ICLEI participated in the Saitama Sustainable City Summit – E-KIZUNA Global Conference as a co-sponsoring organization, bringing together ICLEI World Secretary General Gino Van Begin and other member municipalities from Japan and all over the world.On November 22, Mayor Hayato Shimizu of Saitama City delivered an opening address, followed by Mayor Kizo Hisamoto of Kobe City, who had just completed the handover ceremony of the ICLEI membership certificate, as one of the distinguished guests. Mayor Hisamoto expressed his aspirations for the Urban 7 Mayors Summit, which he will chair next year as the chair of the Mayors Association of Designated Cities.

Gino Van Begin, the Secretary General of ICLEI, delivered the keynote address. Gino emphasized that the entire planet is in crisis and that cities and regions worldwide must take action through ICLEI’s five developmental pathways to repair the broken relationship between humanity and nature.

During the plenary session entitled “Global Challenges and the Role of Local Governments,” Togo Uchida, the Executive Director of ICLEI Japan, led a discussion on the accomplishments of the G7 and Urban 7 (U7) thus far, as well as the prospects for the G7 and U7 under Japan’s presidency next year, and ways in which local governments can cultivate sustainable and livable cities. The moderators also examined how local governments can establish sustainable and livable cities.

Six breakout sessions were held on November 23 during the Saitama Sustainable City Summit – E-KIZUNA Global Summit. Saitama City and many other domestic and overseas’ ICLEI member municipalities delivered speeches. Hamamatsu City presented on “Realizing Regional RE100 and Building Regional Microgrids,” while Matsuyama City shared insights on “Next Generation Energy Strategies for a Decarbonized Society,” introducing their respective initiatives. In addition, Executive Director Uchida moderated breakout session 3, “Building Resilient Cities Adapted to Climate Change,” during which Kyoto City delivered a presentation.
The Summit was greatly enhanced by the participation of other ICLEI member municipalities from overseas, such as Mannheim, Munster, Maui, Newcastle, Barcelona, Portland, Malmö, Pittsburgh, Melbourne, Freiburg, Oslo, and Curitiba. Their active involvement and interaction with the participants added to the success of the Summit.

For more information and the official report, click here.