As cities continue to grow and evolve, moving people and goods in reliable, efficient, and inclusive ways has never been more essential. The United Nations has emphasized a staggering $2.5-trillion investment gap that poses a significant hurdle in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals across all indicators. Within this context, cities have a unique opportunity to help drive meaningful change. City officials, working together with private sector innovators—through open-innovation calls, hackathons, challenges, or other mechanisms that attract entrepreneurship for targeted transformative mobility solutions—can address localized challenges and bring about tangible socioeconomic and environmental impacts.

In this webinar, we will first explore the contemporary landscape of transportation challenges faced by cities worldwide. Our primary focus will be on the role of providing safe, green, and sustainable access to opportunities, whether economic, social, or otherwise, for residents from all walks of life. Subsequently, we will delve into two example cases that demonstrate successful city-private sector partnerships, showcasing how they have catalyzed and helped address urban mobility issues in cities of Brazil and India.

Speakers:

  • Felipe Ramirez, Director of Urban Mobility, WRI
  • Simony César, CEO and Founder, NINA
  • Victor Macedo, Vice President of Cittinova, Fortaleza Foundation of Science, Technology and Innovation
  • Sudeept Maiti, Associate Director and Head of Integrated Transport Program, WRI India
  • Kathy Nothstine, Head of Future Cities, Challenge Works
  • Trey Ingram, Program Manager, Toyota Mobility Foundation

Moderator:

  • Guillermo Petzhold, Urban Mobility Coordinator, WRI Brasil

The $9-million Toyota Mobility Foundation Sustainable Cities Challenge is currently open for submissions from cities globally to attract innovators and address mobility barriers. The open call to cities is available on YouTube. Interested cities can register for a Challenge Lab and/or one-on-one sessions for any inquiries.