New Delhi, October 29, 2026: Cities and local governments have called for a stronger role in global climate governance following the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on Local Action for Global Climate Goals at the ARISE Cities Forum 2026.
The two-day forum, held on October 27 and 28 at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, was organised by ICLEI South Asia in collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), with support from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Delhi Declaration 2026 adopted to call for stronger local action and city participation in climate governance.
Location: India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India.
Authority/Organisation: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, National Institute of Urban Affairs, ICLEI South Asia and participating city and local-government representatives.
Action Taken: ARISE Cities Forum 2026 concluded with a declaration setting out 10 shared commitments on climate action and multilevel cooperation.
Impact: Cities from the Global South will have a shared framework for presenting local priorities ahead of COP31; practical results depend on implementation and resources.
According to the Ministry's official announcement, the event brought together more than 200 participants from over 50 cities across more than 18 countries. Discussions focused on cooperation, sustainability, resilience and equitable climate action, with an emphasis on turning broad commitments into measurable local initiatives.
The Delhi Declaration calls for cities to be recognised as important partners in international climate negotiations. Local governments are often responsible for decisions affecting transport, waste management, water systems, public spaces and urban infrastructure—all areas that can influence climate resilience and emissions.
The declaration sets out 10 shared commitments. These include accelerating climate adaptation, improving cooperation on circularity and waste, supporting a just energy transition, strengthening climate finance for local governments, maintaining independent science and data systems, and expanding youth and community participation.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Local governments influence everyday climate outcomes: Decisions on public transport, drainage, waste, water and infrastructure can help communities adapt to climate risks. Climate finance is a central issue: Local authorities may need funding and technical capacity to implement plans. The declaration calls for climate finance to reach cities, but it does not itself approve or release funds. Better coordination can close implementation gaps: National climate targets require local delivery. Cooperation among different levels of government can help align policies, planning and investment. Communities need a voice: Youth and community participation can help ensure that local climate policies address practical needs and include vulnerable groups. Global South priorities matter: Cities in developing countries often face rapid urbanisation alongside climate risks and infrastructure constraints. Their experience can inform wider international climate discussions.
Another key theme is multilevel governance: coordination among local, state, national and international institutions. The declaration argues that global climate targets need practical implementation through local plans, resources and partnerships.
The forum's organisers said the declaration would be carried forward to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. This gives cities from the Global South an opportunity to present local priorities in international discussions on climate action.
However, adoption of the declaration should not be confused with a binding law or a guaranteed funding commitment. It establishes shared priorities and calls for cooperation; implementation will depend on decisions by governments, institutions and funding partners.
The forum also marked the launch of the Delhi Biodiversity Map developed by ICLEI South Asia, adding a local data and conservation dimension to the discussions.
