Urban 20 (U20) is a city diplomacy initiative that brings together cities from G20 member states and observer cities from non-G20 states to discuss and form a common position on climate action, social inclusion and integration, and sustainable economic growth. Recommendations are then issued for consideration by the G20. The initiative is convened by C40 Cities, in collaboration with United Cities and Local Governments, under the leadership of a Chair city that rotates annually. The first U20 Mayors Summit took place in Buenos Aires in 2018, and the second took place in Tokyo in 2019. For 2020, Riyadh City is the Chair city and host of the annual Mayors Summit. The first meeting of U20 Sherpas was convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the 5th – 6th February during which the foundations were laid for the U20 2020 Mayors Summit in the Saudi capital later this year. As U20 Chair, Riyadh has introduced taskforces to add additional structure and focus to the U20. These taskforces explore specific priority issues and bring evidence-based solutions to the final Communique.

Each taskforce has commissioned whitepapers led by chair cities, and with input from participating cities and knowledge partners. These whitepapers help us build an evidence-based, credible and achievable set of policy recommendations.