U20 Mayors’ Summit in India

The Urban 20 (U20) Mayors’ Summit took place in Gandhinagar (India) from July 7-8, 2023. The event was held in the framework of the G20, chaired by India, under the leadership of the chair city, Ahmedabad.

Urban 20 is a city diplomacy initiative that brings together cities from G20 member states under a common framework to discuss global economic, climate and development issues. Cities form a common position and issue recommendations for consideration by the G20 presidency and heads of states, enhancing the role of cities as global economic and political leaders. The U20 initiative is permanently convened by C40 Cities and UCLG, under the leadership of a chair city that rotates annually.

Separate thematic sessions were devoted to the following issues:

- Reinventing Planning and Governance Frameworks;

- Encouraging Environmentally Responsible Behaviors;

- Catalyzing Digital Urban Futures;

- Accelerating Climate Finance;

- Championing Local Culture & Economy;

- Ensuring Water Security.

UCLG-Eurasia was represented at the Summit by Linar Zakirov, Mayor of Bugulma, Zayt Ortskhanov, Mayor of Magas, Oleg Smakotin, Head of Ekateringofsky Municipal District, Khayrullo Ghaybullozoda, First Deputy Chairman of Khujand, Jyldyzbek Abdraimov, Deputy Chairman of Bishkek City Council, together with their representatives. A delegation from the Moscow City Government also took part in the Summit. The participants discussed a wide range of urban development issues, modern challenges faced by municipalities, and exchanged experience during the Summit.

“The issue of attractiveness of small towns, in my opinion, is number one on the agenda; it should be discussed. There are some fundamentally good things, global practices that we can adopt and consistently go towards encouraging residents of small towns to stay in their homeland. Such events as the U20 Mayors' Summit are a good opportunity to exchange opinions, discuss pressing issues, present something of your own and listen to the successful developments of colleagues”, said Linar Zakirov, Mayor of Bugulma.

Oleg Smakotin, Head of Ekateringofsky Municipal District, shared his thoughts on the issue of urban greening: “The greening factor is extremely important for St. Petersburg. We are working very actively in this direction. For the last few years, we have planted more than 500 trees, using the maximum available area for planting”.

In total, the Summit attracted about 430 people from more than 60 cities around the world.

10.07.2023

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