The FAO Green Cities Network is a global community of cities committed to transforming urban spaces through integrated approaches that deliver economic, social and environmental benefits. It focuses on urban and peri-urban forestry, urban and peri-urban agriculture, and sustainable bioeconomy. The network connects over 300 cities, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building to create greener, healthier, more inclusive and resilient urban environments.
The network is led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations under its Green Cities Initiative (GCI), launched in 2020. FAO aims to support 1 000 cities by 2030 to enhance the well-being of people and the planet. The initiative directly contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals, including zero hunger, good health, sustainable cities, climate action, and life on land.
FAO Green Cities Network Benefits
- Increasing international visibility as a sustainability-oriented city
- Receiving tailored technical assistance from FAO and its partners
- Accessing green and climate financing opportunities
- Sharing solutions and learning from peer cities
- Accessing tools for green planning, implementation and monitoring
FAO Green Cities Network Eligibility Criteria
- Open to all cities committed to putting people at the centre of green, inclusive and resilient urban transformation
- Cities must align with FAO’s work to advance sustainability, increase climate resilience and reduce inequalities
- Commitment to implementing urban forestry and green spaces, urban and peri-urban agriculture, and sustainable bioeconomy
- Commitment to integrating green spaces, sustainable bioeconomy and agrifood systems in urban and territorial development
- Willingness to engage in a process of continuous learning and improvement through exchanges with peer cities and FAO
How to Apply for FAO Green Cities Network?
- Complete the online application form on the FAO Green Cities Network website
- Designate an official focal point for coordination with FAO
- Successful applicant cities receive official admission and access to tools, events, and training
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the FAO Green Cities Network. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, the application process, and what to expect after joining.
What is the FAO Green Cities Network?
The FAO Green Cities Network is a global community of cities committed to green, inclusive and resilient urban transformation. It promotes integrated solutions in urban forestry, urban agriculture, and sustainable bioeconomy. Currently over 300 cities benefit from the initiative, and the network serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, technical support, and collaboration.
Why should my city join the network?
Member cities gain international visibility, tailored technical assistance from FAO and its partners, access to green and climate financing opportunities, and the ability to share solutions and learn from peer cities. They also receive planning, implementation and monitoring tools to accelerate sustainable urban development.
Who is eligible to join?
All cities committed to people-centred green transformation can apply. Eligibility requires a commitment to urban forestry, green spaces, urban and peri-urban agriculture, and sustainable bioeconomy, as well as integrating these into urban planning and engaging in continuous learning with FAO and other member cities.
Is there a cost to join?
No, membership is completely free. There are no fees associated with joining the network or accessing the tools, events, training, and cooperation opportunities provided to member cities.
How can my city apply?
Cities can apply by completing the online application form available on the FAO Green Cities Network website. The form must be submitted with details about the city’s commitment and intended focal point. Successful applicants receive official admission.
What happens after we submit the application?
FAO reviews the application. Approved cities receive official admission to the network and gain immediate access to tools, events, training and collaboration opportunities. Documentation from the application helps FAO track engagement, monitor progress, and tailor support.
What kind of support do member cities receive?
Member cities receive tailored technical assistance from FAO and its partners, access to green and climate financing opportunities, tools for green planning and monitoring, and opportunities to share solutions and learn from other cities in the network.
How long does the membership last?
There is no fixed end date for membership. Cities remain part of the network as long as they continue to meet the commitments. FAO monitors progress and engagement to ensure continued alignment with the initiative’s goals.
Can universities or researchers join?
The network is designed for cities and municipalities. Academics and researchers interested in the Green Cities Initiative can connect with FAO through the dedicated Forum page, where collaboration and knowledge exchange opportunities are available.
How is the network related to the SDGs?
The FAO Green Cities Network contributes directly to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 3 (good health), SDG 11 (sustainable cities), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 15 (life on land). Its integrated approach addresses multiple goals simultaneously.
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