AboutU20 | U202025

About Urban 20

Background

Urban 20

The Urban 20 (U20) is a diplomatic initiative permanently co-convened by C40 Cities and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG).

Each year the U20 is chaired by a different city, aligning with the G20's rotating presidency.

The U20 brings together major cities from G20 countries to highlight urban issues and enhance cities’ roles in the G20 agenda.

Launched in 2017, the inaugural U20 Mayors Summit was held in Buenos Aires in October 2018.

Running parallel to the G20 process, U20 aims to build a platform for urban centers, enrich the G20 agenda, and propose joint solutions. It focuses on climate change, sustainable development, and socio-economic issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals and cities’ access to finance.

The U20 Communiqué

The main outcome document of the U20 initiative is the U20 communiqué, an action-oriented document that includes U20 participating cities’ recommendations to national governments and is handed over to the G20 before the annual G20 Summit.

Why Tshwane and Johannesburg?

1. Pioneers of Urban Innovation.

 Johannesburg: As South Africa’s economic powerhouse, Johannesburg is a hub of innovation, culture and commerce. The city has been at the forefront of implementing smart city technologies, promoting green energy, and fostering social inclusion. Its commitment to sustainable urban development is evident in initiatives like the Johannesburg Growth and Development Strategy 2040.

 Tshwane: Home to South Africa’s administrative capital, Tshwane is a city of historical significance and modern ambition. Known for its commitment to good governance, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability, Tshwane has been a leader in promoting green spaces, renewable energy, and inclusive urban planning.

2. A unified vision for Africa.

Together, Tshwane and Johannesburg embody the rich diversity, resilience, and dynamic potential of African cities. As two of South Africa’s most influential metropolitan areas, they showcase the continent’s ability to merge historical significance with modern innovation.

Their partnership as Co-Chairs is more than a leadership role - it is a commitment to driving inclusive urban transformation. This collaboration reflects a shared vision of leveraging urban development as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. By working together, the cities aim to set a benchmark for sustainable governance, infrastructure advancement, and community empowerment across Africa.

3. Global relevance, Local impact.

Both cities have consistently shown their ability to blend global best practices with local realities, creating innovative urban solutions tailored to their unique contexts. As economic and cultural powerhouses, Tshwane and Johannesburg have implemented policies that address urban challenges while promoting sustainability and inclusivity. Their leadership in the U20 ensures that African cities have a strong voice in shaping global urban policies and frameworks..

By participating in the U20, Tshwane and Johannesburg also gain access to cutting-edge strategies, emerging technologies, and collaborative opportunities that can drive progress at home. Their engagement fosters knowledge-sharing, investment, and partnerships that strengthen Africa’s urban development landscape. As they bring back innovative ideas, they continue to pioneer transformative policies that support economic growth, social equity and environmental sustainability.

What This Means for Africa:

Amplifying Africa’s Voice.

 Johannesburg and Tshwane’s Co-Chair roles provide an unprecedented platform for African cities to influence global agendas. This is a transformative opportunity to highlight Africa’s unique challenges, such as rapid urbanisation, climate vulnerability, and infrastructure gaps, while showcasing its innovative solutions and untapped potential.

Driving Sustainable Urbanisation .

Urbanisation

Africa is the fastest-urbanising continent, with over 60% of its population expected to live in cities by 2050. Tshwane and Johannesburg’s leadership will prioritise sustainable urbanisation, ensuring that African cities are equipped to manage growth while addressing climate change, inequality, and resource scarcity.  

Fostering Collaboration and Investment.

Collaboration and investment

 As Co-Chairs, Tshwane and Johannesburg will strengthen partnerships between African cities and their global counterparts. This will unlock new opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and investment in critical areas such as renewable energy, affordable housing, and digital infrastructure.  

Inspiring a New Generation of Urban Leaders .

New generation of Urban leaders

 The Co-Chair roles will inspire cities across Africa to embrace innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. Tshwane and Johannesburg’s leadership will set a benchmark for excellence in urban governance and development, empowering other African cities to take bold steps toward a brighter future.  

Building a better urban future.

The appointment of Johannesburg and Tshwane as U20 Co-Chairs is a testament to Africa’s rising global influence and its commitment to sustainable urban development. As they take on this leadership role, the world will witness the transformative power of African cities in shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future.  

Together, Tshwane and Johannesburg are not just leading cities - they are leading a movement. A movement that redefines urban governance, prioritises people and the planet, and ensures that no city is left behind.  

Cllr. Sello Enoch Dada Morero

Executive Mayor

City of Johannesburg

U20 2025
Co-Chairs

Cities Leading the Way in Reimagining Global Change

Dr. Nasiphi Moya

Executive Mayor

City of Tshwane

U20 Participants

Partners

The U20 initiative collaborates with various organisations to promote sustainable urban development. Key partners for the U20 2025 Cycle include SALGA, the African Centre for Cities, the South African Cities Network, GCRO, Metropolis, and UN Habitat (Africa), IIED, the Open Government Partnership, the World Economic Forum, the Culture2030goal Campaign, UNDRR, OECD, UNESCO, the Global Fund for Cities Development, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, the Climate Group and Public Services International.These partnerships aim to leverage diverse expertise and resources to address urban challenges effectively. By working together, these organizations strive to create more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities.

Members

The U20 initiative includes 40 participating cities across various regions:

Latin America (3 cities): Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro

Australasia (1 city): Sydney

North America (6 cities): Montreal, Mexico City, Monterrey, New York City, Houston, Los Angeles

Asia (10 cities): Beijing, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi NCT, Bengaluru, Jakarta, Tokyo, Osaka, Moscow, Seoul

Europe & UK (12 cities): Paris, Strasbourg, Berlin, Rome, Milan, London, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Lisbon, Helsinki

Middle East (3 cities): Riyadh, Istanbul, Izmir

Africa (6 cities): Johannesburg, Durban (eThekwini), Tshwane, Freetown (Sierra Leone).

Observers

The U20 initiative includes 19 observer cities across various regions:

Latin America: Montevideo (Uruguay), Niteroi (Brazil)

North America: Toronto (Canada), Atlanta

Europe & UK: The Hague (Netherlands), Aarhus, Copenhagen (Denmark), Stara Zagora (Bulgaria)

Middle East: Ramallah (Palestine)

Africa: Cape Town (South Africa), Brazzaville (Republic of Congo), Banjul (Gambia), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Accra (Ghana), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Windhoek (Namibia), Gaborone (Botswana). These observer cities participate in U20 activities to share their experiences and learn from other cities. Their involvement helps to broaden the impact and reach of the U20 initiative.

About Urban 20

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