An international coalition to boost sustainable cities has been launched.

The ‘Coalition for Urban Transitions’ was launched at the Climate Action Summit in Washington and includes more than 20 major institutions such as the UK Department for International Development, New Climate Economy, OECD, Siemens and PwC.

It supports decision-makers to meet the goal of unlocking the power of cities for enhanced national economic, social and environmental performance, including reducing the risk of climate change.

According to the initiative, investing in compact, connected and efficient cities could substantially reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and generate global energy savings worth $17 trillion (£11.7tn) by 2050.

The coalition will work in several rapidly-urbanising countries such as China and India focusing on their transport, technology and energy sectors to make their cities more efficient and reduce their carbon emissions.

Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo said: “Cities are the key to achieving both the Sustainable Development Goals and the national climate commitments of the Paris Agreement. This Coalition will build the evidence base for policymakers on the solutions that can unlock the power of cities to support better development and a better climate.”