Japan is widely recognized as a global leader in innovative urban development, offering a rich portfolio of city-level experiences that inform the GPSC and the broader GEF Sustainable Cities network. With its dense metropolitan regions, aging infrastructure, advanced technological capabilities, and deep commitment to disaster resilience, Japan provides powerful examples of how cities can integrate green infrastructure, smart technologies, and nature-based solutions into long-term urban planning. 

Cities such as Yokohama, Kanazawa, and others across the country have shared their expertise on waste management, low-carbon mobility, biodiversity conservation, and community-centered regeneration through GPSC events, exchanges, and workshops. Japan’s approach—grounded in innovation, efficiency, and ecological stewardship—continues to inspire cities around the world seeking scalable solutions for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban transformation.