The SymbioCity Approach is a Swedish Government initiative promoting sustainable urbanisation worldwide, informed by Swedish knowledge and innovation, and with a significant local governance perspective. Since 2012, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), through SALAR International, has functioned as the secretariat for the SymbioCity Approach and its global application.  

For nearly two decades, the SymbioCity Approach has been applied in diverse contexts, engaging stakeholders in developing integrated and viable environmental, social and economic solutions to urban challenges. Experience includes urban sustainability reviews, planning initiatives and transformative projects and training programmes. The Approach has also been used by other Swedish actors in various contexts and for different purposes. 

For the 1st edition of the conceptual framework for SymbioCity (2012) contributions were made by a wide range of experts within the field of sustainable urban development via workshops and seminars. This 2nd edition (2025) is an editorial update reflecting current discourse on sustainable urban development and SALAR International’s experience from SymbioCity project implementation.  

The document is available in English and Georgian. Download the PDF here: 

The SymbioCity Approach – A Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Urban Development – English version