The Director of the European Office attended the “6th United Nations Forum of Mayors,” held in Geneva, Switzerland, on October 12–13, 2026, as a representative of the Mayor of Yokohama.
The Role of Cities in the International Community
The conference was organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and held in Geneva. Approximately 700 participants from around the world—including more than 80 mayors and representatives of international organizations—attended, and multiple sessions were held over the course of two days. The number of mayors in attendance exceeded that of the previous year, and networking among cities and active exchanges of views gained even greater momentum.
Yokohama City’s Initiatives
Yokohama City took the stage at a session themed “Green Cities and Environmental Quality” to share the city’s pioneering initiatives in waste management and the circular economy. Amid population growth driven by rapid urbanization, the city has been conducting waste separation and recycling campaigns in collaboration with residents since the early 2000s.
The city presented its track record of achieving significant results—including a 50 percent reduction in waste generation—despite population growth, by fostering behavioral changes among citizens and businesses.
In addition, he explained the context in which the city is further developing the circular economy as a central pillar of its urban policy and climate change measures, building on the advanced waste management policies cultivated over many years. He expressed the city’s commitment to continuing to deepen knowledge sharing and collaboration with countries and cities around the world to realize a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
Yokohama: Asia’s Leading Environmentally Advanced City
Yokohama, which is enhancing its presence in the international community while deepening collaboration with international organizations and cities overseas, will host the “9th Asia-Pacific Urban Forum (APUF-9)” in 2027 in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and is also set to host the “GREEN×EXPO 2027.”
Moving forward, the city will continue to fulfill its role as a decarbonization and environmental leader driving progress across Asia.
Related posts:
Yokohama Featured in Brazilian Media — Highlighting Sustainability Initiatives Including GREEN×EXPO 2027
Yokohama’s Circular Journey: How “Civic Power” is Building a Sustainable Future [Part 1]
Yokohama Hosts “the 5th Net Zero Emissions Workshop” at Bangkok Climate Action Week
Yokohama presents its green initiatives at the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum 2025
