JO co-organized a study meeting with city of Kyoto on Sep 3rd, inviting local governments and related organizations in Kyoto area on the theme of sustainable cities development. City of Kyoto recognized the importance and needs of information exchange and partnership with neighboring cities in the event of Kyoto International Environment Symposium held last November and initiated to hold this study meeting. The meeting was held inviting a speaker from the environmental policy bureau, Ministry of Environment who gave a presentation on national environmental policies with focus on the relations with local governments. JO Director Takashi Otsuka introduced about ICLEI and its programs. Eight cities and some other related organization gathered and it served to be a great opportunity for the participants to share experiences and ideas.