Future-Fit Cities Forum convenes in Moldova marking next phase of EU-UNDP M4EG initiative
The second international ‘Future-Fit Cities Forum’ in Chisinau, Moldova, from 7 to 9 April, officially concluded the second phase of the EU-UNDP ‘Mayors for Economic Growth’ (M4EG) initiative and launched its third phase for 2025-2028.
Organised under the auspices of the Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) Initiative, the two-day forum was a joint effort by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and partners. It brought together around a hundred development actors, including mayors from the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, development institutions, academia, civil society organisations, and international financial institutions.
Since 2021, M4EG has re-built and engaged a network of over 430 municipalities across the EaP region. Nearly 50 municipalities have benefitted from innovative financing for urban development, funding the green and blue energy transition in Moldova and Ukraine and crucial assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons in the wake of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The initiative also supported sustainable tourism in Armenia and green and smart solutions for cities in Azerbaijan and Georgia.
“The European Union has been a prominent supporter of local authorities and will continue to support a more prosperous future for cities across the Eastern Partnership,” said Janis Mažeiks, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova.
The new phase of M4EG will support up to 20 secondary cities in shaping and implementing economic transformation strategies tailored to their local context.
Additionally, the initiative will integrate a finance advisory component within the M4EG grant mechanism, enhancing local authorities’ ability to develop investment pipelines and improve finance readiness. This addition will complement the technical support for municipalities, ensuring they are well-equipped to attract diverse investments.
Launched and funded by the European Union in 2017, the Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) Initiative has been managed by UNDP since 2021, in close cooperation with the EU, local authorities, and a diverse range of partners.
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