ICLEI USA, ALLIES Names Ambassador Nina Hachigian as ICLEI Head of U.S. Delegation to COP17
This October, delegates from around the world will gather in Yerevan, Armenia, for COP17, the UN’s biennial conference on biological diversity. Though the US has not ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity, approximately 50 American mayors, councilmembers, county leaders, state representatives, and regional officials are going, because they’ve concluded they can’t afford to wait for […]
ICLEI USA’s Guide to How Your City Can Engage in Local Diplomacy in 2026
Local Government, Global Stage ICLEI got our start – 35 years ago this year – as the “voice of cities and local governments” in international environmental negotiations. This is a role we proudly continue and in 2026, will strengthen further by opening more opportunities than ever before for mayors, councilmembers, county leaders, and Tribal leaders […]
ICLEI USA Takeaways from the 7th National Adaptation Forum
ICLEI USA joined local government staff, planners, researchers, and resilience practitioners from across the country at the 7th National Adaptation Forum (NAF) in Pittsburgh, PA. Representing ICLEI USA at NAFwere; Over three days, conversations focused on how communities are preparing for climate impacts now, from climate migration planning to urban forestry and resilience finance. Here […]
Saharnaz Mirzazad, Executive Director, ICLEI USA, On the Administration’s Withdrawal from the UNFCCC/IPCC and Dozens of International Organizations
The federal government’s decision to withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and dozens of other international organizations is deeply troubling — but for many working on climate and sustainability, it is not entirely surprising. What is becoming clearer every day is how […]
Data Jam at the Speedway: How Indianapolis is Building Momentum for Energy Benchmarking
When people think about data, they usually picture spreadsheets and conference rooms, not a world-famous racetrack. This spring, the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability changed that by hosting its Data Jams in unexpected locations, such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and a local museum. These new locations weren’t just for show. They created a more […]
Local and State Elected Officials United in First-of-Its-Kind ‘Capital Cities Clean Energy Collaborative’
The need for local and state leadership in the energy transition has never been greater. That’s why ICLEI USA brought local leaders to Washington, D.C. to attend the 2025 Energy Security Summit, hosted by Elected Officials to Protect America. Energy Security: Global Risk, Local Opportunity Over two days of dialogue, local actors discussed renewable energy’s […]
Request for Proposals: Communications and Public Relations Services
Project Information ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA) is seeking a communications and public relations firm to provide both proactive, positive brand-building support for the organization and our programs, as well as reactive communications support to address emergent communications needs. About ICLEI USA With 34 years in operation, ICLEI – Local Governments […]
Request for Quotes: Knowledge-Sharing Platform
Project Information ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA) is partnering with the Coalition for Green Capital (CGC) to offer market-building funding and technical support to help communities — local governments, Tribes, and their partner not-for-profit organizations — to develop public-private partnership plans that can accelerate the deployment of capital to clean energy projects. Selected […]
Olympia, WA Sets the Stage for a Climate-Resilient Future
ICLEI USA partnered with the City of Olympia, WA, to lead a climate action planning workshop for City staff and community stakeholders. Olympia, a member of the ICLEI network since 1991, has been actively engaged in climate action over several decades, implementing a variety of policies and programs. The City’s prior work includes efforts to […]
ICLEI USA Agenda at COP29
Next week marks the start of COP29, the 29th session of the United Nations’ annual climate conference, held this year in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22. Known as the “Climate Finance COP,” this event focuses on advancing financial commitments for climate action. ICLEI USA will attend with a delegation of 10 U.S. mayors, […]