The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy has announced a 50-city cohort to strengthen partnerships between local governments and businesses. The package was unveiled on November 4 alongside Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona.
The participating cities represent more than 160 million people across 27 countries. They will join the City-Business Climate Alliance, co-convened by GCoM and C40 Cities, to develop practical approaches to urban climate and energy projects.
The announcement also introduces a Business Task Force and a pilot learning platform. The task force will connect municipal priorities with industry expertise and examine obstacles that prevent public-private projects from expanding. The platform brings together guidance, case studies and tools that cities can adapt to their own circumstances.
The initiative focuses on preparing partnerships and investment opportunities rather than announcing a fixed pool of grants. Its significance is the attempt to close the gap between a city’s climate plan and projects that businesses can help deliver, with support tailored to municipalities of different sizes.
Source: Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (4 November 2026). Image: Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy.
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