Key Highlights of The 1st G-NETS Leaders Summit

　The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is proud to have hosted the Global City Network for Sustainability (G-NETS) Leaders Summit. Leaders including governors, mayors and other high-level officials from 34cities on five continents got together to discuss initiatives to address urban issues and future prospects. The event confirmed the importance of collaboration among the world's cities, as seen in the G-NETS Leader Summit Communiqué.

▶Theme:

Realizing a just and sustainable society with an eye to a post-COVID world

▶Date:

February 27 – March 1, 2023 (Japan Standard Time)

▶Location:

Hilton Tokyo Shinjuku (Hybrid event hosted at the venue and online)

▶Participating cities

▶Language

　English

Keynote Speakers

Mr. Michael Bloomberg(Video message)Former Mayor of New York City, UN Special Envoy for Climate Action

Mr. IZUMO MitsuruFounder and President of Euglena Co., Ltd.

Session Moderators

[Environment] Ms. ISHII NaokoExecutive Vice President of the University of Tokyo, Professor at Institute of Future Initiative, Director, Center for Global Commons

[Inclusive and Just Societies] Ms. Mari ChristineTokyo MetropolitanFoundation “TSUNAGARI” Chairperson

[Safe and Secure cities,Environment] Mr. KORESAWA AtsushiFormer Director, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

Program

February 28

March 1

G-NETS Leaders Summit Communiqué

▶Summary of G-NETS Leaders Summit Communiqué

【Introduction】
● The world is currently facing the climate crisis, the threat of infectious diseases, and other serious risks. With the addition of issues such as intensifying conflict between states and energy prices soaring as a result, the world’s problems are becoming increasingly complex.
● In order to address these challenges and realize just and sustainable societies into the future, cities, which are closely concerned with the livelihood of their citizens and are at the front lines of response, must go beyond differences that exist between states and work together by rallying their knowledge and experience. Now is the time to take concrete actions.
● Mindful of the importance of achieving economic growth that leaves no one behind and assisting those affected by disasters and conflicts surpassing national borders, through ongoing exchange through G-NETS, a network of cities, by cities, for cities, we will fulfill our important role of making societies sustainable. We will aspire for a world that is peaceful and stable, and share our knowledge on common challenges raised in this communiqué that must be addressed by cities, and build our relations. We will also utilize the knowledge of startups and other various players.

【Realizing Inclusive and Just Societies】
● We have included the promotion of initiatives to realize intercultural cohesion, a healthy, long-life society, and gender equality, as well as the promotion of barrier-free accessibility and sports and culture.

【Response to Environmental Issues】
● We highlighted the importance of achieving zero emissions; taking measures to reduce waste, prevent air and river pollution, and greening cities; and advancing efforts for water resource protection and management.

【Building Safe and Secure Cities】
● We included the building of more resilient cities through adaptation and other measures to mitigate natural disasters which are intensifying due to the climate crisis; ensuring energy and food security; and strengthening measures for pandemic response.
● In light of the many people who died or were injured in the devastating earthquake that directly struck southeast Turkey, we added a new part in the communiqué that we cities will strive to quickly provide the support needed.

【Conclusion】

● To improve the lives of our citizens, we hope that cities will work together and also contribute to resolving global challenges to realize sustainable societies.