2019 Urban 20
Tokyo Mayors Summit

CommuniquéWe, the mayors of the undersigned cities, have come together for a second year as the Urban 20 (U20)
to actively engage with the process of the 2019 Group of Twenty (G20).
In a world where over half of the urban population lives in extended metropolitan areas and given theprojections for over 600 million new metropolitan inhabitants by 2030, cities have unquestionably
become critical actors to - in the words of the G20 2019 Presidency - “realize and promote a free andopen, inclusive and sustainable, human-centred future society”.
We acknowledge that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a universal andcomprehensive framework for addressing many of the planet’s most urgent priorities. We commit toidentifying the links between our local sustainable development strategies and the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG), particularly in three main areas: climate action; social inclusion andintegration; and sustainable economic growth.
Our goal as the U20 is to leverage the tremendous potential of our cities as hubs of diversity andinnovation for the purpose of tackling global challenges. We believe that cooperation between alllevels of government is essential if we are to achieve our goals.
As such, through this Communiqué we convey our joint recommendations to the G20 at their Leaders
Summit in Osaka, on 28-29 June 2019, so that together we can address the most pressing challenges
that our planet is facing in the following areas.
1. Climate Action
Climate change is the most pressing challenge of the 21st century, not only because of the irreversible
effects it has on ecosystems but also because of its impacts on livelihoods, resources and food security,
displacement and social inequalities.
Cities not only contain and concentrate over half the global population, but also the buildings,transportation, energy consumption, water and waste management, food systems and industries
essential to the lives of city dwellers and their economic activity. It is more critical than ever that we,cities, tackle global environmental challenges, through every possible effort. Building sustainable andresilient cities is crucial to safeguard the quality of life, livelihood and health of our city dwellers, and also
to contribute to maintaining our economic vitality and to remaining attractive for people and businesses,
while protecting the livelihoods of future generations and promoting sustainable production andconsumption patterns, reducing emissions and securing clean air and water.
Therefore, U20 cities are committed to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement to hold global averagetemperature increase to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit thetemperature increase to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, and welcome the findings of theIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5C.
To achieve these goals, we call on the G20 to collaborate with cities in the following actions:a. Set targets and develop pathways towards decarbonization by 2050 at the latest
I. Endorse the conclusions of the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5C.
II. Set ambitious targets and clear pathways with no or limited overshoot for greenhousegas (GHG) emissions to peak no later than by 2020, reduce substantially by 2030 and1

reach net zero by 2050, in line with the findings of the IPCC Special Report on Global
Warming of 1.5C.
III. Develop and present, no later than at COP26, new and more ambitious Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs) that fully integrate the contributions of cities.
IV. Ensure that GHG emission reductions are achieved in a rapid, drastic and just manner, led
by developed countries, distributing the benefits of climate action equitably.
b. Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate change
I. Build and improve resilient infrastructure, decentralize energy supply, increase the use ofrenewable energy, conserve and restore ecosystems, and develop sustainable foodsystems in order to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards
and natural disasters, and ensure people’s health and livelihood, with special
consideration for vulnerable people and vulnerable zones such as coastal, rural orunderdeveloped areas.
II. Support cities by unlocking the necessary resources and encouraging multi-stakeholder
engagement in adaptation planning across national and subnational levels of government.
III. Step up our efforts to help realize the Strategic Plan of the Convention of BiologicalDiversity (CBD) and its Aichi Biodiversity targets and scale-up ambition to ensure thesuccess of an ambitious post 2020 global biodiversity framework that will be adopted at
CBD COP15 in 2020 in China.
c. Enhance energy efficiency, encourage energy system transition and zero-emission transport
I. Commit to decarbonizing the energy grid, with 100% renewable electricity by 2030,
and 100% renewable energy by 2050.
II. Enact national regulations and/or planning policy to ensure new buildings operate at net
zero carbon by 2030 and all buildings by 2050 with a suite of supporting incentives andprogrammes.
III. Promote research, development and collaboration with suppliers, fleet operators andbusinesses in order to expedite the transition to zero-emission vehicles and support cities’
efforts to diffuse such vehicles through emissions standards, incentive schemes, andcharging infrastructure roll out.
IV. Accelerate the transition to green and healthy streets through the promotion ofsustainable public mobility concepts and corporate mobility management, peoplefriendly planning policies, increased rates of walking, cycling and use of public and sharedtransport.
d. Increase resource efficiency and promote circularity
I. Commit to measure and reduce consumption-based emissions substantially; including
through new and ambitious global initiatives to reduce emissions from the construction,
food production, automobile, aviation and apparel sectors.
II. Recognize that increasing consumption of biomass resources causes the loss of tropicalforests, which contain high carbon stock and restrict the use of biomass in the energy
sector so it is used efficiently and limited to applications where other forms of renewableenergy cannot be used. Promote a responsible supply chain management to limit the lossof tropical forests and protect biodiversity.
III. Reduce the generation of plastic waste in view of the critical situation concerning marine
litter, by phasing-out certain single-use and hard to recycle plastics in particular and byconsidering a new legally binding international agreement, in line with the regulation of
the international trade of plastic waste by the Basel Convention.

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IV. Promote further 3Rs and environmentally sound disposal of waste, in accordance withthe target set by SDG 12 and toward zero waste, by diverting at least 70% of municipal
waste from disposal or incineration by 2030.
V. Halve per capita food waste and reduce food losses by 2030 as set out by SDG 12,
pursuing food security for all, encouraging local economic production and fair trade.
e. Encourage the global mobilization of city dwellers and cities for an effective response toclimate change
I. Aim to create a social movement for the implementation of measures by encouraging thework of pioneers and frontrunners in civil society, supporting activities that raiseawareness for environmental and climate justice, raising enthusiasm among city dwellers
and cooperating with private companies in order to build effective systems and policies
through participatory and inclusive processes.
II. Ensure inclusivity and equitable distribution of benefits and costs, including universal andaffordable access to resources, health and opportunities, through the mobilization of citydwellers, unions, and innovative multi-stakeholder collaboration into climate action
planning and delivery.
2. Social Inclusion and Integration
Significant demographic, economic, social and political transitions are reshaping the way societies live.
Our communities are experiencing rapid changes from ageing populations, to shifts in patterns ofpopulation flows sparked by differences in economic opportunities, forced displacement because ofconflict or natural disasters. Discrimination against women and girls still remains in many aspects of oursociety. There is a rising concern about intolerance and hate crimes against targeted individuals andminority groups, including but not limited to persons with disabilities or religious minorities.
Dense populations and rapid urbanization also provide great challenges to our cities, sometimes risking
exclusion and segregation. Increasing income inequality is a persistent policy challenge because it
touches nearly every aspect of life. There is a growing tide of nationalism that feeds on markers such as
stagnant work opportunities to create an exclusionary narrative around those who are left behind. In thiscontext, new migrants are facing significant inclusion challenges. It is clear that not addressing socialinclusion comes with considerable social and political costs especially for cities.
The goal of the U20 is to achieve more inclusive, peaceful, safe and discrimination-free cities in which
every city dweller can have free and fulfilling lives regardless of their race, age, socio-economic status,ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability. To achieve these goals, we call on the G20 tocollaborate with cities on the following actions:a. Promote equality in economic opportunity, access to basic social services and politicalparticipation
I. Make labour, credit and other markets more inclusive such that all individuals – andparticularly, unemployed youth and vulnerable populations and underrepresented groups– can access them equitably and derive wages and other benefits fairly.
II. Ensure equal access, in particular for poor and marginalized populations to quality basicservices, including education, health, medical treatment, public transportation, publicsafety, technology, energy, water and sanitation. Improve financial frameworks for local
governments to adequately fund basic public services.
III. Foster inclusive civic participation in city governance by ensuring all city dwellers are able
to fully contribute to the community and participate in democratic political processes,
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b.

c.

d.

e.

expanding participation in decision-making and providing transparency tools, open dataand e-government platforms.
Promote resilient, accessible and inclusive urban development
I. Design and implement housing strategies to ensure access of all populations to adequate
housing, paying special attention to the needs of, and in consultation with, specificgroups including children, women, ageing populations, people with disabilities,
immigrants and all individuals and groups victim of discrimination or hate crimes.
II. Enhance competences and resources for local government to face real estate speculationand promote inclusive, resilient, sustainable and adequately-served neighbourhoods,
safeguard publicly accessible spaces, increase funding to improve public housing stocks,
and prepare tools to co-produce public-private community-driven alternative housing.
III. Provide accessible, affordable and safe low-carbon public transport to all city dwellers,particularly persons with disabilities, women and ageing populations, to allow thegreatest possible independence to navigate more easily to their workplaces, health careproviders, academic institutions, and other public facilities available in urban centres.
IV. Promote mainstreaming of accessibility and universal design transversally throughouturban planning strategies and regulations, implementation process and programs, which
includes the consultation and direct participation of city dwellers and civil societyorganizations.
Mainstream a gender perspective across the G20 agenda to achieve greater gender equality
I. Ensure women’s equal opportunities with men for leadership and decision-making
positions and processes at all levels, including political participation, and consider
proactive measures to encourage and facilitate access and opportunity as needed.
II. Eliminate the gender pay gap and promote women’s entrepreneurship to further
promote women’s economic empowerment.
III. Create locally-owned safe cities free of violence against women by working with local
authorities and civil society. Develop laws and policies, public services, awareness-raising
campaigns, and other activities that address social norms to prevent and respond toharassment and other forms of gender-based violence.
IV. Adopt a gender perspective on developing policies and budget, and ensure genderequality on implementing public policies and programs. Support gender budgeting bydeveloping statistical systems based on indicators that are gender disaggregated andconsider women in all their diversity.
Proactively address needs of ageing populations
I. Engage ageing populations in recurrent education, professional pursuits and activities
through which they can contribute to the community in order to create a society where
they enjoy a prosperous life.
II. Develop new and efficient ways to finance and provide composite social and community
services for ageing populations such as healthcare, nursing services, barrier-free housing
and home care.
III. Promote intergenerational dialogue between young and ageing populations within thecity, to foster socially integrated and sustainable communities.
Facilitate socio-economic integration of migrants in societies
I. Raise awareness on the positive impact of migration and shift the narrative frommigration as a challenge to migration as an opportunity.
II. Develop national and regional programs to support the socio-economic integration ofmigrants in host societies, including support with documentary regularization, shelter,4

promotion of decent work and linguistic inclusion, in accordance with the recently
adopted Global Compact for Migration and Global Compact on Refugees.
3. Sustainable Economic GrowthThe world is undergoing accelerated technological change called the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR):
emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, ubiquitous internet-connected devices or big data
are significantly altering our society. It has the considerable potential to foster innovation andinclusiveness, and can result in increased productivity, flexible working arrangements and better social
service provision. However, automation is displacing workers, particularly those who are in the middle ofincome distribution, which results in increased socioeconomic inequality. We are witnessing cases ofdigital rights abuse around the world, linked to data misuse and misinformation, and concentration ofpower. The “digital divide” may rapidly expand, leaving many behind. The 4IR has brought both of apressing opportunity and challenge to cities as an economic powerhouse with heightened versions ofglobal challenges.
While 4IR has brought digital infrastructure into focus, physical infrastructure – transport, energy, waste
systems, and water – is under great pressure. The importance of green, quality infrastructure cannot beemphasized enough, especially now as we face challenges of climate change and more frequent natural
disasters. Cities, however, continue to grapple with planning infrastructure that is based on smarter
decisions and serves the interest of communities.
The U20 seeks to build the foundations for cities to enjoy sustainable economic growth, offer decent
work for all, and contribute to our global shared prosperity. To achieve these goals, we call on the G20 tocollaborate with cities in the following actions:a. Promote inclusive economic development and solve urban challenges by harnessing
digitalization and emerging technologies
I. Create inclusive technologies by ensuring diverse people, especially women, participate
in its development. Promote digital rights and equal access for all city dwellers toaffordable internet and digital services. Train all city dwellers in digital skills andempower them - particularly women, youth and ageing populations - to overcome thedigital divide, support participatory democracy, and foster resilience to changes
anticipated in the labour market.
II. Encourage with all possible opportunities the development of new technologies andsocial services, both in order to solve urban challenges and to stimulate economic
development. Support start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), eliminate
structural impediments to innovation, and promote Open Data, while ensuring systeminteroperability, transparency, accountability and non-discrimination of data, content
and algorithm.
III. Adopt regulation to ensure that the sharing and “gig” economies act as drivers for cities’
prosperity and serve the general interest of city dwellers, including the respect for fairworking conditions and social cohesion.
IV. Foster cooperation among cities to tackle common challenges related to thedevelopment and governance of new technologies, and to harness the digital revolution
for benefit of all city dwellers. Develop a set of technology governance and policy guiding
principles including transparency, openness, privacy, security, interoperability, efficiency,resiliency, sustainability, and equity.

5b. Develop sustainable, resilient and quality infrastructure to ensure no one is left behind
I. Develop sustainable, resilient, and quality infrastructure, prioritizing those that serve
marginalized populations and foster their inclusion in the green economy. Increase
attention to quality dimensions of infrastructure through support for project preparationand implementation, and through knowledge dissemination and citizen engagement toaccount for different needs across genders, ages and abilities.
II. Forge a long-term plan with due consideration to the social and economic impact,
focusing on resilience and long-life performance of infrastructure, as well as proper
planning and budgeting for operations and maintenance.
c. Enhance local governments’ access to adequate finance for sustainable infrastructure
I. Diversify the funding and financial resources available for cities to promote investment inurban resilience, including enhanced access to international funding mechanisms. Engage
with civil society, private sector and development organizations, and foster transparent,
accountable, equitable and efficient mechanisms to bring private capital into
infrastructure investment.
II. Promote investment in institutional capital and human capacities in order to increase
local investment in resilient infrastructure.
d. Ensure a just transition to decarbonized development
I. Facilitate through local and national policies a just transition enhancing an equitable
distribution of new jobs and a renewed social dialogue between workers, employers, civilsociety, cities, regional and national governments. Generate positive spiral of economic
growth and environment, including creation of decent work prospects toward
decarbonized and resilient society.

6Endorsed by the following U20 mayors:
Governing Mayor Michael Müller, Berlin
Mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta, Buenos Aires
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago
Mayor Zandile Gumede, Durban
Mayor Peter Tschentscher, Hamburg
Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston
Governor Anies Baswedan, Jakarta
Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba, Johannesburg
Mayor Sadiq Khan, London
Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles
Mayor Manuela Carmena Castrillo, Madrid
Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico City
Mayor Giuseppe Sala, Milan
Mayor Valérie Plante, Montreal
Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City
Mayor Ichiro Matsui, Osaka City
Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Paris
Mayor Marcelo Crivella, Rio de Janeiro
Mayor Virginia Raggi, RomeMayor Bruno Covas, São Paulo City
Mayor Park Won-soon, Seoul
Lord Mayor Clover Moore, Sydney
Governor Yuriko Koike, Tokyo
Executive Mayor Stevens Mokgalapa, Tshwane

Others:Mayor Femke Halsema, Amsterdam
Minister-President Rudi Vervoort, Brussels-Capital Region
Mayor Lianne Dalziel, Christchurch
Mayor Jan Vapaavuori, Helsinki
Mayor Albert Sandy Daniel, Port Vila
Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb, Rotterdam
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