Media Invitation: Press Tour at Asia Smart City Conference 2025, Yokohama

 

 

 

In recent years, the global community has increasingly called for a transition toward “circular cities,” which aim for sustainable economic growth and development while minimizing environmental impact on the planet. In Europe in particular, cities are participating in a framework known as the European Circular Cities Declaration (*1), working together to promote the shift toward circular urban models.

The City of Yokohama has enhanced its international presence by sharing its experience in environmentally friendly urban development with cities abroad. At the upcoming Asia Smart City Conference (ASCC), Yokohama will publicly call on Asian cities to join forces with city leaders to establish a circular cities declaration framework in Asia. In response to this appeal, representatives from international organizations will engage in public discussions on the creation of such a framework and on support for participating cities.

 

 

 Point 1: Yokohama City Takes the Lead in Promoting Circular Cities in Asia (November 25)

・As the initiating city, Yokohama will hold a signing ceremony for an open letter of request together with urban leaders from across Asia, including the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 
・This letter calls on ICLEI (*2), a global network of local governments, and other international organizations to establish a circular cities declaration framework in Asia. 

 

 ・In response to the open letter, international organizations such as ICLEI will participate in the session to discuss the establishment of a circular cities declaration framework in Asia and the support for cities involved. 
 ・In addition to ICLEI, various organizations are expected to take the stage, including Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, UN agencies, the Circle Economy Foundation—an expert organization on the circular economy—and CityNet, a network of cities in the Asia-Pacific region. Their endorsement and support for the open letter are anticipated.

 

 

*1) European Circular Cities Declaration 
Established in 2020 under the leadership of ICLEI Europe, this framework has attracted participation from approximately 90 cities across 22 European countries. Each city commits to setting goals for transitioning toward a circular city, while also sharing challenges and best practices.
As of now, no such region-wide declaration framework exists in Asia.

 

*2) ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives)
ICLEI is a global network of over 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban and regional development. It represents municipalities in discussions with the United Nations and other international bodies, advocating for sustainability.
From Japan, 27 local governments—including the City of Yokohama—are members. Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka serves as a board member of ICLEI Japan.

 

 

The press tour will be organized for international media representatives as follows:

１. Date: November 26 (Wednesday)  

２. Proposed schedule:

　 14:30-16:00　Tour of the ASCC: Urban solution showcase 

　　　　　　　 (Interviews with exhibitors to be arranged by the City of Yokohama)
　 16:00-17:30　Highlighted session (Closing session): 

　　　　　　　 International organizations such as ICLEI will discuss the establishment of the Asian Circular Cities Declaration Framework and support measures
　 17:40-18:00　Interview with Mayor of Yokohama and International Organization

　　　　　　　 (Q&A session with the press): 

*Meeting point and time will be informed after your application. 

 

3. Language: 

　English (an interpreter will be arranged for interviewing Japanese participants)

 

4. Key points to cover:

▶ Urban solution showcase including exhibitions on corporate technologies for circular economy, decarbonization, and urban challenges, alongside initiatives by Yokohama City and international organizations.

▶ A closing session where international organizations such as ICLEI discuss support measures for circular cities, including the Asian Circular Cities Declaration Framework.    

For more information, please visit the following website: https://ascc.city.yokohama.lg.jp/en/

 

5. How to apply

    Please send your name and your media via email to ki-global@city.yokohama.lg.jp by November 14 (Friday).

 

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to meeting you in Yokohama.