FAO Green Cities Network Opens Applications for Cities and Municipalities Worldwide

The FAO Green Cities Network, established under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Green Cities Initiative, offers cities and municipalities an opportunity to join a global community working to make urban areas greener, healthier, more inclusive and resilient.

The Network currently includes more than 300 cities, including cities affiliated through the joint FAO and Arbor Day Foundation Tree Cities of the World initiative.

What Is the FAO Green Cities Network?

The FAO Green Cities Network is a global community of cities committed to transforming urban spaces through integrated approaches that generate economic, social and environmental benefits.

The Network is at the centre of the FAO Green Cities Initiative, which began in 2020 and aims to generate tangible improvements in people’s health and well-being and the surrounding environment in 1,000 cities by 2030.

Key Areas of Focus

The Network promotes integrated solutions across three main areas:

1. Urban and Peri-Urban Forestry

This focuses on increasing and improving trees, forests and green spaces within and around cities.

2. Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture

Cities can explore approaches that integrate food production into urban and surrounding environments.

3. Sustainable Bioeconomy

The Network also promotes sustainable approaches to using biological resources while supporting environmental and economic objectives.

Why Should Cities Join?

Cities and municipalities that join the FAO Green Cities Network can become part of a global community of practice.

The Network provides opportunities to:

Exchange knowledge with other cities
Connect with cities around the world
Access support from FAO and its partners
Share experiences and innovative approaches
Learn from successful urban greening initiatives
Strengthen collaboration between cities
Contribute to more sustainable and resilient urban development

The initiative is designed to support cities on their journey towards becoming greener, healthier, more inclusive and resilient.

Who Can Join?

The opportunity is specifically open to cities and municipalities interested in joining the FAO Green Cities Network.

The source also provides a separate pathway for academics and researchers interested in the Green Cities Initiative. Researchers are directed to the Network’s Forum page to learn how they can connect with the initiative.

Global Network of More Than 300 Cities

The FAO Green Cities Network has already grown into a substantial international community.

More than 300 cities are currently benefiting from the initiative, including cities associated with the FAO and Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Cities of the World programme.

This provides participating cities with an opportunity to learn from urban authorities implementing greening initiatives in different parts of the world.

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

The FAO Green Cities Network contributes directly to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In particular, the initiative supports:

SDG 2 — Zero Hunger
SDG 3 — Good Health and Well-being
SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13 — Climate Action
SDG 15 — Life on Land

Through city-to-city collaboration and knowledge exchange, the Network also recognizes cities that demonstrate innovative and successful approaches to urban greening.

How Cities Can Join

Cities and municipalities interested in becoming part of the Network can apply to join the global community of practice.

The FAO Green Cities team is available to assist cities with the joining process.

Interested cities can contact:

Email: Green-Cities-Network@fao.org

Final Thoughts

The FAO Green Cities Network provides cities and municipalities with an opportunity to collaborate internationally on urban sustainability, agriculture, forestry and the development of greener communities.

With more than 300 cities already benefiting from the initiative, joining the Network can provide municipalities with opportunities to exchange knowledge, connect with international peers and access support from FAO and its partners.

Cities interested in participating should explore the Network and contact the FAO Green Cities team for information on the application process.

SEO Keywords: FAO Green Cities Network, FAO Green Cities Initiative, Green Cities Network 2026, Green Cities Network 2027, FAO opportunities for cities, urban sustainability opportunities, sustainable cities programme, FAO cities programme, urban agriculture opportunities, urban forestry programme, green cities initiative Africa, sustainable urban development, climate resilient cities, FAO urban agriculture, FAO urban forestry, sustainable bioeconomy, city climate action programmes, opportunities for municipalities, global cities network, urban greening initiatives, sustainable cities and communities, FAO environmental programmes, United Nations cities initiative, green cities opportunities, urban development programmes.

APPLY NOW