Page 7 - Shelter - April 2023

THEME PAPER

and Planning; and to action’; by the Group of 7 (G7) as
the Urban7 (U7) in 2022
6. Catalyzing Digital Urban 2. Maximising convergence and the Japan Designated
Futures. with G20; Cities Mayors’ Association

U20 is a platform for cities 3. Mobilising the Partner in 2023 were special groups
to exchange knowledge and Ecosystem; under the G7 to collect
showcase the innovative voices from local leaders and
and pioneering work they 4. Making knowledge the cities. The G7 Communiqué
have undertaken. However, currency among cities; in fact acknowledges “We
it also has the responsibility and acknowledge the significant
to champion sustainable 5. Magnifying the role of role of cities, their associations,
development globally cities in formulating and networks as actors in
through the force of cities. global policies. our transformation towards
It can create a framework sustainable development. We
that will enable the global AMPLIFYING THE commit to foster exchange
community to translate its URBAN PERSPECTIVE among and with cities.” As
commitments for a desirable IN G20 the world moves forward
urban future. Following are towards achieving the
the key goals the sixth cycle It is time to amplify the SDGs, Cities can indeed help
and its key stakeholders voice of cities to situate the enhance the collective action
intend to achieve: urban perspective in global needed to create pathways of
forums such as the G20. This cooperation that ensure that
1. Moving from ‘intention has already been recognised no one is left behind.

THE G20: HOW IT WORKS

The G20 group was created as a response to the The preparation process of the G20 involves
financial crisis of the 1990s and was a Finance various meetings held in two tracks, namely the
Minister level event till 2008. The first meeting Sherpa track, and the Finance track, that discuss
of the G20 was held in Berlin in 1999. In 2008, it and follow up on issues and commitments of
became a Summit of the heads of Government, the Summits. The Sherpa track focusses on the
which was hosted by the US in Washington non-financial issues such as climate change,
DC. The Chair of the group is rotated annually sustainable development, food security, etc.,
among members, giving representation to each whereas the financial track focusses on the
different regional group by rotation. The Troika financial and economic issues. The thematic
or the grouping of past, present and future agendas of various tracks are supported by the
Chairs of the group, are part of the management background work of the expert working groups
group of the G20. as well as through various ministerial meetings.

April, 2023, Volume 24. No.1 - SHELTER 5