Overview
has received international recognition for its efforts to overcome environmental challenges while supporting economic growth. In 2011, the OECD selected Kitakyushu, a modern industrial city, as the first "Green Growth City" in Asia to be assessed under its Green Growth Cities Program, together with Paris, Chicago, and Stockholm. In line with its vision of realizing a circular economy, Kitakyushu actively collaborates with international initiatives such as the United Nations Environment Programme, undertaking several supporting activities, including projects promoting solutions to the problem of marine plastic litter in Asian waters.
Key topics of engagement
- Solid waste management
- Circular economy through PPP
- Eco-town development
- Environment and marine litter
Key recent collaborations
- March 2025
A city official from Kitakyushu city shared the city¡¯s experiences and key considerations on Interplay between solid waste and urban flood risk during the Urban Flood Management TDD. - October 2024
During the TDLC 20th anniversary ceremony, representatives from Kitakyushu City presented the city's efforts in sustainable urban development and international cooperation, highlighting the role of public-private partnerships. - September 2023
As the host city for the Indonesia Local Service Delivery Improvement Project Exposure Trip to Japan, Kitakyushu showcased its waste management and Eco-Town initiatives to officials from Indonesia¡¯s central and local governments. - October 2021
A city official from Kitakyushu shared some of the insights and key consideration in designing and promoting smart city solutions towards reducing carbon emissions and the lessons learned at the 10th?Asia Smart City Conference:?World Bank Session. - October 2021
City officials from Kitakyushu introduced and discussed the Kitakyushu Model, which is the city¡¯s popular approach for solid waste management supporting circular economy development at the Virtual Technical Deep Dive: Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy.
*As of September 2025
Key Publications
