Launch of the Green Cities initiative in Cameroon Opening Remarks

Excellences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to be here for the launch of the Green Cities Initiative in Cameroon.

As our world becomes increasingly urbanized - with two thirds of the world’s population expected to live in cities by 2050 - urban areas are facing major challenges.

Municipalities are at the frontline of citizens’ expectations to improve their livelihoods and well-being, from accessing nutritious foods, adequate water, energy, and housing, while also addressing multiple challenges such as the impacts of the climate crisis, environment degradation, waste management and urban inequality, among others.

That is why FAO launched the Green Cities Initiative in 2020.

The Initiative envisions vibrant, resilient, and inclusive cities where urban green infrastructures catalyze climate resilience, social cohesion, and economic prosperity. It reconciles citizens with nature and bridges the gap between urban and rural areas.

This initiative also boosts the sustainable development of cities by increasing the availability and access to goods and ecosystem services provided by urban and peri-urban forestry and agriculture, and by scaling-up bio-economies.

At regional level, and in response to the unprecedented growth of African cities and population, FAO rolled out the Green Cities Regional Action Programme for Africa to reach 300 cities by 2030. And at global level: with 100 cities currently participating, we aim to reach 1000 by 2030.

Today, I am pleased to welcome the first seven cities in Cameroon to join the FAO Green Cities network. Half the country’s population lives in the capital city Yaoundé and in Douala, both of which have already benefited from FAO programmes on circular economy and urban gardens that strengthened organic waste management, food production and accessibility. 

With the Letters of Intent we have signed, FAO looks forward to supporting your municipalities with innovative actions on the ground with impact to be upscaled and expanded.

I am confident that together we can make them greener, healthier, and more sustainable through among others expanding urban forestry and agriculture and creation of green jobs for the youth.

Through this initiative, FAO facilitates city-to-city cooperation and cross-cutting partnerships, such as for example with UN-Habitat, and we also support critical data analysis and knowledge sharing, as well as resource mobilization with donors, and joint implementation.

But we need to work more and better together with all partners to ensure increased engagement and to explore ways to transform urban agrifood systems. We also need to ensure policy coherence at urban and national levels and mobilize the required investments. 

Dear Colleagues and Green Cities Champions,

The support of local governments is essential, and you have a crucial role to play in your cities. Together, we can move faster to build greener cities across Africa, leaving no one behind.Together, can we rethink and reshape our cities.

Thank you for your engagement and welcome to the FAO Green Cities Initiative!