Yokohama strengthens collaboration with UN organizations in Bonn

In June 2026, Mayor Yamanaka visited Bonn, Germany, where he met with representatives of several United Nations organizations to deepen collaboration in the fields of sustainability, citizen engagement, and biodiversity.

At the headquarters of UN Volunteers (UNV), Mayor Yamanaka met with Deputy Executive Coordinator Andrey Pogrebnyak. UNV promotes volunteerism worldwide by dispatching citizens to support UN activities. During the meeting, the Mayor shared Yokohama’s commitment to creating opportunities for residents, especially younger generations, to engage with the international community. Both sides agreed to explore collaboration, including career seminars in Yokohama featuring UNV programs and experienced speakers.

Mayor Yamanaka also visited the UN SDG Action Campaign and met with Global Director Marina Ponti. The initiative, led by the UN Secretary-General, works to raise awareness and accelerate action toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yokohama introduced its local initiatives, such as STYLE100 and the Asia-Pacific Circular Cities Forum (APCC-Forum), and exchanged views on future collaboration to further mobilize citizens and businesses.

In addition, Mayor Yamanaka met with Executive Secretary Luthando Dziba at the headquarters of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). IPBES strengthens the link between scientific knowledge and policymaking on biodiversity. Yokohama presented GREEN×EXPO 2027 and discussed the importance of addressing biodiversity loss as a global challenge.

Through these meetings, Yokohama City reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to promote sustainability, empower citizens, and contribute to solving global environmental issues.