Congratulations to Istanbul, Turkey and Sunderland, UK - the newly crowned Global Winners of this year's One Planet City Challenge! Certainly a feat to be acknowledged and celebrated considering the many impressive contestents for these highly sought after positions.  

OPCC cities globally are showing the world what can be achieved in sustainability at a time when that goal has never been more critical. As global winners, Istanbul and Sunderland, are inspirations to other cities to commit to meaningful and ambitious climate action.

The cities were measured against rigorous criteria that included: ambitious climate targets, bold leadership, ability to meet upcoming challenges, and a holistic climate action plan that is well balanced towards their goals. 

The jury was impressed by Sunderland's ambitious, multi-dimensional, and well-balanced approach to climate action, across all sectors. The city's comprehensive Climate Action Plan sets a target for carbon neutrality by 2040 and includes seven strategic priorities covering items such as green infrastructure, climate resilience, flood risk management, and data-enabled mitigation. The innovative “Shadow Board” highlights inclusive decision-making and offers a model for other cities to replicate.

The unique challenges posed by Istanbul's metropolitan structure and complex political context, while also facing an influx of political refugees, was noted by the jury. The city was commended for effectively leveraging international support to benefit its residents and the environment. Its climate action plan addresses both mitigation and adaptation, focusing on energy demand, efficiency, and transportation, and showcases initiatives aimed at "building back better". 

Peñalolén, Chili, the winner of the OPCC Legends category was also prestent to receive their well-deserved award. Professor David Simon, a long-time member of the OPCC high-level jury presented the awards to the winning cities who were acknowledged in conjunction with the World Urban Forum in Cairo at the beginning of November. 

22 Global Finalists from the previous OPCC round were invited to join a special category designed to accelerate action and ambition among leading cities. We compared previously reported data with this year's report to evaluate whether continued progress was being made toward meeting ambitious targets. 

These OPCC Legends were also invited to join WWF-led knowledge sharing activities which confirmed how cities face many of the same challenges despite varying circumstances, and  how much they can learn from each other's experiences.  

NATIONAL FINALISTS 2024

Congratulations to the following cities on their selection as finalists in their respective countries. These cities will now be reviewed by the OPCC international jury of urban experts to identify the National and Global Winners of the One Planet City Challenge 2024. 

Cities drive global GDP and generate the majority of the world’s carbon emissions. Cities are also the place where the rubber meets the road when it comes to climate action. When urban citizens want action, it is usually their  locally elected officials they turn to first – city officials have both the mandate and the influence to answer the call for climate action

Cities are where multiple, interlinked issues come into play, and where climate change solutions can be tried and tested. Cities can provide the world with much needed hope, ingenuity, and creativity.

• Support in setting science-based targets that reflect Paris Agreement goals.
• Customized feedback report on each city’s alignment with the Paris Agreement and assessment of their climate work including:
  • Support in understanding and structuring your overall climate performance
  • Guidance on science-based targets
• Collaboration with leading city networks including the Global Covenant of Mayors, ICLEI, C40 and CDP.
• Recognition of achievements on WWF and partners’ communications channels.
• All OPCC finalists are invited to participate in the We Love Cities public engagement campaign. 
• Toolbox with guidance on design of a climate action package and educational materials aimed at increasing public participation and involvement.
• Opportunity to tap into available WWF programs on capacity-building, urban nature-based solutions, transport, waste, food and more.