１ Discussions with the Mayor of the Sister City of Lyon and the President of the Lyon Metropole*¹

Discussions were held on the decarbonization initiatives being promoted by the two municipalities, and requests were made for cooperation with a view to the success of GREEN x EXPO 2027. After that, the group visited the Lyon Public Library and the “Biodistrict,” an area where the city of Lyon is promoting innovative urban development.

*¹ Lyon-Metropole, Regional municipality with the authority of a prefecture under the metropolitan system in France.

２ Discussions with OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) officials

At OECD HQ, the delegation met with the Deputy Secretary General and the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions, and Cities to discuss solutions to various issues such as metropolitan growth, climate change, and inclusive growth in Asia. Mayor Yamanaka is a newly appointed member of the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth*² , a network of city leaders established by the OECD, and was interviewed by OECD policy analysts.

*² OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth: A coalition of world leaders working to promote inclusive growth.
The OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth is a coalition of 66 heads of state and government comprised of the mayors of Paris, Rome, Hamburg, and other cities (including the mayor of Yokohama). Through hosting international conferences and disseminating information on its website, the coalition discusses shares case studies, and makes policy recommendations toward inclusive growth.

３ Discussions with the Deputy Mayor for Climate Change, City of Paris

Under the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, Mayor Yamanaka serves as a board member representing the East Asia region, and the Mayor of Paris serves as an ambassador.

４Meeting and discussion with the head of CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations) Paris office

In the meeting, the participants heard about the current status of the CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations) Paris Office and other matters. In addition, Yokohama City’s policies and initiatives such as “GREENxEXPO 2027” were explained, and cooperation with European cities and information dissemination were requested.

５Meeting and discussion with the head of JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) Paris Office

During this meeting the group received the latest information on France’s politics and economy. The delegation explained Yokohama’s initiatives in the areas of decarbonization and mobility and asked for cooperation in attracting European startups to Yokohama and promoting open innovation.

6　Consultations with World Rugby (the international rugby federation) and other rugby-related organizations)

Discussions were held with World Rugby executives regarding environmentally friendly venues and operations under the “Environmental Sustainability Plan 2030” issued by World Rugby. In addition, Yokohama’s sports administration initiatives, experience and know-how in hosting international events were presented, and the city’s suitability for hosting international Rugby events was explained.

At a Rugby-related event, the Mayor attended in his capacity as the president of the Local Government One Team*³, he established relationships with Rugby organizations around the world with a view to attracting future international events.

*^３ Municipal One Team…The official name of the team is the “Council of Municipalities Promoting Regional Collaboration with Rugby”. It was established on March 10, 2020, with the aim of ensuring that the excitement generated by the Rugby World Cup 2019 will not be short-lived, to promote the spread and promotion of Rugby throughout Japan, improve the environment in which Rugby is played, and develop towns and cities through Rugby. The number of member municipalities is 152 (as of October 27, 2023).