The G7 Urban7 (U7) group has been recognised as official G7 engagement group five years after its creation in 2021. The U7 will henceforth represent the voice of local and regional governments within the G7. An Urban 7 International Mayors’ Summit will be held in the city of Nancy from 2 to 4 June 2026, ahead of the G7 Leaders’ Summit in June 2026, 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.
Nancy to host the U7 International Mayors’ Summit from 2 – 4 June
As part of France’s G7 Presidency in 2026, France Urbaine, the Urban 7 (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. 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.
Urban 7, the voice of cities within the G7
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.
Nancy, host territory of the International Mayors’ Summit
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.
An international milestone in support of local action
The International Mayors’ Summit will bring together nearly two hundred 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.
About the Urban7 - The G7 Urban7 (U7) advocates for a continuous dialogue between the G7 nations and municipal actors since 2022. The U7 is an initiative by national associations and international city networks in the G7 countries. The U7 Group 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. In 2024, the G7 Presidency is held by Italy and U7 thus the Associazione Nazionale Comuni Italiani (ANCI) is fulfilling that role in the U7 Group.
PRESS CONTACT
France urbaine
Julie JOLLIVET
+33 7 56 82 43 12
j.jollivet@franceurbaine.org
