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Urban Economy Forum has six platforms that are being focused on to network with specific audiences. Each Platform identifies contextual themes to promote innovative approaches and solutions to urban governance, management, and development that assist city leaders in guiding their cities towards economically, socially, and environmentally prosperous urban futures. 

Urban Economy Forum aims to do this by bringing together stakeholders from the six pillars in urban economy and municipal finance: City Officials, Urban Academics, Banking & Financial Institutions, Women, Arts & Culture and Sustainable Urban Development


                                              Urban Energy Platform (UEP)

  • A Global Initiative of the Urban Economy Forum (UEF)
  • Empowering Cities to Lead the Clean Energy Transition

  What is UEP?

The Urban Energy Platform (UEP) is a strategic initiative of the Urban Economy Forum (UEF) dedicated to advancing energy-driven urban transformation through localized clean energy, equitable access, digital innovation, and city-led leadership. UEP brings together cities, energy stakeholders, financial institutions, and technology providers to co-create inclusive and climate-resilient energy solutions.

Headquartered at the World Urban Pavilion in Toronto, UEP works with cities across the globe to develop the tools, policies, and partnerships needed to accelerate the transition to net-zero, people-centered urban energy systems.

  Vision

To be the world’s leading platform driving the transformation of urban energy systems toward sustainability, equity, and innovation.

  Mission

To support cities in achieving a just energy transition by facilitating partnerships, financing, technology exchange, and capacity building that unlock the full potential of urban energy systems.

  The Five Core Pillars of UEP

    1. Localized Renewable Energy
      Promote solar, wind, and micro-grid solutions tailored to the geographic, social, and economic context of each city.
    2. Equitable Access
      Design and implement inclusive energy strategies that prioritize affordability, justice, and participation—especially for    low-income and marginalized communities.
     3. Digital & Smart Urban Energy Systems
       Deploy AI, IoT, and data-driven platforms to enhance energy management, reduce emissions, and increase resilience.
    4. Innovative Finance
       Mobilize green bonds, blended finance, and climate funds to enable cities to invest in scalable clean energy 
       infrastructure.
   5. City & Region-Led Innovation
    Empower local governments and regions to lead, govern, and own energy transformation through public-private          collaboration and policy reform.

  What We Do

UEP offers a dynamic platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and program development. 
Key functions include:

  •  Strategic Partnerships                                                                                                                                                                  Building bridges between cities, clean energy providers, international donors, climate financiers, and research institutions.
  • Pilot Projects & Accelerator Program                                                                                                                               supporting demonstration projects in solar, retrofits, micro-grids, and green mobility—scalable across cities globally.
  • Capacity Building & Technical Assistance                                                                                                                                 Hosting workshops, policy labs, and technical exchanges to strengthen municipal leadership in energy and climate.
  • Policy Advocacy & Global Dialogue                                                                                                                                        Facilitating policy dialogues at the local and global level, aligning urban energy action with the UN SDGs, Paris Agreement, and New Urban Agenda.
  • Knowledge & Data Mobilization                                                                                                                                              Producing case studies, research, and interactive tools to support evidence-based urban energy planning.

  UEP in Action

   UEP is currently working with pilot cities in North America( Lowell , Richmond Hill), Africa, and Latin America to launch:
  • Solar & Retrofit Accelerator Programs
  •  Net-Zero Building Initiatives
  •  Smart Micro-grid Integration Projects
  • Energy Equity Frameworks for Vulnerable Communities

These cities are recognized as Frontrunner Cities, leading the way in sustainable urban energy transformation and contributing to a global community of practice.


  Join the Urban Energy Movement

UEP welcomes collaboration with:
  • Municipalities and city networks
  •  Utilities and energy innovators
  •  Government agencies and ministries
  •  Climate finance institutions
  •  Academia and civil society organizations

If your city, institution, or organization is ready to shape the future of energy in cities, UEP is your platform for impact.
Contact us at: 
Sam Nesheli
Associate | Urban Energy Platform (UEP)
Email: Sam.Nesheli@ueforum.org