Delhi Declaration Highlights Urban Perspectives from Global South Ahead of COP30

Setting the stage for the upcoming UNFCCC Climate Conference, COP30, the Delhi Declaration on Local Action for Global Climate Goals was unveiled as a pivotal outcome of the inaugural ARISE Cities Forum 2025, which took place on October 8-9 in New Delhi. This declaration unites voices from the Global South, advocating for enhanced multilevel cooperation and expedited urban climate action. The forum, co-hosted by ICLEI South Asia and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), gathered over 200 delegates from 60 cities across 25 countries, emphasizing the importance of urban resilience, equity, and sustainability in global climate discussions.

Key Outcomes of the Forum

The ARISE Cities Forum 2025 commenced with an address from Hon’ble Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu, representing the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. The event featured prominent speakers, including Mr. Gino van Begin, Secretary General of ICLEI; Dr. Debolina Kundu, Director of NIUA; and Mr. Norio Saito, Director of the Urban Development and Water Division at the Asian Development Bank. The forum concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, which will be presented to the COP30 Presidency in Belém as a collective urban ambition statement. This declaration underscores the critical role of cities in promoting resilient, equitable, and sustainable climate actions.

The Delhi Declaration was formally handed over by Shri Shankar Lalwani, Member of Parliament for Indore, to Mr. Rodrigo De Souza Corradi, Deputy Executive Secretary and Director of ICLEI South America. This significant transfer symbolizes the commitment of urban leaders to influence global climate governance actively.

Significance of the Delhi Declaration

The Delhi Declaration marks a significant affirmation of the essential role that cities and local governments play in global climate governance. It amplifies the collective voice of the Global South within the UNFCCC process, translating the vision of Local Government and Municipal Administration (LGMA) constituencies into actionable commitments. By aligning with COP30’s Action Agenda and reflecting the outcomes of the Global Stocktake, the declaration emphasizes that urban leadership is vital for achieving the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement.

The document advocates for recognizing subnational contributions through enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), equitable access to climate finance, and the inclusion of local priorities in global policy frameworks. As the declaration travels from Delhi to Belém, it carries a unified message from cities, urging recognition as partners in shaping the decisions, resources, and resilience strategies that will define the future of climate action.

Commitments and Themes Addressed

The Delhi Declaration outlines several shared commitments aimed at guiding local and subnational governments across the Global South. These commitments include advancing local climate action through measurable and resourced multilevel NDCs, promoting inclusive urban resilience, and empowering citizens, especially women and youth, in climate governance. The declaration also emphasizes the importance of strengthening multilevel governance and mobilizing climate finance to expand direct access for cities.

The forum’s sessions highlighted critical themes such as the disparity between national climate ambitions and local implementation, the role of nature-based solutions in climate-resilient development, and innovative climate actions in urban settings. Discussions also focused on urban disaster management, clean mobility transitions, and the integration of digital solutions for sustainable energy planning. As South Asia’s leading urban resilience platform, the ARISE Cities Forum aims to inspire a new wave of inclusive, multilevel, and locally driven climate actions.

Voices from the Forum

Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu emphasized the importance of cities as centers of economic development, acknowledging the challenges they face due to rising populations and pollution. He noted that ARISE serves as a platform for seeking solutions to these challenges. Emani Kumar, Deputy Secretary General of ICLEI, highlighted the collective ownership of a resilient future and the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that local contributions are recognized alongside national commitments.

Amit Prothi, Director General of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, pointed out the unprecedented pace of urbanization and the need to understand risks better. Dr. Debolina Kundu from NIUA reiterated that the Delhi Declaration serves as a testament to the transformative power of strong collaboration in addressing climate challenges. The forum’s discussions and outcomes reflect a commitment to practical, adaptive, and inclusive climate solutions that can be implemented in cities around the world.

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