Key Insights from the Net Zero City Leaders Summit: A Call for Global Action

As part of the Smart City Summit & Expo 2025, we were invited to the Net Zero City Leaders Summit, which served as an essential platform for urban leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts to explore how cities can play a pivotal role in addressing the climate crisis.

As cities around the world continue to grapple with the effects of climate change, the summit focused on fostering collaboration, sharing innovative solutions, and discussing actionable steps toward achieving net-zero emissions.

One of the standout moments was the keynote address by Gino Van Begin, the General Secretary of ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability), who highlighted the critical role of local governments in the global fight against climate change.

ICLEI’s Global Commitment to Sustainable Urban Development

In his keynote, Gino Van Begin emphasized the unique responsibility that cities have in leading the transformation toward climate neutrality. He underscored that addressing climate change is not just a national or global issue but one that requires local governments to take immediate, meaningful action within their own cities. Van Begin stressed that cities are not only places where climate change is most acutely felt, but they also have the potential to drive forward the solutions that will shape a sustainable future. This role comes with significant opportunity, as local governments are well-placed to implement policies that reduce emissions, promote circular economies, and create climate-resilient urban spaces.

ICLEI, a global network of over 2,500 local and regional governments in 125+ countries, has been instrumental in helping cities integrate sustainability into their urban planning. By working with local governments, ICLEI provides support in creating green policies, driving community action, and fostering collaboration that spans cities across the globe. The organization's work focuses on ensuring that the transition to net-zero emissions is not just a top-down approach but one that includes local needs and context, making solutions more practical and impactful.

The Role of Local Governments in Achieving Net-Zero Emissions

As Van Begin pointed out, achieving net-zero emissions is not just the responsibility of national governments or large corporations—it is something that cities must embrace as well. Local governments, as the decision-makers and implementers of climate policy on the ground, are central to realizing the global climate goals laid out in agreements like the Paris Agreement. The summit reinforced this view by highlighting that cities are well-positioned to adopt innovative solutions such as smart infrastructure, sustainable transport systems, and energy-efficient buildings. These changes, while locally driven, can contribute significantly to the broader international effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the summit also emphasized that these efforts must be part of a larger, coordinated global action. Cities may vary in size, context, and resources, but the challenges they face in relation to climate change are shared across borders. This collective approach is vital if we are to accelerate the transition to climate-neutral cities. Through international collaboration and peer-to-peer exchanges, cities can learn from each other, share best practices, and scale up successful initiatives.

ICLEI’s Mission: Empowering Local Governments for Sustainability

ICLEI has made it its mission to empower local governments to take meaningful action on climate change. With more than 2,500 local governments involved, ICLEI has created a broad, interconnected network that facilitates the exchange of knowledge, strategies, and best practices among cities around the world. Their work helps cities align their climate goals with local realities, ensuring that their sustainability efforts are not only ambitious but also feasible and tailored to their specific challenges.

Van Begin expressed his gratitude for the commitment cities have shown in working with ICLEI, stressing that these partnerships are vital for creating a sustainable future. ICLEI supports local governments in reducing emissions, improving climate resilience, and adopting circular economy principles, all of which are integral to the global climate agenda. The organization’s expertise and resources make it a key player in the growing movement toward smart, sustainable cities.

A Call to Action for Cities and Individuals

The discussions at the Net Zero City Leaders Summit left a lasting impression on the importance of collaboration in tackling climate change. While it is easy to think of climate action as something that can only be addressed by world leaders or corporations, the summit made it clear that local governments and cities have an essential role to play. They are at the heart of implementing practical solutions, managing urban systems, and ensuring that climate policies are effective at the community level.

Moreover, this summit serves as a powerful reminder that addressing climate change is not solely the responsibility of governments or large organizations—it is something that all of us must be a part of. The responsibility to create sustainable cities, reduce emissions, and contribute to climate resilience is one we all share. As individuals, we can support local policies, advocate for green initiatives, and make choices that reduce our own carbon footprints.

As we look toward the future, it is clear that cities, empowered by organizations like ICLEI, will lead the way in building climate-neutral, resilient urban spaces. But it is equally important that we all engage in the efforts, from governments to everyday citizens, to ensure that the transition to sustainable living is both achievable and equitable. We cannot afford to wait; the time to act is now.

The summit served as a vital step in building a global movement for sustainable cities, but it also called for each of us to do our part. Collective action will be the key to ensuring that our cities thrive in the face of climate change and that we leave a livable planet for future generations.

SCSE continues to inspire renewed commitment to harnessing the power of digitalization for sustainable urban development. With the world at a crossroads, the Smart City Summit & Expo serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative potential of collective action in building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore cutting-edge smart city solutions and drive digital and green transformation! Join us at the Smart City Summit & Expo in Taipei and Kaohsiung:

Taipei Exhibition: 

 Exhibition Date: March 18 (Tuesday) – March 21 (Friday), 2025

 Exhibition Location: Taipei Nangang Exhibition Hall Hall 2 

Kaohsiung Exhibition: 

 Exhibition Date: March 20 (Thursday) – March 22 (Saturday), 2025

 Exhibition Location: Kaohsiung Exhibition Hall 

Mark your calendars and be a part of shaping the future of smart and sustainable cities!