A new global platform is expected to help mobilise up to $1.5 billion (£1bn) for urban sustainability programmes in the next five years.

City leaders from around the world met in Singapore (pictured) today for the launch of the ‘Global Platform for Sustainable Cities’ (GPSC) funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

It will work with a group of 23 cities but aims to reach many more by sharing data, experiences, ideas and solutions to urban challenges.

It has been designed to help mayors and municipal leaders make informed decisions on the day-to-day management of their cities, including improving access to clean water, energy, transport and efforts to mitigate climate change.

More than two billion more people are expected to live in cities by 2050 – which is a 50% increase from today – and the vast majority of the growth will take place in developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa, according to co-ordinator World Bank.

The projects will be implemented in 11 developing countries including Brazil, China, Cote D’Ivoire, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Senegal, South Africa and Vietnam.

Naoko Ishii, GEF CEO and Chairperson said: “If planned and managed well, compact, resilient, inclusive, and resource-efficient cities can drive development, growth, and the creation of jobs, while also contributing to a healthier, better quality of life for residents and the long term protection of the global environment.”