Building New
Alliances at
Round Tables

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

Rather than simply reducing their negative footprint, "Future Cities" should be planned and developed to generate additional benefits for the environment, climate, social cohesion, and the interaction between cities and regions.

Idea: How can this problem be solved?

For example, urban and rural areas can be linked in a nutrient cycle, as is currently being tested in the C2C model region of Lüchow-Danneberg. The city of Düsseldorf is demonstrating best practices for building public spaces that generate energy, improve the air and urban climate around them, serve as social hubs, and conserve resources by cataloging and reusing all building materials. In the Argentine province of Córdoba, cities and towns are joining forces to use the region's abundant biomass for energy production. These cases represent some of the countless ways that cities and their surrounding regions can create environmental, economic and social value through Cradle to Cradle solutions.

Impact: Who needs to talk? Who needs to act?

Circular urban and regional development is a holistic approach that requires the networking of many actors involved in different aspects of the design of future cities and regions. All roundtable participants emphasized the importance of such networking, building alliances across sectors and regions, engaging key multipliers, and sharing local knowledge.

We are facing a triad of global crises - climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Traditionally, the focus has been on science and policy to address these challenges. But we must also prioritize the people directly affected. The session at the Global Solutions Summit explored innovative strategies to integrate sustainability with prosperity as a standard. This approach resonated with emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) as they expand their economies to meet the aspirations of their citizens for a quality of life comparable to that of developed nations. The current discourse on sustainable development and economic growth provided critical insights into how different regions, particularly Africa and developed economies, perceive and address sustainability issues. The dialogue underscored the interconnectedness of sustainability, economic progress and community well-being, and highlighted the importance of a holistic approach that encompasses policy, finance and grassroots capacity building.

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

First issue: Adapting to new ways of living requires new norms and systems for production and consumption. We need not only better resource efficiency, but also a circular economy, which implies a comprehensive societal and economic transformation. However, there are significant challenges to implementing circular value chains: tracking goods and services across regions, investing in new designs and capacities, and the potential loss of revenue for certain countries and suppliers that could destabilize economies (e.g., a shift to electric vehicles or specialized goods from small countries). How can we manage these transitions equitably so that no one is left behind?

Second issue: Like India, Africa is on the cusp of becoming a developed region and faces the challenge of balancing economic development with sustainability and preserving traditions while embracing modernity. There is a common perception that climate action conflicts with quality of life and livelihoods. This perception stems in part from the significant transitions required. How is Africa integrating local knowledge into the energy transition while improving the quality of life for millions of people?

Third issue: Governments, industries, and people need significant capital for systemic transformation. How must our financial system – from international financial institutions and national development banks to retail banks and non-bank institutions – evolve together to enable each part of these value chains to transform simultaneously?Idea: How can this problem be solved?

Balancing Economic Development and Quality of Life: There is an urgent need to balance economic growth with improving the quality of life, especially in developing countries like India and Africa, and across the countries in need. This involves promoting sustainability without sacrificing aspirations and economic progress.

Sustainability Integrated into Prosperity: It's essential to integrate sustainability into the concept of prosperity. This means finding better, sustainable ways of living rather than shaming people for their desires and aspirations.

Technological Solutions and Inequalities: Technological solutions for sustainability, such as those addressing climate change, must be implemented in a way that does not exacerbate inequalities within and between societies.

Challenges of Circular Economy: While the circular economy can work for certain industries like manufacturing and fashion, it faces significant challenges in broader economic contexts. The promotion of circular economy principles must consider the complexities of global trade and local economic conditions.

Policy Evolution: Policies must evolve with the changing behavior of people and the environment. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and policy frameworks need to be flexible and adaptive to local contexts.

Cultural and traditional disconnect: In developing regions, there is often a tendency to adopt Western lifestyles, which can lead to a detachment from traditional and potentially more sustainable ways of life. Recognizing and integrating cultural heritage into modern development practices is critical.

In conclusion, sustainable development and economic growth are not mutually exclusive, but are deeply intertwined. For developing regions such as Africa, integrating indigenous knowledge and ensuring energy equity are critical steps toward sustainability. At the same time, developed economies must reassess their consumption patterns to effectively address global sustainability challenges.

Education, capacity building, and behavior change are essential to this transition, especially for small businesses in developing countries. By promoting financial literacy and sustainable practices, these businesses can make a significant contribution to economic growth and sustainability.

Impact: Who needs to Talk? Who needs to Act?

Ultimately, achieving sustainable development requires a collaborative effort that respects regional differences, promotes climate justice, and prioritizes both economic and environmental well-being. An inclusive global dialogue is needed: A diverse group of stakeholders, including those from different global regions and economic backgrounds, must be part of the dialogue to ensure comprehensive strategies and techniques. The session underscored the need for nuanced and context-specific solutions that integrate sustainability with economic development, while respecting cultural and traditional practices. It advocated an inclusive approach to global policy-making, ensuring that voices from developing regions are heard and taken into account.

The round table comprehensively examined ammonia's role in achieving net-zero emissions in the electricity, maritime shipping, and defense sectors. It gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including hydrogen and ammonia producers, electricity providers, representatives from maritime shipping and the navy, as well as technology transfer and academia experts.

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

Maritime shipping, as the backbone of the global economy, and the military, as defenders against foreign aggressors, are major emitters. Utilizing low-carbon and carbon-neutral fuels is essential for achieving net-zero emissions while maintaining their operational roles. Renewable energy deployment is progressing in many regions toward net-zero goals. However, significant imports of energy carriers will be necessary, particularly for countries in the Northern Hemisphere, to meet energy demands for residential use, future electrified industries, and transportation.

Idea: How can this problem be solved?

For progressing renewable ammonia into the role of net-zero energy vector and intercontinentally tradable energy carrier, the upstream (production capacity) has to be expanded massively, the midstream (distribution infrastructure) has to be significantly strengthened, while the downstream has to be fitted with ammonia-ready end-use equipment. Promoting factors are the century-long production knowhow, the continuous innovation along the value chain resulting from numerous R&D programs, existing and further scalable trade infrastructure and finally, technically realizable adjustments at the end use points.

Impact: Who needs to Talk? Who needs to Act?

First the innovation ecosystem along the entire value chain has to cooperate with safety/classification companies to bring to the market scalable, proven, cost- effective and safe technologies that are acceptable by the wide public. Regulators need to consult stakeholders along the entire value chain to craft effective yet enabling policies, and finally, prospective producers need to interact with licensors, EPC and investors to effectively roll out these technologies that are part of the solution towards reaching the Agenda 2030 goals.

Our Round Tables discussed the importance of international collaboration in unlocking public and private investment for transport infrastructure along the Global Gateway transport corridors. The session addressed the specific challenges and opportunities associated with mobilizing private capital for transport projects in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies. It highlighted that investing in transport infrastructure not only addresses the infrastructure gap but also yields quantifiable benefits, such as boosting economic growth, enhancing connectivity and efficiency, and promoting environmental sustainability and resilience. Therefore, prioritizing investment in this critical area is essential for driving socioeconomic development and fostering resilience in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies.

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

Political Stability and Governance: Ensuring political stability and effective macroeconomic governance is crucial for reducing financial costs and facilitating the participation of private sector companies in infrastructure development. High levels of debt pose both political risks and diminish potential opportunities for public and private investments in infrastructure.

Funding Challenges: Addressing the massive funding challenge, particularly in projects with limited repayment capacity, is a critical concern, necessitating innovative financing mechanisms and risk-sharing arrangements.

Scaling Up and Complexity: Scaling up infrastructure development, especially in the diverse and complex transport sector, is a significant priority. This emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to expand project scope and impact.

Risk Allocation and Governance: Determining how to allocate risks, including climate factors, is an urgent issue. This underscores the importance of robust governance frameworks and risk-sharing mechanisms to address uncertainties and promote sustainability.

Idea: How can this problem be solved?

Stakeholder Engagement and Financing: Increasing support from international stakeholders and addressing specific financing needs within the sector can upscale private sector involvement. Institutionalizing capacity building and emphasizing basic public investments while attracting private sector participation are essential prerequisites for ensuring successful Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the future. Additional efforts in debt restructuring are required to improve macroeconomic governance.

Shifting the Financial Model towards Private Investment Attraction: Transitioning towards financial models that plan cities to attract private investment requires significant public sector involvement and capacity building. Technical assistance and public capacity building are vital for effectively engaging the private sector and reducing associated risks and costs.

Governance and Capacity Building: Enhancing governance capacities, both locally and nationally, is crucial to attract private sector participation and ensure sustainable infrastructure development.

Regulatory Environment and Collaboration: Developing a comprehensive regulatory environment and fostering long-term collaboration in PPPs are essential for managing risks effectively. Creating or refining tools and providing financial support during the initial operational years are also discussed strategies to enhance private sector engagement and manage risks, including climate-related risks.

Impact: Who needs to Talk? Who needs to Act?

Private Stakeholders: Both international and national private stakeholders play a crucial role in infrastructure development and investment.

Public Sector at National Level: The public sector at the national level, including the Ministries of Finance, Transportation, and Public Works, among others, is essential for policy-making and regulation.

Public Sector at Local Level: The public sector at the local level, comprising mayors, city councils, and implementing entities, is vital for executing and managing infrastructure projects.

Funding Hubs: Hubs that bring together various sources of funding and interests are critical for coordinating and maximizing investment efforts.

European Commission: The European Commission is a key player in providing regulatory guidance and financial support for infrastructure projects.

Development Finance Institutions (DFIs): Development Finance Institutions, such as Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), among others, are instrumental in offering financial assistance and expertise for development initiatives.

Currently, while sharing the primary objectives of ending extreme poverty and ensuring sustainable development, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) each have their own regional focus, mandates, and comparative advantages. Although their diversity offers certain strengths, effectively leveraging these complementarities requires better coordination. The present moment, especially considering the World Bank’s Evolution initiative, presents opportunities to initiate changes in how MDBs collaborate as a system and with other partners. Establishing coherent partnerships between MDBs and the United Nations (UN) and Financing for Development (FfD) ecosystems is a crucial lever to enhance the impact of their lending and technical assistance for local populations. Country-led platforms, as recommended by the G20 Independent Expert Group report, can be an effective instrument to strengthen collaboration and coordination among different stakeholders. For instance, Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs), already being implemented in more than 86 countries, aim to enhance such multi-stakeholder coordination.

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

The dialogues focused on several key challenges: What could effective partnerships between Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and the United Nations (UN) and Financing for Development (FfD) ecosystems at the country level look like? Which instruments and formats are crucial for successful cooperation at the country level? What role can country platforms and Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs) play in enhancing partnerships between MDBs and UN agencies/Resident Coordinators (RCs)? The conversations highlighted good practice examples of MDBs collaborating among themselves and with UN agencies at the country level. It identified specific needs and sectors for further joint engagement, particularly regarding the better mobilization of the private sector in challenging environments.

Idea: How can this problem be solved?

Coordination should be enhanced between Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), for instance, through information sharing to learn from each other and minimize risks. A coherent approach among MDBs is necessary, particularly regarding how to link vulnerability to concessional finance. The concept and measurement of development must be rethought. Credit ratings and country analytics are extremely valuable to private investors and banks, improving the effectiveness of lending instruments. To help reduce risks, co-financing, risk-sharing between banks, a diversified portfolio, and joint mechanisms enable a larger and more robust system. Focusing solely on the quantity of money has not been a successful strategy (as evidenced by the failure of the "billions to trillions" initiative). A new approach is needed. Private capital is vital, but public capital remains necessary in sectors where maximizing profit is not feasible. Country-level collaboration is crucial, and there is a strong interest in working more effectively on the ground with the United Nation.

Impact: Who needs to Talk? Who needs to Act?

To achieve the desired impact of ending extreme poverty and ensuring sustainable development, coordinated action is required from several key stakeholders. Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) must take the lead in leveraging their financial resources and technical expertise to support large-scale development projects, fostering collaboration among themselves to optimize their comparative advantages and regional focuses. Regional Development Banks need to align their efforts with MDBs and national priorities to address region-specific challenges and opportunities, ensuring that development initiatives are tailored to the unique needs of their respective regions. United Nations Agencies and Resident Coordinators play a crucial role in providing on-the-ground support and facilitating coordination among various development actors, bridging the gap between global objectives and local implementation. The Private Sector is vital for mobilizing additional resources and expertise, driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in development projects, and creating scalable and financially viable solutions. Effective partnerships among these stakeholders are necessary to maximize the impact of their efforts, including the development and implementation of frameworks such as Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs), which promote multi-stakeholder coordination and ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and transparently. The collaboration recommended by the G20 Independent Expert Group report and similar initiatives should be prioritized to strengthen these partnerships. By working together, these entities can create a synergistic effect, amplifying the impact of their individual efforts and achieving sustainable development goals more effectively.

Urbanization has led to a rise in travel demand, prompting cities to prioritize sustainable mobility solutions such as public transport, cycling, and walking. Nonetheless, the lack of integration between mobility and land-use planning has resulted in unsustainable urban sprawl and lengthy commutes, disproportionately impacting low-income residents. This necessitates a paradigm shift and coordinate efforts across various sectors. Despite its importance, road safety often receives inadequate attention. The Round Table convened experts from NGOs, research institutes, and the private sector across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Australia to reduce the challenges.

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

Each year, road traffic collisions claim the lives of 1.19 million individuals and leave 20 to 50 million others injured, many of whom sustain long-term disabilities. Furthermore, the economic toll of these accidents amounts to 3% of GDP for most nations (WHO, 2023). Despite these staggering statistics, the conventional approach to road safety, which predominantly focuses on automobiles, overlooks the significant risks faced by pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users. Remarkably, over 50% of vehicle-related fatalities occur within these vulnerable groups, especially in regions with limited car ownership. Moreover, individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected, particularly in areas where basic safety infrastructure such as sidewalks and bike lanes are lacking.

Idea: How can this problem be solved

Suggested actions to improve road safety include implementing integrated and innovative policies through good governance and collaborative processes, prioritizing alternative transport modes through strategic mass planning, and shifting focus from the vehicle's perspective to that of street users. Additionally, concentrating on road design, altering the business model of popular transport to discourage competition, and using technologies strategically are recommended. Furthermore, fostering public-private partnerships, focusing not only on building roads but also on safety spaces, and providing sufficient data and monitoring opportunities in low- and middle-income countries can help elevate this issue onto the high-level agenda.

Impact: Who needs to Talk? Who needs to Act?

Engage multidisciplinary teams consisting of road engineers, urban planners, citizens, psychologists, and anthropologists. Additionally, facilitate the exchange of practices and lessons learned from different initiative contexts, and highlight the co-creations of road safety and investment in alternative, non-car-oriented measures.

In Latin America today, paratransit services are booming, offering more flexibility and frequency than formal transport options. But what does this mean for the environment, road safety, and personal security? As transport costs burden the poorest and women encounter heightened risks, how can we address these challenges as it becomes paramount?

At our Round Table, we're diving into the role of informal transportation in Peru's mobility scene, sparking conversations on how it aligns with sustainability and social well-being.

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

In Peru, informal transport persists despite efforts to curb it. Profitability challenges and the need for fast travel impede progress. Where formal transit is lacking, motorcycle taxis step in. Urgent priorities include allocating road space, simplifying fares, recognizing services like motorcycle taxis, and securing livelihoods for operators. Additionally, the transport sector is crucial for many workers' incomes.

Idea: How can this problem be solved?

Achieving widespread adoption of new technologies such as e-mobility relies on optimizing profitability for private operators and providing subsidies for public transport. The pivotal initial step involves refocusing decision-makers' attention and co-creating strategies to effectively address the various facets of informality.

Impact: Who needs to Talk? Who needs to Act?

Ongoing dialogues within the public sector is essential. At the national level, active participation of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) through line directorates, such as the General Directorate of Policies, Road Safety, and PROMOVILIDAD, along with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), and local governments, is required. Additionally, collaboration with academia, civil society, and transport operators is vital for effective coordination and achieving our SDG objectives.

Nigeria faces economic challenges due to issues related to governance and operational effectiveness. With a population exceeding 220 million, Nigeria is acknowledged as a significant economic force within the African continent. Systemic governance challenges hinder sustainable development both domestically and internationally. The Round Table, comprising 16 participants from diverse sectors, underscored the urgent need for government intervention to foster sustainable economic growth and proposed actionable solution.

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

The ongoing conversation highlights three critical challenges within Nigeria's economic landscape. To begin, the rampant insecurity poses a significant threat to businesses, leading to substantial losses in investment and impeding economic growth. For instance, the surge in armed conflict and kidnappings severely disrupts the transportation of goods and services, hampering economic activity across regions. Additionally, the informal sector, which accounts for a staggering 91.5% of employment and makes a substantial contribution to GDP, remains marginalized and deprived of essential resources. This neglect is evident in the lack of social security, health insurance, and access to finance for workers in this sector. Lastly, pervasive corruption and government opacity exacerbate economic challenges, as evidenced by irregularities in public tenders that undermine trust in governance and deter investor confidence. Addressing these pressing issues is paramount for Nigeria's economic growth and stability.

Idea: How can this problem be solved?

Among the potential approaches are: Primo, strengthening the national security architecture and public service delivery framework to mitigate state vulnerabilities, social risks and political uncertainty. Secundo, governments should develop formalization programs for the informal sector, providing social security, upskilling, access to finance to lift millions of people out of poverty. Tertio, government transparency and anti-corruption efforts can be addressed by inclusiveness of key stakeholders in co-creating and implementing economic policies. Additionally, government accountability for prudent financial management should be a prerequisite for accessing loans and grants, particularly from International Financial Institutions (IMF, World Bank, etc.). Moreover, IFIs and the International Donor Community should insist on adherence to global governance standards before disbursing high loans. 

Impact: Who needs to Talk? Who needs to Act?

Government, private sector, civil society, and academia must collaborate effectively to confront the challenges and drive sustainable economic growth.

Three round tables were held to discuss and identify possible solutions:

Round Table One: Safety and Comfort

We engaged in an enriching dialogue on creating safe and comfortable public spaces for all individuals. Central to our discussions was the importance of combatting sexual harassment through robust data analysis and fostering a sense of shared responsibility among genders.

Round Table Two: Mobility Patterns

Participants delved into the diverse mobility needs within our communities, emphasizing the integration of gender perspectives into transportation planning. We discussed the critical need for data disaggregation and the support for initiatives tailored to address the specific challenges faced by women in transportation.

Round Table Three: Inclusive Strategies and Policies

Our focus shifted to implementing comprehensive measures aimed at improving women's travel experiences and ensuring equitable access to transportation rights. From designing inclusive infrastructure to advocating for gender-sensitive policies, there was a shared commitment to creating safe and inclusive public spaces for all individuals.

A film with impressions about that meeting can be found here. (Spanish with English subtitles)

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

In addressing Safety and Comfort concerns, it is imperative to enhance infrastructure by installing street lighting and standardized information signage at bus stops. Additionally, implementing guidelines to prevent harassment and improving the quality standards of transportation units through panic buttons and driver training are essential steps to increase awareness of shared responsibility for passenger safety.

For understanding Mobility Patterns, it is crucial to introduce gender-based policies within the transportation sector. This entails developing and implementing guidelines to ensure women's active participation as users, operators, and decision-makers in transportation projects.

In crafting Inclusive Strategies and Policies, collaboration between federal and local governments is vital for budget allocation and competency enhancement. Establishing specialized committees for gender perspectives within institutions and collaborating with NGOs and international organizations to exchange best practices are also key. Utilizing databases effectively is essential for generating new information to inform strategic planning.

Impact: Who needs to Talk? Who needs to Act?

Federal and local governments should prioritize communication, data sharing, and community involvement in policy redesign. Additionally, the private sector plays a crucial role in introducing best practices in mobility, alongside providing funding and training for operators and staff, who can serve as drivers for change within their respective fields and workplaces. Moreover, integrating a gender perspective within the academic sector is essential, as they engage with the next generation of students.

The Round Table, held during the 60th Munich Security Conference, brought together policymakers, international leaders, and AI innovators to discuss using technology to improve global food security. The main objective was to promote the use of AI in tackling food security challenges caused by geopolitical tensions, economic issues, and climate change. The discussions highlighted the need for public-private partnerships to develop and expand reliable AI models for food security. The aim was to create a shared understanding of the risks and opportunities of AI in this field, leading to new initiatives.

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

To fortify food security through AI, establishing a governance model is essential to instill trust by clearly defining legal boundaries and facilitating the capital interest for sustainable food system transformation. The AI potential in the global food industry is significant, offering opportunities to enhance monitoring, scale sustainable production solutions, strengthen supply chains, and boost overall efficiency. 

Idea: How can this problem be solved?

To solve the challenges, it is essential to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including government entities, international institutions, industry experts, farmers, technology innovators, and civil society representatives, ensuring inclusive perspectives and buy-in from all relevant parties. Facilitating workshops and forums for policy co-creation allows these stakeholders to collaborate on developing comprehensive, transparent, and inclusive governance models. Addressing legal and ethical considerations involves defining legal boundaries, safeguarding data privacy, and establishing accountability mechanisms to mitigate potential risks and harms. Additionally, attracting capital investment through public-private partnerships, incentive structures, and investment policies can prioritize sustainable and equitable outcomes, fortifying the food system through AI.

Impact: Who needs to Talk? Who needs to Act?

Policymakers, regulators, corporate leaders, and AI technology experts need to talk with the aim of clustering legal objectives based on various AI technologies.  

Innovation acts as a catalyst for change, enabling global society to revolutionise established practices. During a roundtable discussion in January, co-hosted by Bayer AG at the prestigious Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), stakeholders engaged in in-depth discussions on the pressing challenges and transformative potential of breakthrough innovations in reshaping the agricultural landscape. The dialogues explored innovative technologies, strategies and collaborative initiatives to move the agricultural sector towards a sustainable and resilient future.

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

The key issue is how to harness innovation to boost food production, safeguard biodiversity, and address climate change all at once. However, despite innovative solutions existing, widespread adoption faces various challenges. These range from regulatory barriers to technological constraints and financial limitations.

In addition, cultural and behavioral factors act as barriers to adopting innovative practices. Navigating through the impediments is essential, as it is crucial to fully harnessing the transformative impact of innovation in agricultural conversations.

Idea: How can this problem be solved?

Successfully addressing this challenge requires implementing tailored innovations in climate-smart agriculture, covering aspects such as financing, risk management, tradition, and value chains. Utilizing data and digital technologies is crucial, along with customizing solutions to local agricultural conditions. Direct-seeded rice cultivation is an example of this approach, demonstrating reduced water usage, enhanced soil health, up to a 35% reduction in CO2 emissions, and positive returns on investment.

Impact: Who needs to Talk? Who needs to Act?

The collaborative process of co-creating innovation and facilitating implementation is essential and requires a strong commitment from different sectors such as public, private and civil society to work together in a multi-stakeholder framework.

In 2021, the Harvard Business Review declared Kenya as the upcoming „Global Hub of FinTech Innovation“. Round Table discussed the Fintech sector in Kenya as an example for the interdependence of local entrepreneurship and international financing.

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

Despite SMEs in Africa are at the heart of developing countries’ entrepreneurship, the shortage of capital is still the major growth deterrent for them, restricting their ability to create jobs, pay taxes, and provide goods and services.

Idea: How can this problem be solved?

Within the spectrum of possible solutions could be, firstly, a robust focus on job creation and employment, aiming for a simultaneous inclusion of 1 million new workers annually in Kenya along with a total of 30 million across Africa. Secondly, innovative ways to build credibility beyond traditional collaterals, i.e. local innovators create trust-based micro-credit systems, allowing micro-entrepreneurs to start small and enhance credibility by following established rules.

Impact: Who needs to Talk? Who needs to Act?

Addressing, integrating and activating more women is seen as one common goal in the area of finance. Furthermore, youth organisations and people with disabilities need to be part of such discussions.

The global transport sector, responsible for nearly 25% of energy-related CO2 emissions, gains prominence in climate negotiations. 3 noteworthy Round Table Sessions took place during the CCG Transport Day at the UAE COP28, having captured the core of the Data-to-Deal approach in the realm of transportation.  

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

Developing Economies have lower transport-related carbon footprints than HICs. Net-zero strategies are crucial for an inclusive transition, ensuring that no one is marginalized in the process, yet challenges of "just decarbonisation" persist, particularly in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies. 3 significant aspects were put on the agenda. Primo, weak regulation policies to informal transport, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Secundo, insufficient access to open transport data and models impedes informed decision-making for policy actions and sustainable investments. Tertio, the need to align climate finance with greener transport development.  

Idea: How can this problem be solved?

There is a panoply of possible measures: improving informal transport services and facilitating its integration into the NDCs; enabling open access to data and tools by strengthening regional and global initiatives, such as the ADB Asian Transport Outlook (ATO), the Transport Data Commons Initiative (TDCI), and the Transport Decarbonisation Index (TDI); aggregate procurement of clean vehicles (e.g. Indian Electric Bus Initiative); introducing new instruments (e.g. Blended Finance Vehicles); developing more bankable projects; establishing smaller-scale funds for active mobility; ensuring more transparency through finance tracking. 

Impact: Who needs to Talk? Who needs to Act?

It is necessary to engage Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) for both long-term investment programs and smaller-scale funds; involve international stakeholders and donor organisations; strengthen dialogue with private sector, development partners and national/city government; support local operators and workers.  

The Round Table took place at SotM Africa, having engaged the key urban mobility players in Yaoundé, specifically the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MINHDU) and the Yaoundé Urban Community (CUY).

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

Improving sustainable urban mobility in Cameroon is imperative, with the lack of road infrastructure and paratransit challenges constituting three major interconnected hurdles for the country’s economic, social, and environmental development. Despite existing measures to mitigate the negative impacts on air quality, climate, and citizen well-being, the fulfillment of these actions still faces obstacles, such as a shortage of funding, insufficient technical capacity, and resistance to behavioural change.

Idea: How can this problem be solved?

The primary approach is to implement current National and Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (NUMP and SUMP) in cities like Yaoundé and Douala. Key projects include the medium-term implementation of mass public transport (BRT), improvements to road infrastructure, and the fight against air pollution.

Impact: Who needs to Talk? Who needs to Act?

Government ministries should enforce policies, collaborate, and allocate resources to turn sustainable urban mobility into reality. Local governments should prioritize effective urban planning and infrastructure investment. Private sector engagement brings valuable resources and knowledge, while operators should be aware of their impact on society and the environment.

An exclusive EIB High-Level Round Table Dinner took place at Landesvertretung Hamburg in Berlin by invitation of Association for Latin America (the LAV) and Agency for Economy and Development (AWE).

Issue: What is the most urgent problem to address?

The pivotal objective is to realign the economy towards a socio-ecological orientation. This implies reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing digitalization in both the energy (SDG 7) and the mobility (SDG 11) sectors. Furthermore, it is critically important to ensure universal and equitable access to clean drinking water (SDG 6), and to guarantee the sustainable procurement and utilization of raw materials (SDG 12).

Idea: How can this problem be solved?

The most promising solution is a shift towards value-based international partnerships (SDG 17). Fostering strategic alliances with the private sector, scientific organisations, and other multilateral institutions is essential to effectively tackle global challenges.

Impact: Who needs to Talk? Who needs to Act?

Firstly, international and multilateral approaches are crucial not only between the economy and politics but also through collaboration with science, civil society actors, trade unions, multilateral institutions such as development banks. Secondly, there is a pressing need for cooperation on equal footing with developing and emerging countries, emphasizing the formation of partnerships with local actors, including NGOs and local authorities.

Africa Policy Roundtable on International Financial Architecture Governance Reform | Mozambique