This week, G7 leaders met in Elmau (Germany) for the G7 World Leaders’ Summit. In an exceptional sign of recognition of the vast potential (and ongoing impact) of local leaders, G7 leaders acknowledged the importance of cities, their networks and associations in their final communique. They pointed to the crucial role cities will play in achieving, for example, climate neutrality and democratic values.

In particular, the communique reads (emphasis added): “Cities are places of diversity and identity, exchange and integration, creativity, and solidarity. They are crucial to driving prosperity and ensuring equal opportunities for all. We acknowledge the significant role of cities, their associations, and networks as actors in our transformation towards sustainable development. We commit to foster exchange among and with cities. We task our relevant Ministers to develop a joint understanding of good urban development policy to be adopted at the first ever G7 Ministerial Meeting for Sustainable Urban Development, and to decide on joint initiatives for unlocking the full potential of cities to promote social, cultural, technological, climate-neutral, economic, and democratic innovation for the common good.”

This acknowledgement comes in the wake of the U7 Mayors Summit, at which local leaders adopted a Mayors Declaration that presents cities’ demands and commitments toward the G7 Presidency. ICLEI was proud to co-host the Mayors Summit in the context of the Urban7 Group Alliance (U7) – an urban alliance launched in 2022 during the German G7 Presidency.

The G7 World Leaders’ Summit took place on 26-28 June 2022. Key topics discussed included climate change, COVID-19, and the war in Ukraine. All of these issues are also central to cities, and their role in solving these challenges will be crucial for successful future developments.

For more information on the U7, visit https://g7u7.org/. Read the Mayors Declaration here, and click on the video below to watch a summary of the U7 Mayors Summit: