SDSN and Pontifical Academy of Sciences Assembles Top Mayors to Discuss UN Sustainable Development Goals

On July 22, 2015, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences bring together mayors from some of the world's major urban centers - including New York, Vancouver, Istanbul, New Orleans, Rome, Seoul, Bogota, San Francisco, Rio de Janeiro, Accra, Stockholm, Sao Paulo, Kingston, Johannesburg, Algiers - to discuss the UN’s new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On July 22, 2015, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences bring together mayors from some of the world’s major urban centers – including New York, Vancouver, Istanbul, New Orleans, Rome, Seoul, Bogota, San Francisco, Rio de Janeiro, Accra, Stockholm, Sao Paulo, Kingston, Johannesburg, Algiers – to discuss the UN’s new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This event follows the July 21 Vatican workshop on “Modern Slavery and Climate Change: The Commitment of the Cities” , convened by Pope Francis and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

At the July 22 Vatican-hosted symposium , city leaders will consider clear, quantifiable commitments to demonstrate their dedication to a fairer, more sustainable world. Additionally, local governments and urban development practitioners will discuss how cities can drive the implementation of the new sustainable development agenda. At the conclusion of the symposium, the mayors will sign a “sustainable development” declaration.

Taking place just two months before heads of state and government gather in New York to approve the SDGs and four months before the climate negotiations in Paris, mayors are convening to tackle the challenges of social inclusion, economic development and environmental sustainability (including cities’ carbon commitments). They will also discuss the importance of governance and finance for implementing the SDGs.

July 22 event documents:

Press Release

Background Briefing

Detailed Agenda

Translations of the agenda are available on the Pontifical Academy of Sciences website.

Watch:

The symposium will be livestreamed on YouTube beginning 9AM CET. Join the conversation online by following #MayorsCare.

Contact:

Please direct all inquiries, including media inquires, to Jessica Espey.