Climate-Resilient, People-Centred and Nature-Positive Solutions in the G7 through Multilevel Cooperation

Local and regional governments of regions, cities and towns of all sizes have a significant role to play in implementing the G7’s objective of transforming economic and social systems towards net-zero, circular, climate-resilient, pollution-free, and nature-positive economies. The urban space is where all policy objectives and measures come together for implementation.

This requires a cross-sectoral approach favouring place-based, democratic solutions that are integrating all local societal actors. Adopting the urban perspective and actively involving local governments in their consultations hence provides a unique opportunity for the G7 to attain their objectives, provide positive feedback loops between levels of government and to spur implementation while strengthening democracy.

The G7 Leaders’ Communiqué highlights "the transformative power of cities worldwide as drivers for sustainable development" and tasks "relevant Ministers to discuss concrete actions to reduce spatial inequalities, protect the environment and climate, and promote smart and innovative economies in urban areas."

In this crucial year when half of the world population goes to the polls, the role of local governments becomes ever more important as the democratic governance level closest to citizens that can uphold and implement the G7's climate, energy, and environmental ambitions in an inclusive way.

While G7 presidencies have increasingly recognised the importance of subnational and local governments in a rapidly urbanising world, an active and meaningful engagement of local governments lacks behind the formal cooperation commitments made by G7 leaders and ministers.

For these reasons, and building on the 2024 Meetings of G7 Transport and the G7 Climate, Energy and Environment Ministers, as well as the G7 Leaders' Summit, the U7 propose what is laid out in this discussion paper to the G7 ministers and leaders with regards to the upcoming G7 Ministerial meetings on Culture (Napoli, 19-21 September) and Urban Development (Genova, 3-5 November 2024).