The Oxford Martin Commission for Future Generations' recommendation that 'creative coalitions' could address major global challenges was discussed at the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group Mayors Summit.

Commissioner Minister Trevor Manuel, Chair of the National Planning Commission of South Africa, was invited to take part in the plenary session Healthier, Wealthier Cities: Linking Growth, Prosperity & Liveability, on February 6. His contribution centred on the need for 'coalitions of the working' encompassing city and national authorities, corporations, civil society, and international organisations; he specifically focused on the Commission's proposal of a C20-C30-C40 coalition to tackle climate change, as well as its 'Fit Cities' concept addressing non-communicable diseases. Minister Manuel also discussed the importance of investing in youth, another recommendation highlighted in the Commission report, Now for the Long Term, which has been downloaded more than 850,000 times in over 160 countries.

The three-day Mayors' Summit, which took place in Johannesburg, brought together city leaders from the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group in order to advance solutions to urban challenges through individual efforts as well as international engagement and collaboration. On the panel with Minister Manuel were Executive Mayor Mpho Parks Tau, City of Johannesburg; Mayor Guy Morin, President of the Executive Council, Canton of Basel-Stadt, City of Basel; and Mayor Gregor Robertson, City of Vancouver.

View a video of Minister Manuel's remarks.