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About the Cities Network

About the Cities Network
Panoramic view of a city with tall buildings and trees. Urban Development - Inter-American Development Bank - IDB


 

Who is part of the Network?



 

The Network is made up of more than 200 cities from Latin America and the Caribbean, which together make up a population of 160 million people. Most of them are intermediate and metropolitan cities with a high rate of urban growth. Created within the Housing and Urban Development Division of the IDB's Climate Change and Sustainable Development Sector, the Network is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the New Urban Agenda (Habitat III), the Paris Agreement, and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). In addition, it works with other networks, such as Mercociudades and C40.
Why a Network?

As the primary catalysts of economic and societal progress within the region, cities across Latin America and the Caribbean are rapidly evolving into sprawling metropolitan hubs. These dynamic centers attract populations, essential services, and critical infrastructure, amplifying the intricate web of challenges they must confront, ranging from environmental sustainability to complex social issues.

OUR ROLE

The IDB Cities Network provides the framework, network, technical assistance, knowledge, cooperation, and tools for cities to promote equitable, sustainable and innovative public policies, and urban developments.  Our role is to:​

  • Foster opportunities to exchange experiences and knowledge between cities.​
  • Connect local governments with IDB Specialists, the private and academic sector. ​
  • Disseminate the IDB’s knowledge products, tools and experiences​

 

Our strategic vision focuses on the following thematic topics: productivity of cities, climate change, innovation, and inclusion.

Topics

Discover the topics in which we work to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean.
 

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Country Offices

Explore our offices across countries and the work they do to improve lives.

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