At a time when the geopolitical situation is at its most unstable for 25 years, G7 leaders met in Hiroshima recently to discuss some of the world’s biggest challenges, including food insecurity and Russia’s illegal and aggressive invasion of Ukraine.
As is customary, they released a post- summit statement setting out their joint positions on these challenges. These documents can be bland, they have to respect diplomatic niceties and are written by committee, but this year’s communique contained something groundbreaking.
For the first time global national leaders explicitly mentioned the role of cities and of city governments in making a difference in climate change. The communique talked about the ‘transformative power of cities’ which drive ‘every aspect’ of sustainable development.
It came on the back of a decision by G7 climate ministers to meet with city leaders from Urban 7, our group of city networks founded by Core Cities UK, to discuss closer working with cities on climate change. The outcomes of this meeting will be taken to COP28 in Dubai later this year.
This recognition of the importance of local by the world’s most powerful presidents and prime ministers is due to the hard work of not just our group but similar groups from across Europe and the world who have been lobbying the G7.
I understand that UK local government leaders sometimes come under fire for international work, I have done so myself during my time as Mayor of Bristol. The first responsibility of local leaders will always be to the places they are proud to represent.
However, in today’s era of uncertainty we need to remember that the local is also often the global. The effects of the issues discussed by the G7, like migration and climate, are being felt in cities around the world, including mine. That is why Core Cities UK, along with our other international urban partners, will continue to lobby for urban government to be at the heart of global affairs.
Marvin Rees is Mayor of Bristol and chair of Core Cities UK
@MarvinJRees @corecities
