The G7 Urban7 (U7) advocates for a continuous dialogue between the G7 nations and municipal actors represented by national associations and supported by international city networks. It addresses the G7 Presidency, and its long-term goal is to be recognised as an official G7 Engagement Group.

City networks, in their role as speakers for cities and municipalities, constitute the central actors of the U7 process. The U7 Group – together with national associations of cities and network partners – ensures that all G7 countries and the local governments are therefore represented in the U7 process.

U7 Secretariat
The U7 Group is chaired by the U7 Secretariat consisting of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability and the Global Parliament of Mayors (GPM) as well as the city association from the country leading the G7 that year.

U7 Group’s objectives are to:

• Raise awareness, especially among national governments, on the importance of cities and municipalities as well as the strengthening of liberal democracy through the direct involvement of citizens;
• Reinforce the commitment of national governments to engage and consult with mayors and other official representatives of cities and municipalities on regulatory and fiscal frameworks for urban and social transformation, based on a common strategic orientation;
• Develop a common understanding of current developments and key topics of the G7 agenda that are relevant for sustainable and climate-neutral urban development and ensure a socially inclusive transformation process;
• Strengthen consciousness on the part of the G7 countries in assuming responsibility for the Global South and in recognising cities’ role in supporting local democracy, development cooperation and economic relations.