Urban 20 (U20) Summit
Context:
Recently, the Urban 20 Mayoral Summit, a significant event that took place in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar from 7th to 8th July, has successfully concluded with an important handover of the Communiqué from the Mayors to the esteemed leaders of the G20.
The Urban 20 (U20) Summit:
The Urban 20 (U20) Summit, which commenced in 2017 during the One Planet Summit in Paris, serves as an influential city diplomacy initiative. Its primary purpose is to provide a platform for cities from G20 nations to engage in discussions and propose collective solutions pertaining to critical urban development issues.
Main Highlights:
- The U20 serves as a platform for cities from G20 nations to engage in discussions on vital urban development issues such as climate change, social inclusion, sustainable mobility, and affordable housing, while also proposing collective solutions.
- Under the joint leadership of C40 Cities (C40) and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the U20 convenes annually with a rotating Chair city representing the G20 host country.
- This year, the City of Ahmedabad had the distinguished honor of chairing the U20, taking on a prominent role in leading the summit’s proceedings.
- The U20 Communique received official endorsement from an impressive number of 105 cities worldwide, marking the highest level of support ever received for any U20 Communiqué. This endorsement surpasses the number of endorsements for any previous communiqués by more than twofold.
- The U20 Summit plays an important role in empowering cities to raise their voices and actively engage in global decision-making processes, ensuring that their perspectives are duly considered.
Conclusion:
Urban 20 Mayoral Summit, held recently in Ahmedabad, served as a crucial meeting point for cities from G20 countries to address pressing urban development challenges. The outcomes of the summit, including the U20 Communique, hold immense value in guiding cities towards sustainable development and fostering international cooperation. With a record number of cities endorsing the Communique, it is evident that the U20 Summit has successfully garnered global support for its agenda. The collaborative efforts of cities worldwide, as exemplified by the U20, pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable urban future.
