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Multilateral city diplomacy in crisis situations improving multilevel governance

Simoné Giovetti

Moderator

Andràs Szörényi

Moderator

date November 7, 2024 | 11:00 - 12:30
place
Voices from Cities - room D
organization
Global Cities Hub
country
Switzerland
language
English
Reference: 
VC-D 12

Summary

In the new definition of international relations, city networks and the actions of local elected officials are essential. City diplomacy, which serves as leverage in international policies, must be recognized and integrated, not as a simple relay for centralized strategies, but as a role in its own right in management of cooperation policies. From the post-war twinnings to current cooperation, the link between local elected officials is crucial in order to provide concrete solutions to crises the world must face. It is imperative to establish an efficient global governance system rooted in inclusive multilateralism. As cities are projected to accommodate two-thirds of global population by 2050, it becomes paramount for local and regional governments (LRG) to spearhead development efforts. The World Urban Forum (WUF) holds a pivotal role in inspiring multilateral fora to integrate LRGs into forward-thinking global decision-making processes.
Cities are places where conflicts emerge, particularly during civil w

Objectives

Networks represent a successful avenue of multilateralism, providing platform for thematic discussions, peer-to-peer exchanges, and political support. To promote peace and dialogue is one of the most important goal and value of city-to-city relations.
Multilateral city-diplomacy should embrace impactful interaction with multilateral intergovernmental organizations as well. A meaningful mission-oriented dialogue and exchange with LRGs must take place at the level of international organizations. Inclusive and effective multilateralism requires a whole-of-governance approach where the different levels complement and strengthen each other. The Pact for the Future as the outcome of the UN Summit of the Future is supposed to echo this consideration.
Local authorities acting in the management of internally displaced persons is a concrete case of application of a pragmatic and innovative approach in terms of urban diplomacy and inclusive multilateralism.

Session panelists

Panelist
Role
Organization
Country
Mr. Pascal Rapillard
Director for External Affairs
City of Geneva - Global Cities Hub
Ms. Clare Hart
Vice-president
City of Monpelier - Cites Unies France
Ms. Dorothee Schmidt
Program Manager
Institut francais des relations internationales
Ms. Thamara Monteiro de Arruda Fortes
UN4UkrainianCities
UNECE - United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Mr. Graham Alabaster
Head of Geneva Office
UN Habitat