, highlighting the need for stronger enabling policies, expanded sub-sovereign finance, and innovative mechanisms to improve access to funding—particularly for adaptation and cities in developing economies.
Event Recap | 1º Workshop: Impulsionando o Financiamento do Desenvolvimento Urbano Integrado com adaptação climática nos Municípios
On 6 March, Alicia Lerner represented CCFLA at a national workshop in Brasília, facilitated by CFF, to strengthen financing for urban infrastructure under the PRÓ-CIDADES programme, with a focus on climate adaptation and nature-based solutions.
The workshop brought together participants from the Ministério das Cidades and CAIXA to identify key barriers limiting cities’ access to finance and explore solutions. It marked an important first step in strengthening coordination and enabling more Brazilian cities to develop bankable climate projects.
Event Recap | UCL Sustainability Leadership Conference 2026
On 21 April 2026, Priscilla Negreiros spoke on the panel “Leveraging Finance for Sustainability,” joining leading experts to examine how financial strategies, investments, and innovation can accelerate sustainable development. The discussion highlighted practical approaches to mobilizing finance and scaling solutions that drive long-term sustainability outcomes.
In Memoriam – Jean-François Habeau
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jean-François Habeau on April 4, 2026. A valued member of CCFLA’s Steering Committee and a trusted colleague and friend to many, Jean-François brought dedication, insight, and generosity to our community.
Before joining Meridiam, he spent over a decade at FMDV, serving as Executive Director from 2012 to 2023. In this role, he helped shape the organization’s vision and direction, advancing both advocacy and practical pathways for implementation.
Jean-François had a rare ability to understand people and contexts, building trust that endured and bringing others together with purpose. He will be remembered as a guiding figure, a thoughtful voice, and a dear friend.
FMDV has created a memorial page in his honor. Those who wish to contribute a few words, a memory, or a photo are warmly invited to do so. All contributions will be shared with his family.
Member Announcements
Opportunities and Calls
Short-Term Consultancy | CCFLA
Deadline: 8 May 2026
Find out more
Call for Proposals | Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy
Deadline: 30 June 2026
Find out more
Call for Projects | IRENA for Climate Investment Platform
Applications Open – rolling deadline
Find out more
Call for Proposals | Subnational Climate Fund
Applications Open – rolling deadline
Find out more
Apply for support | City Climate Finance Gap Fund (Gap Fund)
Applications Open – rolling deadline
Find out more
News and Events
Press Release | Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies Announces New Investment to Improve Global Road Safety and Cycling Infrastructure Across 13 Countries, in More Than 30 Cities
Read here
News | GCoM, Gap Fund
Moroccan Cities, National Government and Global Partners Align to Advance Bankable Urban Mobility Projects with the GCoM-Gap Fund Partnership and UN-Habitat
Read here
Event | UNDRR
Advancing Heat Risk Governance and Action: Responding to the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat
14 May 2026
Register here
Highlights | GCoM
Local Governments and Development Finance Institutions Partner to Increase Support for Resilient Urban Infrastructure Investment
Read here
Publications
Report | C40
Building the financial case for urban adaptation: Guidance and case studies
Read here
Report | Clean Air Fund
Philanthropic Foundation Funding for Clean Air 2026
Read here
Learning Note | Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme (GCIEP)
Catalysing partnerships to mobilise infrastructure financing and investment in low- and middle-income countries
Read here
Toolkit | ICLEI
Making your city investable: A practical guide to green finance
Read here
Report | World Bank Group
Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management toward Circularity until 2050
Read here
Report | TPI
Transforming the urban climate project preparation ecosystem: Emerging findings on how enhanced collaboration can deliver greater coherence, efficiency and impact
Read here
Report | Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF)
The Infrastructure Question No One Is Asking: Can It Be Insured?
Read here
Training Modules | UNDRR
Disaster Risk Reduction Financing Training Modules
Read here
Article | City Climate Finance Gap Fund (Gap Fund)
Gap Fund Partners Step-Up for Urban Climate Resilience
Read here
View these and future publications in our publication tracker.
Upcoming Events
World Urban Forum 13 | Baku, Azerbaijan | 17-22 May 2026
ICLEI World Congress 2026 | Malmo, Sweden | May 2026
Rio Nature & Climate Week | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 1-6 June 2026
European Urban Resilience Forum | Guimares, Portugal | 16-18 June 2026
London Climate Action Week | London, UK | 20-28 June 2026
Innovate4Cities | Nairobi, Kenya | 21-24 June 2026
Cities Climate Action Summit | London, UK | 23-24 June 2026
London Climate Resilience Finance Summit | London, UK | 25 June 2026
Hamburg Sustainability Conference | Hamburg, Germany | 29-30 June 2026
High-Level Political Forum 2026 | New York, USA | 7-15 July 2026
New York Climate Week | New York, USA | 20-27 September 2026
COP 31 | Antalya, Turkey | 9-20 November 2026
Check out the CCFLA Event Calendar for upcoming events from CCFLA and our members.