Held in Criciuma (SC), Brazil, the event brought together public sector representatives, experts, and local leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in building smarter, more resilient, and more inclusive cities. Carolina Benítez, Project Specialist at FONPLATA, served as a panelist in the session on “Fundraising and Project Structuring: Ways to Enable Strategic Solutions in Municipalities.”

Developing sustainable cities requires comprehensive solutions that integrate efficient urban mobility, climate change adaptation, land-use planning, innovation, and improvements in quality of life.

In this context, Criciúma stands out as an example of continuity and strategic vision. For more than ten years, FONPLATA has worked with the municipality to promote and implement projects focused on urban mobility, infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. This joint effort is reflected in two key initiatives: the Criciúma Urban Transportation and Mobility Project (BRA-017), aimed at improving urban connectivity, road infrastructure, bike paths, drainage, and public spaces; and the Criciúma Urban Transportation and Mobility Project II (BRA-031), which incorporates actions for sustainable mobility, smart traffic management, climate change adaptation, flood risk reduction, infrastructure for active transportation modes, and environmental preservation.

The investments channeled through these programs contribute directly to strengthening urban resilience, expanding accessibility, improving mobility, and preparing the city for future challenges. They are also aligned with SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities, promoting inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered urban development.

FONPLATA reaffirms its commitment to supporting subnational governments in implementing projects that turn planning into concrete results for inclusive cities.

07/24/2026