Reflections from the UN Biodiversity’s Global Flagship Event for Biodiversity Day 2026

In May 2026, South Africa hosted the Global Flagship Event in celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity. The event captured the energy and collaborative spirit of this year’s theme, "Acting locally for global impact", serving as a powerful reminder that while global goals are set in conference rooms, progress is made where people live – in our cities and towns. ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center was proud to participate at the event and engaged with voices from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), CONTRALESA, and the City of Ekurhuleni, who were instrumental in the workshops and dialogues held throughout the week.