About BCRUP
Launched by Kenya, on behalf of the world, at the UN in 2019
BCRUP was launched by the Government of Kenya on behalf of the global community during the UN Climate Action Summit in New York in 2019, in response to the escalating climate crisis. It sits under the Infrastructure, Cities and Local Action (ICLA) track of the UN climate agenda.
The United Nations asked Kenya to lead the formulation of BCRUP, with UN-Habitat mandated to provide technical support throughout. Brazil then joined, mobilising support across Latin America, where urban communities face similar climate risks.
Global, regional and local partners came together in that process, which ended in the official launch of BCRUP in New York.
Closing the gap for the people most exposed
Urban poor communities are hit hardest by climate change, yet are often left out of planning, finance and decision-making. BCRUP puts people, equity and resilience at the heart of urban climate action.
People-centred development
Solutions driven by and for the people most affected by climate change.
Equity and climate justice
Fair access to resources and protection, regardless of income, gender, age or ability.
Sustainability
Sound, viable and inclusive approaches for today's cities and the next generation.
Partnership and collaboration
Governments, civil society, communities and the private sector, working as one.
Evidence-based decisions
Data, research and community knowledge to direct resources where they matter most.
Capacity and empowerment
Lasting skills so cities and communities lead their own resilience journeys.
Climate-resilient cities for all
Inclusive, safe and climate-resilient cities where the urban poor are empowered to withstand, adapt to and recover from climate shocks and stresses, with sustainable livelihoods and a better quality of life.
Resilience for the urban poor
To strengthen the climate resilience of the urban poor through people-centred, inclusive and sustainable urban development: climate-responsive planning, resilient infrastructure, capacity building, partnerships and access to climate finance.
From a UN mandate to implementation at scale
Global climate commitment
The Paris Agreement sets the 1.5°C goal and lays the foundation for climate adaptation worldwide.
Origin and global mandate
BCRUP is launched as one of 41 global climate action initiatives at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York.
Global disruption
COVID-19 slows implementation and puts activities on hold.
Regrouping and momentum
At Africities, Kenya and UCLG-Africa agree to move BCRUP from engagement to implementation.
Formalisation and continental recognition
MoU between Kenya and UCLG-Africa, AMCEN recognition, the Implementation Strategy at the Africa Climate Summit, and the 10-year plan (2024 to 2034) launched at Expo City Dubai.
Readiness and partnerships
Continental workshop in Naivasha; flagship status at the African Urban Forum; support at WUF12 in Cairo and COP29 in Baku.
Climate finance dialogue
Regional readiness concept note submitted; Kenya and Brazil co-host a high-level BCRUP dialogue at COP30 in Belém.
Towards implementation at scale
Africa Urban Forum II in Nairobi, the Regional Readiness Workshop, WUF13 in Baku, partnerships for a BCRUP Fund, and the High-Level Special Event at UN Headquarters during UNGA 81 on 23 September. See the news and events
How BCRUP is governed
Three levels, from the regional coordinating unit to local climate resilience teams.
Regional Coordinating Unit: policy guidance and oversight across member states.
National Coordinating Team: programme oversight and coordination in each country.
Local Project Coordination Team: coordination and implementation support on the ground.
Partner with BCRUP
Governments, financiers, development partners and communities: help build climate resilience where it matters most.