City Climate Diplomacy

The City Diplomacy for Climate Action Fellowship Program is a pioneering initiative by the Climate Action Labs in partnership with the Asian School of Governance. This fellowship is designed to equip local government officials, city planners, climate advocates, and urban policy leaders with the diplomatic skills, policy expertise, and collaborative networks needed to drive impactful climate action at the city level.

City diplomacy refers to the activities and relationships between cities and other subnational entities with the goal of achieving political, economic, and cultural objectives. City diplomacy can include relationships between cities within the same country or between cities in different countries. Throughout history, cities have been hotbeds of diplomacy, often taking on the role of mediators between two sides in a conflict. City diplomacy has become increasingly important in recent years as cities have taken on a greater role in global governance, particularly in areas such as climate change, migration, and urban development. City-to-city relationships can foster collaboration on shared challenges, promote economic development and cultural exchange, and create opportunities for trade and investment.

City diplomacy can take many forms, including formal partnerships between cities, cultural exchanges, and collaborative programs in areas such as education, transportation, and environmental sustainability. City diplomacy can also involve the representation of cities in international forums, such as the UN, where mayors and other city leaders can advocate for policies that benefit their cities and communities. Overall, city diplomacy is a way for cities to build relationships and promote their interests on the global stage, and it has become an increasingly important tool for subnational entities to influence international affairs.

Why City Diplomacy for Climate Action?

Cities are at the forefront of the climate crisis, experiencing firsthand the impacts of extreme weather, rising sea levels, and environmental degradation. Through city diplomacy, local governments can foster international partnerships, leverage global climate finance, and co-create innovative policies to accelerate local climate solutions. This fellowship empowers city leaders to engage in transnational cooperation, negotiate effectively in climate forums, and implement global climate commitments at the local level.

Who Should Apply?

The program is open to:

• City mayors, vice mayors, and councilors leading local climate action efforts

• Local government unit (LGU) climate officers and planners

• Urban policy experts and sustainability managers

• Academics and researchers focusing on urban resilience and climate governance

• Civil society leaders and private sector stakeholders working on climate solutions at the municipal level

Fellowship Components

1. Capacity Building and Training

Fellows will participate in expert-led modules covering:

• Climate diplomacy and global negotiations (Paris Agreement, SDGs, COP processes)

• Public-private partnerships for climate action

• Climate finance access and investment strategies

• Data-driven policymaking for resilient and sustainable cities

• Stakeholder engagement and coalition building

2. International and Regional Exchange

Fellows will engage in peer learning, case study analysis, and strategic networking with:

• Asian Climate Cities Network

• ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability

• C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group

• UNFCCC and other climate governance bodies

3. City Climate Action Plan Development

Each fellow will design a City Climate Action Plan, applying insights from the fellowship to:

• Align with national climate policies and international commitments

• Identify funding sources for climate projects

• Develop measurable and impact-driven initiatives

4. Coaching and Mentorship

Fellows will receive mentorship from global city diplomacy experts, climate negotiators, and governance practitioners to refine their strategies and advance their local climate agendas.

5. Policy Innovation Showcase

The program culminates in a City Climate Action Forum, where fellows present their climate action plans to an audience of policymakers, investors, and international climate organizations, opening doors for collaboration and funding opportunities.

Program Format and Duration

• Duration: 6 months (blended learning format: virtual sessions, in-person workshops, and field visits)

• Commitment: Monthly workshops, project work, and mentorship sessions

• Location: Hybrid format with key in-person sessions in Manila, Philippines, and select partner cities

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A statement of purpose outlining their city’s climate challenges and proposed action plans

• A letter of endorsement from their local government or organization

• A brief professional biography