A decision to host a summit of foreign and development ministers from the G7 countries in Liverpool next month has been welcomed by the city's leaders.
Delegates from the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan and the EU will attend the meeting from Friday, 10 December, to Sunday, 12 December.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss will host the summit which will also see countries from the Association of Southeast Asian Countries attend for the first time.
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The group is expected to discuss a range of global issues, including economic resilience post-Covid, global health and human rights.
Paul Cherpeau, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber, said: "Liverpool has long prided itself on being a global city, offering a perspective on the world through the lens of international trade, innovation, culture and sport.
"The arrival of the G7 summit is another chance to remind the world what we do best and a timely opportunity as the city region continues its economic and social recovery from the pandemic.
"It has certainly captured the attention and imagination of many of our members, who are keen to welcome international guests and showcase our unique offer.
"Innovation has been central to our Covid response and the work of institutions such as the School for Tropical Medicine and developments such as The Spine and the Pandemic Institute underpin our reputation as a world-class hub for health innovation.
"We hope the summit’s presence here will also shine a brighter spotlight on our sustainability assets in the Liverpool City Region.
"Our natural and burgeoning strengths in wind, hydrogen, solar and tidal mean we have the potential to play a leading role in the UK’s response to the global climate emergency as we move forward from the COP agreement."
The news was also welcomed by Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region.
He added: "Liverpool is often described as 'the world in one city', so I can think of no more fitting city to host the G7 foreign and development ministerial meeting.
"We are an outward-facing and welcoming region, and nation, known around the world as a global leader in sport, culture, music, heritage and so much more.
"Where we were once leaders of the First Industrial Revolution, we are pioneers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, leading the world in digital and green innovation.
"From the recently launched Pandemic Institute to revolutionary projects like HyNet and our own Mersey Tidal Power scheme, there is nowhere that better embodies the best of our country's past and an exciting vision for the future.
"The eyes of the world will be on the Liverpool City Region during this summit, and we have a fantastic story to tell.
"While they're here, I'm sure that the foreign and development ministers and the world's press, like the many, many tourists we attract every year, won't be afraid to spend a few pounds in the local economy."
Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson said: "Liverpool is proud to have been chosen to host this global event on behalf of the UK government.
"We are a fitting choice given our cultural significance, musical importance and sporting greatness which attracts visitors from around the world, as well as our scientific and architectural innovation."
