Asian Circular Cities Declaration Launched — Yokohama Leads as a First Signatory at ASCC 2025

　At the Asia Smart City Conference 2025, hosted by Yokohama City, a new international framework to promote circular cities across Asia was launched.

　In Europe, the European Circular Cities Declaration framework (*1) was established in 2020, with approximately 90 cities participating to date. Through this initiative, cities share challenges and advanced measures, mutually strengthening urban policies such as resource circulation and decarbonization.

　Recognizing the need for a similar common foundation in Asia, Yokohama City, as the leading city, publicly requested by open letter　(*2) for the establishment of this framework to international organizations in collaboration with leaders of Asian cities. The initiative received the endorsement of CityNet (*3), one of the largest city networks in the Asia-Pacific region, which served as a witness to its launch.

　As a result, on November 26, ICLEI(*4) Japan announced the establishment of the Asian Circular Cities Declaration framework, with Yokohama City becoming the first signatory. Expectations for the initiative (*5) were also expressed by the Ministry of the Environment, UN agencies, the World Economic Forum, and the circular economy impact organization Circle Economy, among others.

　On the same day, Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka’s appointment as ICLEI Global Executive Committee Circular Development Portfolio (*6) was announced. Mayor Yamanaka is the only Japanese mayor serving as a member of the Executive Committee.

　Starting next fiscal year, Yokohama City will rebrand the conference from the Asia Smart City Conference (ASCC) to the Asia-Pacific Circular Cities Forum (APCC-Forum), further strengthening its role as an international platform for sharing insights among cities.

 

 　We wholeheartedly welcome the establishment of the “Asian Circular Cities Declaration” and express our sincere gratitude to ICLEI Japan for swiftly bringing this initiative to fruition.
　As a leading city, Yokohama is committed to vigorously leading the transition toward circular cities across Asia. We will strengthen policy effectiveness and accelerate this shift through broad city participation and the sharing of knowledge and best practices.
　As a member of the ICLEI Global Executive Committee, I will ensure that the voices of cities are heard within the international community and reflected in global policy discussions. I remain fully dedicated to advancing circular growth.

 

　We have established the “Asian Circular Cities Declaration” in response to the open letter from Asian city leaders. In Europe, where similar initiatives already exist, cities are actively sharing advanced practices and addressing challenges, accelerating the transition to circular cities. Furthermore, cities that have signed the declaration form groups that amplify their voices internationally within institutions such as the European Parliament.

　In Asia, cities face diverse differences in development levels and access to resources. However, we are committed to providing strong support, including knowledge sharing, to help them progress toward the common goal of becoming circular cities.

　We are delighted that Yokohama City has become the first signatory to this declaration. We look forward to the city’s continued leadership as a member of the ICLEI Global Executive Committee in advancing circular cities across the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

 

　An international conference hosted by Yokohama City that brings together representatives from cities, government agencies, international organizations, academic institutions, and private companies worldwide to discuss how to achieve sustainable urban development that balances economic growth with a high-quality urban environment. First held in 2012, this year marks its 14th edition.

 

●Theme: 

　Towards a Circular Society — Promoting the Circular Economy, Carbon Neutrality, and GREEN × EXPO 2027

●Schedule & Content:

　November 25 (Tue): Opening Session, Plenary Session

　November 26 (Wed): City Sessions, Business Sessions, Closing Session, Booth Exhibitions

　November 27 (Thu): Facility Tours for Invited Overseas Cities

●Venue:

　PACIFICO Yokohama North (November 25–26)

　For more details, please visit the ASCC2025 official website.

　https://ascc.city.yokohama.lg.jp/en/index.html

 

　Established in 2020 by ICLEI Europe with wide range of stakeholders, the framework now includes approximately 90 cities across Europe.

　European cities and metropolitan areas such as the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam, Berlin, Helsinki, and Grand Paris Métropole have joined, playing a leading international role in circular urban policies.

 

　To advance the realization of a circular urban society in Asia, Asian city leaders call on international organizations and stakeholders to undertake the following initiatives:

・Establishing and managing a “Circular Cities Declaration” framework tailored to the context of Asian cities

・Providing opportunities on capacity buildings for city official

・Supporting policy development

・Recognizing and awarding best practices

・Sponsoring and supporting the administration and implementation of the projects under the Circular Cities Declaration framework in Asia

 

　A city network focused on collaboration and knowledge sharing among cities in the Asia-Pacific region. Its headquarters are located in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1987 with support from UN-ESCAP, UNDP, and UN-HABITAT, it currently has over 150 member cities, local governments, and related organizations. It aims to promote urban sustainability, resilience, inclusiveness, and inclusive city development, wielding significant influence within the international community.

 

　Founded in 1990, ICLEI is the world’s largest network of cities and regions committed to achieving sustainable development, with over 2,500 member organizations. Its global headquarters are located in Bonn, Germany.

　It partners with UN agencies, wielding significant influence and advocacy power in international policy. From Japan, 27 local governments are members, including 8 government-designated cities (such as Yokohama City) and 5 prefectures.

 

・The Vice President of ICLEI Europe expressed hope that strengthened collaboration between Europe and Asia will accelerate the global transition to circular cities.

・The CEO of CityNet committed to supporting the expansion of the Circular Cities Declaration in the Asia-Pacific region.

・The UN-ESCAP Secretary-General expressed appreciation for Yokohama City’s leadership and anticipation for co-hosting the first-ever Asia-Pacific Urban Forum (APUF) in Japan in 2027.

・The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) highlighted opportunities for collaboration at various program levels within the Asia-Pacific region.

・The Representative of the World Economic Forum in Japan noted that establishing an Asian version of the declaration framework is expected to positively impact corporate activities and foster regional innovation.

 

　The ICLEI Global Executive Committee is the body that determines ICLEI’s highest-level policies. It currently consists of the President, Vice Presidents, Regional Directors, Sector Directors, and Advisors. There are 10 Sector Directors, including the Circular Growth Director. The Circular Growth Director plays the following roles toward realizing circular cities:

・Advising on action plans for the circular economy sector

・Promoting partnerships with international organizations and others

・Facilitating discussions among members while widely disseminating achievements in the circular economy sector to advance activities

・Delivering presentations at major international conferences, etc.

 

Asian Circular Cities Declaration Launched — Yokohama Leads as a First Signatory at ASCC 2025

YAZAWA Toshikazu

Director for Global Network Division 

Global Networks Department, International Affairs Bureau

Tel：045-671-4889

Mail: ki-global@city.yokohama.lg.jp