G7 Ministers’ meeting on sustainable urban development

The G7 Ministerial Meeting on Sustainable Urban Development is taking place in Rome on 3-4 November 2024 at the historic Palazzo Altemps. This meeting represents a significant opportunity to deepen discussions on the main challenges related to sustainable urban development, continuing the dialogue initiated by the previous German (in 2022) and Japanese (in 2023) presidencies and aims to promote a structured discussion between the Ministers of Sustainable Urban Development of the G7 countries and the international institutions involved.

Participants include the Ministers of the G7 countries, the European Commissioner with the delegation on the matter, as well as representatives of the OECD, the UN-Habitat, the European Investment Bank and Urban7, which represents the coordination body of the cities of the G7 countries.

During the meeting, G7 Ministers and their guests will have the opportunity to discuss crucial topics for the future of cities within the context of global transitions. The debate will focus primarily on how urban policies can address the challenges posed by ecological, demographic, and digital transitions. Ministers will explore the potential for cities to become hubs of innovation, inclusive growth, and climate resilience, with a particular focus on multilevel governance tools and the integration of urban policies with national and European strategies.

A central aspect of the discussion will be promoting an integrated approach to urban policies, fostering the adoption of innovative practices for reducing emissions, using renewable resources, and developing more inclusive cities. The debate will also cover topics related to international cooperation and the G7 countries’ commitment to supporting cities in their transition toward sustainable development models, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, the OECD will present its findings on best practices in urban policy, providing a foundation for constructive dialogue among delegations.

At the end of the meeting, a final communiqué will be presented, summarizing the dialogue between member countries and outlining future joint actions to promote sustainable urban development. The communiqué will provide an overview of the main challenges and shared commitments of the G7 members, serving as a starting point for future G7 presidencies, with a particular focus on the upcoming Canadian presidency in 2025.