City awarded funding to promote awareness on the city’s climate action plan
28 June, 2023 (QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES) — Today, Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte is proud to announce that the city has been recognised for its efforts to prioritise inclusive climate action for its people.
Quezon City was selected as one of a small number of cities from around the world that will receive funding through the new Inclusive Climate Action Cities Fund (ICA Fund), which is administered by C40 Cities, the global network of cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone, everywhere can thrive.
Quezon City will receive support to make information on the city’s climate action plan more accessible to people of all backgrounds, abilities and age groups, including through the creation of an interactive storybook for children with disabilities and other youth.
Hon. Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City, said: “I am proud to join other leading mayors in the world in advancing inclusive and equitable climate action with the support of C40’s new Inclusive Climate Action Fund. In Quezon City, we recognise the need for inclusive and accessible information dissemination that caters to all residents, of all backgrounds, educational attainment and age groups, to better engage them in our climate action initiatives. This project will help address this priority, putting the needs of the youth and children with disabilities at the forefront of its design and delivery.”
The ICA Fund is C40’s first-ever fund for cities specifically focused on facilitating inclusive climate action and a just transition to a green economy, and supports science-driven, locally led climate initiatives in cities around the world. Quezon City, a C40 member, will benefit from the ICA Fund’s first round of disbursements.
The ICA Fund is supported by the Open Society Foundations and builds directly on the ongoing success of C40’s Global Green New Deal Pilot Initiative. It is aimed at supporting cities around the world to deliver transformative projects benefiting urban dwellers and its vulnerable communities.
Quezon City was selected alongside Bogotá, Dar es Salaam, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Warsaw following a rigorous process that saw applications from over 30 cities globally. Mayor Belmonte is proud to join the mayors of these cities in implementing projects over the next 12 months that address specific socio-economic barriers to accelerate climate action that is just, fair, inclusive and benefits all residents, especially communities vulnerable to the effects of global heating.
By bringing inclusivity and equity to the forefront of climate action, Quezon City will work to heal social inequalities, improve decision making processes by ensuring voices of vulnerable communities are heard, and foster truly inclusive economies, thereby ensuring equitable access to the benefits of climate action for all while inspiring more cities in the process.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London and Chair of C40, said: “Mayors recognise that there can be no climate justice without social justice and are already leading the way to achieve both in their cities. However, more support is needed. The C40 Inclusive Climate Action Cities Fund will provide more support to cities to implement specific projects that address social justice and the climate emergency in tandem. The six cities receiving the first round of funding reflect my commitment to expanding the Global Green New Deal programme and supporting Global South cities in prioritising climate action that tackles inequality.”
Caterina Sarfatti, Managing Director, Inclusion and Global Leadership, said: “With the rising cost of living globally and the increasing injustices of climate breakdown, residents around the world have a huge need for healthier, fairer, more sustainable and inclusive societies. Inclusive and equitable climate action has never been so urgent and mayors are leading the way in showing what a just, green transition looks like in practice. By providing the necessary financial and technical support, C40’s ICA Fund is a concrete mechanism for them to further scale and accelerate delivery of inclusive climate action that specifically addresses the needs of vulnerable people.”
###
