Hawaiʻi County selected for Cities Forward program, promotes urban sustainability

Hawaiʻi County was handpicked as one of 12 municipalities nationwide to participate in the Cities Forward program, an initiative that seeks to foster urban sustainability on a global scale.

The program is designed to empower cities across the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean in their journey toward crafting resilient, inclusive and sustainable futures. Participating municipalities are equipped to tackle pressing urban challenges head-on through project consultation, co-design, and the exchange of knowledge.

Hawai’i County was picked among a pool of 129 applications from cities across the Americas and will be paired with Fortaleza, Brasil.

“Our administration continues to build partnerships to help ensure the sustainability of our island home, which, to us, means forging an island that allows our keiki every opportunity to live and thrive here for generations,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “That’s why we’re thrilled to have received the honor of this partnership and look forward to collaborating with states and nations across the globe who share similar goals. A thriving community cannot be achieved alone, as a rising tide lifts all ships. We look forward to embarking on this journey with Fortaleza and collectively shaping a brighter, more resilient future for our communities together.”

Through Hawaiʻi County’s participation, the county aims not only to celebrate the wisdom of Hawaiʻi’s indigenous practices but also to bring back the most cutting-edge solutions the global community has to offer regarding social, economic and environmental resiliency.

The program is a collaborative endeavor involving the U.S. Department of State, the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives- Local Governments for Sustainability, Resilient Cities Catalyst and the Institute of the Americas.

For more information about the Cities Forward program, visit https://icleiusa.org/cities-forward/.