The ARISE Cities Forum 2026 concluded in New Delhi on October 28, 2026, with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on Local Action for Global Climate Goals. The two-day forum, held on October 27-28, 2026 at the India Habitat Centre, was organized by ICLEI South Asia in collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), with support from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.
The forum brought together more than 200 participants from over 50 cities across 18+ countries, primarily focusing on urban voices from the Global South. The theme "From Bharat to Antalya — Commit. Implement. Deliver" emphasized collaboration, sustainability, resilience, and equity in driving climate action through measurable, locally driven initiatives. The event comprised three technical plenaries and 14 technical sessions.
The Delhi Declaration 2026 represents a united call by cities and local governments across the Global South for stronger multilevel collaboration and recognition as indispensable partners in global climate governance. The declaration sets out ten shared commitments that will be carried forward to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. These include advancing the global climate agenda from Pre-COP31 to COP31, accelerating adaptation and synergies across conventions, advancing circularity through cooperation, achieving an energy transition outcome that recognizes subnational delivery, prioritizing ambitious just transitions, institutionalizing multilevel climate finance, upholding independent science and data systems, creating a systematic joint space for multilevel action, championing Global South climate urban leadership, and strengthening youth and community leadership in climate action.
The closing ceremony featured addresses by several dignitaries including H.E. Ali Murat Ersoy, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to India, who emphasized the alignment of Turkey's host priorities with the Indian approach to climate action anchored in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Pravesh Wahi, Hon'ble Mayor of Delhi, acknowledged ICLEI South Asia's support in promoting public transport, expanding the electric bus fleet, and improving last-mile connectivity in Delhi. The ceremony also marked the launch of the Delhi Biodiversity Map developed by ICLEI South Asia.
The declaration emphasizes integrated local action, a just clean energy transition, accessible finance, and meaningful community participation, reflecting the priorities discussed during the forum. With 2026 marking a 'Triple COP' year, the declaration gains added significance as a call for coordinated action across climate, biodiversity, and land agendas, recognizing the interconnected challenges cities face.