BRUSSELS (Internews): The 15th Annual Conference and Brussels Summit concluded in Brussels, Belgium. At the summit, the French city of Sète was awarded “World Green Design Capital” in recognition of its systematic practices and outstanding achievements in green design and sustainable development, becoming the first city in Europe to receive this honor. Jo Leinen, Honorary President of WGDO, presented the certificate to Sète. This moment not only marked international recognition of Sète’s green development pathway, but also injected strong momentum into green urban transformation across Europe and around the world.
As a prestigious international accolade in the field of global urban green transformation, “World Green Design Capital” was launched by WGDO. Its evaluation framework is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Green Deal, with the aim of identifying “lighthouse benchmarks” capable of leading the future development of cities worldwide. Sète’s green development practices provide a vivid illustration of global sustainable urban development. By taking the city as the core platform and deeply integrating green design into key areas such as urban planning and construction, industrial development, and public services, Sète has established a model that combines distinctive European characteristics with international relevance—a “European exemplar” that offers valuable practical reference for cities around the world.
Speaking at the award ceremony, former Mayor of Sète François Commeinhes emphasized that this honor is not only an encouragement to all citizens of Sète, but also a profound responsibility. Looking ahead, the city will continue to deepen its green transformation strategy, increase investment in green technology innovation, further raise the share of renewable energy in its urban energy mix, and prioritize the development of zero-carbon communities, thereby demonstrating the value of green design through a more comprehensive sustainable urban model. At the same time, Sète will regularly share its transformation experience and technological achievements, actively support the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, enhance urban climate resilience in a tangible manner, and safeguard the Mediterranean ecosystem.
The conferment of “World Green Design Capital”on Sète represents not only a landmark milestone in the city’s development history, but also a distinctive city brand that highlights its international competitiveness and reputation. The principles showcased in its green practices “ecology first, systematic advancement, and public participation”—offer a clear pathway for European cities to reconcile the tension between development and environmental protection. As Sète’s green development experience continues to be disseminated, it will undoubtedly inspire more European cities to join the ranks of green transformation, jointly advancing the improvement of the global ecological governance system and writing a new chapter of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
