Ministerial and Other Meetings > G7 Urban Development Ministers

Kagawa-Takamatsu Principles of
Achieving Sustainable Urban Development Together

G7 Sustainable Urban Development Ministers
Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan, July 9, 2023
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We, the G7 Sustainable Urban Development Ministers, met in Takamatsu, Kagawa from 7 to 9 July to discuss the way forward for achieving net-zero and resilient cities, which are inclusive, in particular for those in vulnerable situations, marginalized groups and disadvantaged areas to eliminate the disproportionate impact and burden they face. We also discussed how digitalisation in cities enables "human-centred urban development" and how we can facilitate a just and green transition.

We underscore that all of our discussions are designed to highlight the importance of working together with other actors who share the goal of realising sustainable urban development such as subnational governments, civil society, the private sector, academia and Indigenous Peoples, and indeed with all nations, as well as beyond the G7, including emerging and developing economies. We understand that collective efforts can better solve the complex challenges presented by the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

We are pleased to present these Kagawa-Takamatsu Principles to guide the efforts set out in our Communiqué.

Whereas G7 Leaders have tasked us to consider the development of principles on carbon neutral, resilient and inclusive cities and on digitalisation in cities, and to accelerate the use of data and technologies for cities. Leaders have also stated that this work will support exchanges with global partners, whose cities face some of the most significant challenges; Whereas G7 Sustainable Development Ministers' efforts are founded on place-based and human-centred urban development, and shared values of democracy, rule of law and universal human rights;

Whereas G7 Sustainable Development Ministers' work is informed by relevant international frameworks, agreements and declarations; and

Whereas G7 Sustainable Development Ministers' efforts are based on the recognition that cities and urban areas worldwide have transformative power, while facing significant challenges in a changing world.

We will:

Principle 1: Work with and support sub-national governments to develop and implement advanced policy approaches for sustainable urban development

Sub-national governments, as the tier of government in closest proximity to citizens, play a very important role for sustainable urban development, while responding to local circumstances through integrated and place-based approaches. We welcome extensive efforts by sub-national governments, respect their initiatives and urban development strategies, and will support and collaborate with them through co-creating leading practices, exchanging and sharing information, and conducting joint research so that we are able to enhance our capacities toward the achievement of sustainable urban development.

Principle 2: Engage civil society, the private sector and others to inform planning, develop solutions, improve market conditions and integrate sustainable urban development efforts

We appreciate the significant insights and capacities that civil society, the private sector, academia and Indigenous Peoples bring to sustainable urban development efforts. We highly value civic engagement in their effort to identify needs and generate solutions. Private sector resources are important for urban development – including to achieve net-zero and resiliency goals and to accelerate digitalisation. We commit to continuing to engage and working alongside these partners to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, improve quality of life in cities, and improve market conditions to facilitate and encouraging the private sector's financial participation, such as through impact and Environmental, Social and Governance investing.

Principle 3: Support international exchanges including with emerging and developing economics

Urban areas in emerging and developing economies are growing rapidly and are among the most affected by the challenges of urbanisation and climate change. To achieve sustainable urban development globally, we will strengthen multi-level international cooperation beyond the G7, including with emerging and developing economies. We will jointly create innovative solutions for urban challenges, work on mutual exchange and share experiences, strategies and best practices of G7 countries and global partners to lead the green and just transition, to achieve inclusive cities, and to promote digitization in cities. We will encourage international city-to-city collaboration.

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Source: Official website of the 2023 Sustainable Urban Development Ministers Meeting

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