FAO Honors Mendoza and Newcastle with First Green Cities Initiative Awards

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations on July 26, 2024, awarded Mendoza in Argentina and Newcastle in the United Kingdom its first Green Cities Initiative Awards during a special event for the Green Cities Initiative (GCI). These newly established awards honor cities that collaborate with the FAO and embrace the GCI’s vision of vibrant and inclusive urban areas where green and productive spaces promote climate resilience, biodiversity, social cohesion, and economic prosperity. 

Awards were presented at FAO's headquarters in Rome during the 9th World Forest Week and the concluding day of the 27th Session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO 27). This biennial event gathers high-level representatives, heads of forest services, government officials, and partner organizations to identify emerging policies and trends, discuss solutions and technical guidance, and advise on future strategy and action.

In the category of Green Cities Initiative Youth Engagement, Newcastle, UK, was recognized for its comprehensive proposal to engage youth in green city initiatives. The city hosts an annual Youth Climate Summit focusing on nature and the bioeconomy, empowering the youth to participate in activities that make the city more environmentally friendly. Innovative projects generated by these events receive municipal support, and the establishment of a Youth Council is central to Newcastle's climate strategy, contributing significantly to the city’s vision of becoming greener. 

Mendoza, Argentina, received the Green Cities Initiative Innovation Award for its pioneering metropolitan governance through the creation of UNICIPIO, a Public Policy Coordination Council for the Metropolitan Area of Mendoza. This council addresses environmental and social challenges at the metropolitan level, facilitating the development of urban forestry projects, policies, and management strategies.

These initiatives include a digital platform and actively involve citizens and students in their implementation.