In 2017, at the initiative of the local authorities of Buenos Aires and with the support of the UCLG, the URBAN 20 (U20) initiative was launched, and it integrates the mayors of the largest cities of the Group of Twenty (G20). These cities aim to form a common vision and contribute to the intergovernmental negotiations of the G20.
The annual U20 Summit was held on September 3, 2021. Moscow traditionally took part in the event and supported the final communique.
Statement by A.O. Kulbachevsky, head of the Department of Natural Resources Management and Environmental Protection of the city of Moscow, appointed as the representative (sherpa) of the city in the U20, confirmed Moscow's commitment to the goals of sustainable low-carbon development.
«Moscow confirms its commitment to the priorities of urban development outlined in the Communiqué of 2021. Undoubtedly, the messages that were included in the final version of the Communique are the upper level of development, which should be the benchmark for cities. For the 3rd year in a row, climate has been a key focus of the Communiquе. The topic of climate directly concerns Moscow. »
The priority of the Communique is the direction of public investment in green projects. This is completely associated with the policy of Moscow. Funding for nature-based solutions, climate-related projects, and eco-efficient technologies is an indicator of the city's level of ambition and the sustainability of its development.
So this year, for the first time, Moscow issued green bonds worth almost 1 billion dollars. Funding is aimed at the purchase of electric public transport (1,600 electric buses and the construction of the Big Circle Metro Line: 18 stations and 44 kilometers of lines). The implementation of the projects will make it possible to reduce emissions of polluting substances and greenhouse gases from transport in Moscow. This fully corresponds to the C40 Declaration "Green and Healthy Streets", which we signed in 2019 at the Сlimate Forum in Moscow.
The Communique noted that the creation of smart cities is the promotion of projects to restore natural life systems and protect biodiversity. Moscow adheres to the same position. And the preservation of nature in the metropolis is the Moscow Mayor's priority.
In conditions of intensive development, Moscow preserves its natural nature, maintains its Red Book. Now 50% of the city's territory is green spaces where residents spend their leisure time, as well as the habitat of more than 500 species of animals and plants protected by Law.
Source: https://climate-change.moscow/article/summit-u20-zayavlenie-moskvy06.09.2021