This session will explore what leadership and stewardship mean in today’s rapidly changing world, and how cities and subnational governments are delivering coordinated action that responds to interconnected environmental, social and economic challenges.

Through practical examples, speakers will demonstrate how urban nature, climate resilience, sustainable land and natural resource management, and inclusive governance can be advanced together to deliver multiple environmental, social, and economic benefits.

The discussion will highlight innovative policies, planning approaches and partnerships that embrace systems integration, strengthen connectivity between local, subnational and national governments, and build resilience through transformative leadership and integrated planetary stewardship. It will also explore how emerging opportunities—including innovation and artificial intelligence—can potentially support more adaptive governance while recognising that change is constant. Finally, the session will consider what success looks like in an interconnected world, and how collaborative leadership can strengthen trust between governments, communities and nature while accelerating progress towards shared global goals.