Linking cities to finance: assisting cities to finance their priority urban infrastructure investments

The New Urban Agenda can only be realized with decisive actions in cities. Implementation of these actions hinges on an innovative and effective financing framework which allows cities to have access to resources to realize their priority urban infrastructure projects. However till date local governments face the challenge of mobilizing the resources needed. As such there is a lot of work to be done in order to create enabling national frameworks; improve urban financial management and creditworthiness; address financial market deficits and strengthen local capacities for the preparation and implementation of better and bankable urban infrastructure projects. This networking event will provide a platform to exchange views and experiences on the strategies required to ensure cities have the funds for their priority projects and contribute to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. Some of the key questions which will be addressed during the networking event include: · What are the most pressing challenges for financing local actions? · What role can the various stakeholders play in promoting investments at the local level? · Which good practices can be shared to inspire others? · What are the key factors for enabling local governments to diversify their funding resources? While a diverse group of speakers representing different levels of governments, as well as private sector and multi-lateral financing agencies, will share their thoughts on the above mentioned topics, substantial time will be allocated to ensure participants can raise their concerns and share experiences related to linking cities to financing.