city diplomacy

May 29, 2015

As urban populations in cities grow their global influence expands as well. This week, PD News highlights the trend of cities conducting their own foreign policy.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Milan, Italy

The current world’s fair, with the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” shines a bright light on its host Milan. 

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the Financial Times today launched the Chicago Forum on Global Cities. This three-day forum on the future of global cities is bringing civic, business, cultural and academic leaders from London, Beijing, Paris, Dubai, Singapore and beyond to Chicago.

The most important characteristic of the 21st century is the rise of cities. The world may obsess over whether a “Chinese century” is replacing an American one. But the real action is not in nations — but in their urban centres. 

How do some of the most successful, leading cities in the world solve their problems? They steal the solutions — from other cities.

Before ramping up the number of bus lanes running through its high-rise canyons, Brazilian business hub Sao Paulo studied how such systems work in Paris, London, New York and Buenos Aires.

Creating strong identities for regions through outstanding tourism experiences can deliver a lot more than more visitors. A strong identity can provide soft power support for regions in their struggle for self-determination by building strong local economies. 

Shanghai at night

A new publication on city diplomacy from Charhar, Clingendael, and IFCR.

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