City Developments Limited (CDL), together with its partners, launched the Saving Glaciers and Oceans Alliance at the World Cities Summit (WCS) 2026 today. Initiated by CDL, the Alliance is conceived as a global platform dedicated to driving collective action, partnerships and solutions to protect two of the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems – glaciers and oceans.
The launch was marked by a ceremonial pledge undertaken by 35 country representatives, leading non-governmental organisations and other key stakeholders to affirm their commitment to strengthening collaborative action across sectors and borders in the protection of glaciers and oceans.
They include diplomats representing Australia, Cambodia, Colombia, the European Union Delegation to Singapore, Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Panama, as well as representatives from global organisations such as the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the World Green Building Council.
Ms Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer of CDL, said, “The scale and speed of glacier melt, which together with global warming contributes to sea-level rise, demands urgent collaborative action. As a built environment leader, CDL is committed to accelerating climate action and mitigating our industry’s environmental impact. Through the Saving Glaciers and Oceans Alliance, we aim to bring together public, private and people sectors to accelerate meaningful solutions for two ecosystems that are fundamental to the health of our planet. We believe that sustainability is not achieved by any one organisation acting alone – it requires partnerships, innovation and a shared commitment to creating a more resilient future for all.”
In conjunction with the launch of the Alliance, a series of keynote presentations and discussions from renowned environmental advocates such as Sir Robert Swan, Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), polar explorer, and environmental leader; Mr Michael Aw, Founder of Ocean Geographic; and Ms Andrea Erikson, Managing Director of The Nature Conservancy, were held. A subsequent fireside discussion moderated by Ms An explored pathways for international cooperation, innovation, and partnerships to advance glacier and ocean protection efforts globally.
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