Strong Cities
Fourth Global Summit

19 September 2023

Widening the Lens: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to City-Led Prevention and Response to Hate and Extremism

A Strong Cities – Columbia University’s School of international and Public Affairs event

A unique opportunity to identify innovations, approaches and lessons from other sectors – from climate change to housing, equal access to green spaces, health sector innovations and more. What can we learn about hate and extremism prevention if we widen the lens? 

Note: For those not joining us in New York, a lunch-time panel will be livestreamed. A link will be added here prior to the event. Stay tuned for more information.

20 September 2023

International Steering Committee Meeting

The inaugural in-person meeting of the revitalised Strong Cities Network International Steering Committee.  

Unlocking the Potential of Cities to Contribute to Whole-of-Society Efforts to Rehabilitate and Reintegrate Returnees from Conflict Zones

City representatives from Strong Cities’ members, along with other local government officials and front-line practitioners, will come together to share and reflect on their individual experiences related to rehabilitation and reintegration (R&R). Attendees will exchange insights for a deeper understanding of how to navigate R&R challenges within their cities, with a view to enhancing city-led R&R efforts in their countries.

Unlocking the Potential of Cities to Address Hate Speech

A Strong Cities – UN Office of Counter-Terrorism workshop 

This roundtable will provide representatives from cities globally the opportunity to share how hate speech is impacting their communities, how they are responding and the challenges they face with doing so. The United Nations share latest insights into hate speech trends and its impact on inclusion, tolerance and human rights, and how the UN responding.  

Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative Working Lunch

A working lunch for participants from Europe and North America to reflect on progress made under the Strong Cities’ Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative, and an opportunity to shape the forward agenda based on city needs.

Enhancing Global-Local Cooperation: Realising the Potential of Mayors and Local Governments in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism

A conversation between the Strong Cities Network and Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF)

The first-ever dedicated global meeting between mayors and local leaders and GCTF senior representatives to discuss opportunities and barriers to implementation of relevant GCTF good practices at the local level, including those related to national-local cooperation.

21 September 2023

Mayoral Meeting

Hosted by Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City

A gathering of mayors and other city leaders from around the world focused on mayoral leadership in a time of rising hate, extremism and polarisation that too often manifests in violence and has long-lasting negative impacts on communities. An opportunity to hear directly from mayors on approaches, innovations and lessons for effective, sustainable solutions and strengthening social cohesion. The meeting will feature the adoption of the Fourth Global Summit Mayoral Declaration.

Strengthening Global-Local Cooperation in Addressing Violent Extremism: How the Perspectives and Experiences of Local Leaders and Governments Can Inform the Work of the UN Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate

A Strong Cities – UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) dialogue

This dialogue will include a presentation by UN CTED, focusing on pertinent UN Security Council frameworks and their collaborative interactions with UN Member States in the context of implementation. Local government officials will have an opportunity to share findings, recommendations and good practices for protecting ‘soft targets’.