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G7 recognises role of cities and regions
The G7 Urban7 group will provide a platform for political dialogue and defining joint positions of local and regional governments on relevant G7 priorities.
The French city of Nancy will host the International Mayors’ Summit in June 2026
At a glance
Who: G7; G7 Urban7 group; ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability; the Global Parliament of Mayors (GPM); U7 Secretariat; City of Nancy; Greater Nancy Metropolitan Authority.
What: The G7 Urban7 (U7) group has been recognised as official G7 engagement partners ahead of the International Mayors’ Summit.
Why: It aims to provide a platform for political dialogue and defining joint positions of local and regional governments on G7 priorities relevant for local and regional development.
When: The International Mayors’ Summit takes place in the French city of Nancy from 2 to 4 June 2026.
The G7 Urban7 (U7) group has been recognised as official G7 engagement partners five years after its creation in 2021.
The U7 will represent the voice of local and regional governments within the G7. An Urban 7 International Mayors’ Summit will be held in the French city of Nancy from 2 to 4 June 2026, ahead of the G7 Leaders’ Summit in June 2026.
Platform for dialogue
The G7 Urban7 (U7) advocates for a continuous dialogue between the G7 nations and municipal actors. It is an initiative by national associations and international city networks in the G7 countries and is chaired by the U7 Secretariat consisting of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability and the Global Parliament of Mayors (GPM) as well as the city association from the country holding the presidency of the G7 that year.
It aims provide a platform for dialogue and defining joint positions of local and regional governments on G7 priorities relevant for local and regional development.
Local and regional authorities bring a distinct voice in the collective and diplomatic response to major international challenges, whether democratic, environmental, social or security-related
Local and regional authorities bring a distinct voice in the collective and diplomatic response to major international challenges, whether democratic, environmental, social or security related. Cities are also on the front line and serve as an essential link between multilateral dialogue forums and the citizens who, in their daily lives and at the local level, experience the impacts of these challenges.
As part of France’s G7 Presidency in 2026, France Urbaine, the U7 Secretariat, the City of Nancy and the Greater Nancy Metropolitan Authority, in partnership with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, will host an International Mayors’ Summit from 2 to 4 June 2026.
This high-level event will bring together local political leaders, institutional representatives, academics and international partners. It will aim to highlight the role of cities and territories in international diplomacy.
For its 2026 G7 Presidency, France has set out its ambition to promote a renewed multilateral approach, based on cooperation between states, local and regional authorities, and civil society actors.
In this context, France Urbaine has been tasked with leading and coordinating the Urban 7 Group as chair of the U7 secretariat, alongside ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability and the Global Parliament of Mayors (GPM) in 2026. The Urban 7, brings together national associations from G7 member countries supported by international city networks to convey shared messages and policy recommendations to Heads of State and Government.
By hosting the International Mayors’ Summit, the City of Nancy and the Greater Nancy Metropolitan Authority reaffirm their strong commitment to international cooperation and to dialogue between local authorities. As a city with a strong European and academic tradition, Nancy has the expertise and infrastructure required to host a high-level international event. This choice will help showcase French territories on the international stage and recognise their central role in city diplomacy.
The International Mayors’ Summit will bring together nearly 200 participants to address joint priority issues, selected in line with the priorities of France’s G7 Presidency, including the ecological transition, social cohesion, territorial resilience and the contribution of local and regional authorities to global governance.
These discussions will feed into a declaration, to be shared at the highest level as part of the G7 process, including during the G7 Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held in Évian from 15 to 17 June.
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