New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Saturday welcomed progressive leaders from around the world as he opened a three-day Urban 20 summit focused on issues including climate change.
In opening remarks in New York City, Mamdani said mayors would explore “practical solutions” to rising housing costs, the climate crisis and migration, according to a statement from the socialist mayor’s media team.
Information about the summit was limited, with few details made public about the event’s schedule and proceedings.
Most of Saturday’s sessions were closed to the press. Only a select group of media outlets, excluding The Post, was permitted to attend Mamdani’s opening remarks, and officials did not disclose the location.
The mayor’s public schedule said he would tour an undisclosed wastewater treatment plant with Helsinki Mayor Daniel Sazanov, Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni and Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri. Approved video from the visit was expected to be released later in the day.
Mamdani’s schedule also listed private meetings at undisclosed locations with Collboni and Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema.
In his address, Mamdani said the foreign and domestic leaders shared goals such as making their cities more affordable, responding to “the growing impact of the climate crisis” and opposing right-wing figures who, he said, seek to “demonize and terrorize immigrants.”
“As we hold panels, conversations and plenary sessions, my sincere hope is that this conference marks only the beginning of a new era of cooperation and emulation,” Mamdani said. He later posted video of the remarks on social media.
The three-day summit is expected to bring together 25 mayors and other leaders representing 34 cities worldwide.
Los Angeles is co-hosting the New York City gathering with the Mamdani administration.
Mamdani and Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of International Affairs Dilpreet Sidhu, who also addressed attendees, are serving as the summit’s co-chairs.
Pramono Anung, governor of Jakarta, Indonesia, was also reported to be attending, along with Mexico City Head of Government Clara Brugada.
Representatives for Mamdani did not respond to messages seeking comment.
