ARISE 2026 Cities Forum

At the ARISE 2026 Cities Forum, organised by ICLEI South Asia, inspiring experiences from cities across the Global South highlighted how strengthening local capacities, fostering collaboration and enabling participatory approaches can translate climate knowledge into meaningful action on the ground.

Representatives from local governments involved in the CLARE Programme’s SIRA project in Bangladesh, Namobuddha Municipality in Nepal and Legazpi in the Philippines shared how investments in capacity strengthening are contributing to tangible changes in planning processes, decision-making and climate resilience efforts.

Beyond structured learning through tools and training, the discussions emphasised the importance of peer learning, knowledge exchange and collaborative solution-building. As one of the participants aptly remarked, “We copy, we customise, and we innovate.”

The forum also provided an opportunity to connect these experiences with insights emerging from CLARITY on managing water scarcity, SUCCESS and CLAPS on the inclusion of migrants, and PRIA International Academy’s work on reviving urban water bodies in Rajasthan. Together, these initiatives demonstrated how processes of knowledge co-production can generate practical insights and tools that support locally grounded, socially inclusive and impactful climate adaptation.

At the forum, Dr. Anshuman Karol shared PRIA’s experiences of working through Urban Labs in Ajmer and Jodhpur, facilitating the rejuvenation and sustainable management of urban water bodies.

PRIA’s work demonstrates how urban water governance can serve as an entry point for strengthening inclusive, participatory and sustainable urban development. Through its Urban Labs, PRIA brings together city authorities and government departments, community women, higher educational institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to foster collaborative approaches to urban water governance.

This work focuses on:

• Building a shared understanding of the ecological, social and cultural significance of urban water bodies.

• Facilitating dialogue and collaboration between communities and urban institutions.

• Strengthening women's participation and community stewardship in the protection and rejuvenation of local water commons.

• Developing collective approaches for the long-term sustainability and management of shared urban resources.

PRIA’s experience highlights that urban regeneration extends beyond physical infrastructure. It requires strengthening institutions, empowering communities and fostering collective ownership of urban spaces and resources.

These experiences resonate with the theme of World Cities Day 2026, “Regenerating the City: Adequate Housing for All.” Meaningful urban regeneration must go beyond physical improvements to create inclusive, climate-resilient and liveable neighbourhoods, where existing communities are recognised as active participants and beneficiaries of urban transformation.

As cities face growing challenges related to climate change, water insecurity, rapid urbanisation and social inequalities, strengthening local capacities for climate action has become increasingly important. The dedication of local officials, their willingness to experiment, learn and collaborate, and their ability to work alongside communities remain central to translating climate knowledge into meaningful change.

PRIA’s work through Urban Labs reinforces the importance of inclusive partnerships, meaningful citizen participation and shared responsibility in shaping sustainable urban futures.