News & Events Event Reports

South Asia Regional Workshop: City-Led Prevention and Response

Publication Date:

12/02/2025

Content Type:

Event Reports

Share:

Tags:

ColomboGlobal Crises Local ImpactsMigrationSocial CohesionSouth Asia Regional Hubstrengthen community resilience

This report provides a summary of discussions during the event and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Strong Cities Network Management Unit, Strong Cities members, event sponsors or participants.

Summary

The Strong Cities Network’s South Asia Regional Hub held its third Regional Workshop on 22 – 23 January 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Co-hosted by the Colombo Municipal Council, the workshop gathered over 45 mayors, city officials, policymakers and practitioners from Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to discuss threats to public safety and social harmony stemming from climate change, migration and conflict, as well as identify good practices for cities to strengthen community resilience.

This two-day event offered participants a platform to share the local impacts that global crises are having on social cohesion in their city and learn more about human rights-compliant practices that have helped local governments address the proliferation of hate, violent extremism and social polarisation. Participants engaged in peer-to-peer learning and breakout sessions on multiple topics designed to generate actionable outcomes for cities to take forward. These include:

• Maintaining social cohesion amid urban growth and often uncontrolled migration.
• Leveraging urban planning strategies to enhance the inclusion, cohesiveness and resilience of cities in the face of natural disasters, violence, migration and population growth.
• Strengthening local government capacities to effectively engage young people to drive social cohesion and community resilience in their cities. This includes developing strategies for integrating youth voices into local decision-making, fostering civic engagement and equipping young leaders to address pressing urban challenges.
• Addressing online hate and other threats to information integrity – and thus mitigating their offline harms – by building digital resilience.
• Empowering women leaders to address pressing local issues through greater inclusion in decision-making processes and addressing structural barriers that prevent them from leading and/or contributing to local initiatives.

In his opening remarks, Governor Hanif Yusoof of the Western Province of Sri Lanka emphasised the need for local governments to adopt inclusive policies, particularly in diverse cities like Colombo, which serves as a microcosm of the nation’s cultural and economic fabric. Inclusive approaches are crucial to ensure everyone feels safe and heard, especially those who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalised. Commissioner Palitha Nanayakkara of the Colombo Municipal Council reaffirmed his city’s commitment to sustainable urban development, which benefits all communities in his jurisdiction. He stressed the importance of various social programmes administered by the council to strengthen social cohesion by reducing poverty, improving education and health services and promoting cultural exchange.

Eric Rosand, Executive Director of Strong Cities, highlighted the pivotal role of cities in addressing complex issues that threaten public safety and community cohesion. As Strong Cities celebrates its 10-year anniversary, he reaffirmed that the Network stands with local governments in South Asia, and around the world, to help them not only better understand their role in addressing threats and challenges to social cohesion that have historically been viewed as the purview of central governments and law enforcement to address, but also design and implement whole-of-city approaches to operationalise this role.

Key Findings

1. Concurrent Global Crises are Intensifying Existing Threats to Community Safety in Cities Across South Asia: Cities are at the frontline of global challenges, including climate change, migration pressures, food insecurity, political instability and terrorism. To address these complex issues, local governments are exploring opportunities to develop evidence-based prevention and response frameworks which focus on engaging vulnerable groups and building partnerships with stakeholders at the grassroots level. Decentralisation of decision-making processes is crucial to empower cities to implement whole-of-society prevention strategies and act swiftly in times of crisis.
2. Strengthening Social Cohesion and Inclusivity Should be Key Ingredients in Local Government Approaches to Managing Changing Demographics, Including Due to Migration: Diverse urban populations require policies that promote social integration, equitable resource distribution and participatory governance. Cities are fostering community engagement through dialogue initiatives, local mediation programmes and inclusive policymaking to mitigate tensions and build trust among and between different communities. Strengthening social infrastructure, such as education and employment opportunities, further enhances cohesion.
3. Addressing Hate Incidents and Threats to Information Integrity: The spread of hate speech, both online and offline, poses a growing challenge to community stability. Local governments have launched initiatives to tackle threats to information integrity through digital literacy campaigns, fact-checking initiatives and raising awareness of the detrimental impact of divisive and misleading narratives. Local governments are also increasingly collaborating with law enforcement to monitor and address potential threats before they escalate.
4. Promoting Gender-Inclusive Governance: The underrepresentation of women in decision-making remains a significant barrier to inclusive governance in many cities across the region. To address this, cities in South Asia are starting to implement policies that actively promote gender equality, such as leadership development programmes and initiatives to prevent gender-based violence. These efforts to increase women’s participation in local governance are strengthening democratic processes in the region and helping ensure that urban policies reflect the needs of all citizens.
5. Empowering Youth as Key Stakeholders in Social Impact Initiatives: Young people are playing a crucial role in shaping resilient and peaceful communities in cities across South Asia. Local governments are creating platforms to facilitate young people’s participation in local governance, including through youth councils, civic education programmes and skills development workshops. Encouraging youth leadership in addressing social issues has fostered a sense of belonging and responsibility towards their communities.
6. Mitigating the Impact of Climate Change on Social Cohesion and Community Safety in Cities: Climate-induced disruptions, such as extreme weather events and environmental degradation, continue to challenge urban stability and create conditions for violence. Cities are increasingly prioritising sustainable urban planning, investing in resilient infrastructure and developing climate adaptation policies that protect vulnerable communities. Strengthening inter-city cooperation and the sharing of good practices on environmental resilience can further enhance collective action against climate risks.

Threats & Key Challenges

Participants discussed the range of complex and interconnected challenges that affect social cohesion, stability and security in cities across South Asia. They shared how global crises such as climate change, rapid urbanisation, economic inequality and political instability are contributing to tensions within communities. At the same time, they noted how cities are struggling with limited capacities and resources to address these issues and cater to the needs of their residents, especially vulnerable and marginalised groups.

Rapid urbanisation, driven by often uncontrolled migration and population growth, continues to strain local infrastructure, with local governments struggling to provide adequate housing and public services. Zubair Ali, Mayor of Capital Metropolitan Government Peshawar (Pakistan), shared that the influx of thousands of displaced people has overwhelmed the city’s resources, increasing pressure on access to education and healthcare and deepening socioeconomic inequalities. Similarly, Md. Nur Kutubul Alam, Secretary of Narayanganj City Corporation (Bangladesh), described how the rapid population growth in his city has led to overcrowded housing conditions and inadequate social support systems.

Environmental changes have exacerbated these issues, with extreme weather events displacing populations and increasing competition over limited resources. Participants shared concerns over rising sea levels, flooding and extreme heatwaves leading to instability and violence. Ume Kalsoom Baloch, Member of the Provincial Assembly, Balochistan Province (Pakistan), explained how droughts and floods in her region have forced rural communities to migrate to urban centres, creating new socio-economic pressures. In the Maldives, Mohamed Basheer, President of Noonu Atoll Council, highlighted that coastal erosion and the depletion of freshwater supplies have worsened displacement challenges, particularly in island communities.

Discussions highlighted how rising hate speech, both online and offline, is fuelling these divisions within communities. City representatives reported on the harmful effects of conspiracy narratives targeting religious and ethnic minorities. Bhuwan Sharma, Joint Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation Shimla (India), emphasised that social media platforms are misused by media outlets and malign actors to incite community tensions through misleading reports that do not reflect the situation on the ground. He stressed that this was possible because it is difficult to hold individuals accountable for their online activity. Arkam Nooramith, Secretary General of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (Sri Lanka), further pointed out that digital campaigns have been weaponised to target specific communities; for instance, he noted that conspiracy narratives and unsubstantiated claims have been alleging that Muslims have been responsible for incidents that have resulted in injury or death. Some of these have led to reprisals against Muslims in the city. 

The workshop also highlighted the continued lack of meaningful inclusion of women in local governance. While some cities have implemented gender quotas, participants noted how such measures alone are insufficient to address systemic barriers. Female leaders continue to have limited access to decision-making roles and inadequate institutional support, and they continue to face harassment. Hemanthi Goonasekera, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities, stressed that increasing women’s representation requires not only policy changes but also capacity-building initiatives and structural reforms to ensure their meaningful participation and safety.

Young people were also identified as another key demographic crucial to maintaining social cohesion in communities across the region. Participants agreed that youth remain vulnerable to radicalisation to violence, substance abuse and economic disenfranchisement. They noted how limited access to employment and education opportunities, combined with exposure to extremist narratives online, have left many of them susceptible to recruitment by violent groups. Some cities have responded by establishing youth councils and mentorship programmes, but many local governments lack the resources to operationalise and sustain these initiatives.

Lastly, participants expressed concerns over the limited mandates and resources available to local governments to address public safety concerns. Saud Ali, Mayor of Thinadhoo City (Maldives), highlighted the disconnect between national and local governments, resulting in delays in addressing urgent issues, including threats to public safety and social cohesion. Discussions revealed that many cities lack jurisdictional authority to implement tailored solutions, further complicating efforts to tackle effectively environmental challenges, hate speech and migration pressures.

Key Themes

1. Building Inclusive and Resilient Cities: Addressing Displacement, Migration and Demographic Shifts

Cities across South Asia face mounting pressures due to migration, displacement and demographic shifts, requiring urgent attention to foster inclusive and cohesive urban environments. Speakers shared how polarisation and hate, often rooted in religious, sectarian and ethnic divisions, remain persistent challenges for local governments. Addressing these divisions, they stressed, requires proactive governance, strengthened social infrastructure and investment in education and awareness programmes to promote understanding and dialogue among diverse residents and communities.

When properly mandated, capacitated and resourced, local governments can play an important role in maintaining public safety while ensuring that law enforcement efforts do not deepen divisions. Discussions pointed to how community policing and participatory security models implemented in some cities, such as Maarafu (Maldives) and the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka, have been effective in fostering trust between authorities and residents, particularly where tensions between religious groups have escalated into violence. Establishing collaborative safety initiatives that involve local stakeholders has helped create a sense of shared responsibility in preventing conflicts.

Md. Nur Kutubul Alam, Secretary of Narayanganj City Corporation (Bangladesh), emphasised that as a hub for factory workers, Narayanganj has struggled with overcrowding and social divides between long-term residents and transient populations. To address this, he highlighted the role of community-based initiatives in bridging divides, such as vocational training, cultural exchange programmes and dialogue platforms, that foster mutual understanding.

Zubair Ali, Mayor of Capital Metropolitan Government Peshawar (Pakistan), underscored that in addition to community-based initiatives, there is a need for comprehensive urban planning to accommodate growing populations. He discussed Peshawar’s efforts to integrate displaced communities through housing projects, access to education and healthcare, economic opportunities and other public services. Peshawar has also prioritised gender-inclusive policies, such as providing safe spaces for women and transgender people and ensuring equal access to healthcare and employment for these vulnerable communities.

Himayat Ullah Mayar, Mayor of Mardan (Pakistan), stressed the role of municipal leadership in responding to migration-driven changes. He discussed how his city, despite housing a large number of internally displaced Pakistanis, has successfully mobilised resources to provide basic services for all residents, which has been crucial to maintaining social cohesion between new arrivals and long-term residents. He further emphasised that local governments must actively engage all community groups and implement inclusive decision-making processes to strengthen social cohesion and reduce community-based grievances.

Saud Ali, Mayor of Thinadhoo City (Maldives), shared that his city has not faced the same level of migration as other cities in the region, but demographic shifts and historical displacement nevertheless continue to shape his city’s urban challenges. In response, he said the local council has prioritised reintegration strategies through investment in housing and healthcare, alongside empowering youth and women through city council-led committees. Additionally, he underscored the importance of developing medium and long-term plans to address urban growth and equitable public services for residents instead of just focusing on short-term solutions.

Tanvir Sadiq, a Member of the Legislative Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir (India), reflected on the long-standing displacement of Kashmiri Pandits and the complex challenges of resettling communities. While efforts have been made to provide housing and employment opportunities, some resettlement projects have faced difficulties due to poor urban planning. He highlighted the importance of strategic, long-term planning to better manage migration flows and avoid exacerbating existing tensions.

Md. Abubakor Sarkar, Executive Officer of Savar Municipality (Bangladesh), shared how the municipality has managed the large number of internal migrants who travel to Savor for job opportunities as a result of its industrial growth. Savar has focused on long-term urban planning initiatives, including improving waste management, expanding drainage systems and developing policies for sustainable growth that consider both resident and migrant needs.

The discussion underscored the importance of integrating migrants into the social and economic fabric of cities while ensuring that urban planning and governance frameworks are responsive to demographic changes. By investing in participatory governance, inclusive policies and proactive community engagement, cities can create environments that are resilient, socially cohesive and prepared to address future migration challenges.

City of Peshawar (Pakistan)

• Challenge: Peshawar faces significant challenges related to rapid urbanisation as a result of migration, particularly the influx of refugees and internally displaced people and population growth. The city’s infrastructure is under severe strain, with overburdened housing, traffic congestion and a lack of adequate public services in education and healthcare.
  
  
• Approach: The local government is developing a comprehensive urban master plan focused on inclusive public spaces and smart zoning. The city is embracing Geographical Information System mapping technology and approaches to manage resources and make evidence-based decisions. The city is also introducing walking-friendly spaces, improved public transportation and initiatives to reduce the city’s carbon footprint in an effort to minimise climate-induced disruptions. Additionally, there are efforts to empower vulnerable communities by providing skill development opportunities, such as cooking and tailoring, and ensuring their inclusion in governance.
  
  
• Impact: These efforts are addressing the needs of internally displaced people, migrants and marginalised communities, improving their access to essential services and opportunities. By adopting participatory approaches, addressing the needs of newcomers and long-term residents and integrating sustainable development practices, Peshawar is building a more resilient and inclusive urban future.

2. City Strategies for Addressing Hate Speech and Building Resilient Communities

The rise of hate speech, both online and offline, poses a growing challenge for cities in South Asia, including by deepening communal divisions. Local governments are increasingly confronted with the consequences of digital hate, which can quickly spill over into real-world violence. Participants highlighted the urgent need for multi-layered responses that combine policy reforms, community engagement and digital resilience initiatives.

Shoaib Nasir Baloch, Chief Municipal Officer of Municipal Corporation Turbat (Pakistan), emphasised that social media plays a significant role in spreading hate speech among his city’s residents, exacerbating political and religious tensions. He noted that such rhetoric erodes social trust and weakens the fabric of local communities. Indika Abeysinghe, Commissioner of Kandy Municipal Council (Sri Lanka), added that political leaders frequently exploit divisions for electoral gain, including through social media, making it harder to counter-narratives that fuel hatred. Shafquat Haider, Chairman, Council for Communication & Information Technology, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, noted the risk that this problematic content will be further amplified following the relaxation of social media platform policies and moderation mechanisms, making local responses even more critical.

City leaders discussed the role of digital literacy and media education in mitigating these threats. For example, Abu Naser Anik, Coordinator from the Mayoral Alliance in Bangladesh, outlined efforts to integrate digital literacy training into civic education programmes, equipping communities with the skills needed to critically assess online content. In Sri Lanka, M. Arkam Nooramith, Secretary General of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, described how local initiatives have been launched to verify the credibility of information circulating online, helping to mitigate the spread of inflammatory narratives.

Mohamed Adnan, President of Maafaru Council (Maldives), pointed out that hate speech targeting local communities is often linked to gender-based violence and discrimination against minority groups. He stressed the importance of shifting societal attitudes by fostering inclusive conversations rather than solely focusing on internet regulation.

Beyond digital initiatives, local governments are also implementing offline mechanisms to counter hate speech and promote resilience. For example, Zulhajja Ilyas, Deputy Director of Regulations in Peshawar (Pakistan), described how the city has introduced dispute resolution committees comprising influential community leaders who mediate tensions before they escalate. Such grassroots interventions have proven effective in de-escalating conflicts and fostering long-term trust.

Policy and regulatory measures were also highlighted as crucial components of the response. Discussions focused on how local governments can seek to hold social media companies accountable for amplifying divisive content, with some city leaders calling for corporate responsibility initiatives that support city-led efforts against hate speech. Mohamed Adnan, President of Maafaru Council (Maldives), underscored, however, that while internet regulation is important and should be discussed with national governments, cities could do more to shift societal attitudes by fostering inclusive conversations that draw in different communities.

Participants agreed that addressing hate speech requires a collaborative approach, bringing together governments, civil society organisations and technology platforms. Initiatives to build social cohesion should be long-term and multidimensional, ensuring that affected communities feel supported and empowered. Tariq Tyab, Co-Founder of the Foundation for a Path Forward (Canada), referenced research that the angrier one becomes the more irrational they get, underscoring the importance of maintaining rational, inclusive discussions in the face of rising digital and offline threats. By strengthening community networks, enhancing media resilience and fostering cross-sector collaboration, participants said that cities across South Asia can build more cohesive and resilient societies.

Municipal Corporation Delhi (India)

• Challenge: Delhi, one of the oldest and most multicultural cities in the world, has experienced rising tensions, particularly related to caste and communal divisions, which have been exacerbated by social media. This culminated in major riots in 2020, especially around the time of provincial elections, leading to increased social polarisation and violence.
  
  
• Approach: The Municipal Corporation reactivated and strengthened its Peace Committees multi-stakeholder prevention groups across 14 districts and 38 sub-divisions, to maintain harmony. These committees are composed of diverse community members from various religions, ethnicities and castes, ensuring there is representation and participation from all groups. The Peace Committees meet regularly to foster dialogue and monitor any emerging tensions. To gather information, raise awareness, fact-check news and communicate with communities living in the relevant ward, the Committees operate WhatsApp groups, an idea which has been adopted from the City of Mardan (Pakistan), another Strong Cities member.
  
  
• Impact: The approach has fostered greater social cohesion in the city, enabling quick response to emerging tensions before they escalate. The Peace Committees have proven effective in mitigating the impact of misinformation and preventing violence by fostering a collaborative, community-driven approach. However, the leadership and members of these committees continue to face verbal attacks and resistance, particularly from hate-fuelled factions on social media. Despite these challenges, the local government remains committed to ensuring the stability of the city.

3. Addressing Climate-induced Disruptions and Violence

The increasing frequency of climate-related disasters has placed significant pressure on cities across South Asia, with many experiencing heightened social tensions, displacement and economic instability as a result. City leaders at the workshop underscored the urgent need for climate adaptation policies that prioritise both environmental sustainability and social cohesion.

Tikender Singh Panwar, Member of the Urban Commission Kerala and former Deputy Mayor of Shimla (India), highlighted how land erosion in disaster-prone areas such as Kerala has led to displacement and infrastructure challenges amid rapid urbanisation. He emphasised that urban development must be people-centric and environmentally sustainable, ensuring that expansion does not exacerbate vulnerabilities to climate shocks.

Participants shared how Colombo (Sri Lanka) faces its own climate-related challenges, including rising temperatures, flooding and air pollution. For example, Anuja Mendis, Director of Planning at Colombo Municipal Council, explained that these issues have not only disrupted daily life but have also contributed to socio-political instability. The municipal government is redesigning its urban development strategy to incorporate climate resilience measures, improve risk management and strengthen community engagement in adaptation efforts. Additionally, acknowledging the proliferation of underserved settlements across the city, the Council launched an urban regeneration programme to eliminate slums, shanties and other dilapidated housing by relocating dwellers in modern houses and re-purposing the land for commercial and mixed development.

In Bangladesh, internal displacement due to climate challenges is a growing concern. Md Moinul Islam, an urban planner from Narayanganj City Corporation, shared that, like Colombo, his city has developed a resilience plan that incorporates climate-resistant infrastructure and community-led adaptation strategies. Local committees and councillors have played a key role in ensuring that displaced populations are integrated into social and economic life rather than being marginalised.

In Pakistan’s Balochistan province, extreme weather conditions such as droughts, water scarcity and flooding have displaced millions, particularly in rural areas. Ume Kalsoom Baloch, a Member of the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan, stressed that local governments must be empowered to develop and implement climate adaptation strategies and called for decentralisation to give municipalities greater autonomy in disaster response and long-term resilience planning.

Participants highlight that for island nations like the Maldives, climate-induced challenges are even more acute. Mohamed Basheer, President of Noonu Atoll Council, outlined how rising sea levels and coastal erosion have placed immense pressure on local communities. Despite government-backed initiatives, such as mangrove restoration, he noted that the influence of tourism and elite interests have often hindered local adaptation efforts. He advocated for stronger local decision-making to ensure that climate policies reflect the needs of affected communities rather than external economic interests.

Despite growing awareness of climate-related challenges, implementation remains a significant barrier for many cities. Participants agreed that, while national governments often set climate policy, local authorities frequently lack the jurisdiction or resources to fully implement the necessary measures to give effect to that policy on the ground. Decentralisation, combined with community-driven planning processes, was identified as a critical step toward more effective climate resilience efforts.

City leaders also emphasised that the response to climate-induced disruptions must go beyond infrastructure development. Climate resilience should be approached holistically, integrating economic support for vulnerable communities, investment in green infrastructure and early-warning systems to mitigate the impact of disasters. By fostering multi-level collaboration and ensuring that climate adaptation policies are inclusive and locally led, cities across South Asia can strengthen their capacities to withstand and respond to climate-induced disruptions while preserving and even strengthening social cohesion.

4. Empowering Women Leaders: Strengthening Cities Through Inclusivity and Resilience

The workshop marked the first session in South Asia under the Strong Cities Women’s Leadership Caucus, an initiative dedicated to creating a platform for empowering women in city-led prevention efforts. Women’s leadership in local governance is critical to fostering inclusive and resilient cities. However, participants highlighted how female leaders across South Asia continue to face systemic barriers that limit their participation and influence. The session brought together prominent female leaders who shared their experiences, highlighting the importance of representation, capacity-building and institutional reforms to support women in governance.

For example, Hemanthi Goonasekera, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities, reflected on the evolution of women’s participation in Sri Lanka’s municipal councils. The introduction of a 25% quota in 2018 significantly improved female representation in local governance, but many newly elected women had little experience in leadership or governance. To address this gap, capacity-building initiatives were prioritised to equip female councillors with essential skills. She highlighted the establishment of women councillor networks, which have been crucial in facilitating peer learning and good practice exchanges. These networks have played a pivotal role in reviving community policing units, strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and local communities and enhancing responses to gender-based violence.

Umang Banga, Member of Council, Municipal Corporation of Shimla (India), shared that more than 50% of local council positions are reserved and held by women, allowing them to take key decision-making roles in municipal committees. She underscored the importance of women-led relief efforts during crises, where female leaders have played crucial roles in mobilising community resources, providing emergency shelters and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.

Mangla Sharma, Member of the Sindh Human Rights Commission and former Member of the Sindh Provincial Assembly (Pakistan), shared Karachi’s progress in increasing women’s participation across governance structures, including the inclusion of youth and transgender representatives in Karachi’s councils. Despite these advancements, she pointed out that many women councillors still face significant limitations, such as lack of financial compensation and limited political influence, which hinder their ability to drive and sustain meaningful change.

In addition to representation and capacity-building, public advocacy campaigns and community engagement have also been instrumental in addressing empowering women and addressing gender-based violence. For example, Khadheeja Ibrahim Didi, Member of the Addu City Women’s Development Committee (Maldives), detailed the role of civil society collaborations in creating safe spaces for women to report harassment and contribute to policymaking. The Women’s Development Committee in Addu City has been a crucial platform for grassroots engagement, ensuring that women’s voices are integrated into decision-making..

We prioritised building the confidence and capacity of women entering local governance, ensuring they could lead effectively and become a vital link between communities and institutions.

Hemanthi Goonasekera, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities

Beyond representation, infrastructure and workplace conditions for women remain a challenge. Sharmila Gonawela, an activist and former Councillor at Colombo Municipal Council (Sri Lanka), stressed that quotas alone are insufficient without structural reforms. She pointed to practical barriers, such as inadequate washroom facilities and the lack of dedicated rest areas for female councillors, which deter their full participation. Additionally, she emphasised the need for mentorship programmes, technical training and greater advocacy within political parties to create pathways for women to advance in leadership roles.

Participants agreed that meaningful gender inclusion requires a shift beyond symbolic representation. The discussion underscored the need for long-term investment in capacity-building, political reforms and the creation of supportive networks that enable women to take on leadership roles effectively. As cities continue to navigate crises and social transformations, empowering women in governance will be key to ensuring resilient, inclusive and responsive urban policies.

Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities

• Challenge: Women in Sri Lanka have historically been underrepresented in local governance, with cultural norms and lack of capacity often limiting their participation. Even after the introduction of a 25% quota for female representation in councils in 2018, many women entering politics faced challenges such as inadequate training, lack of confidence and limited experience in public speaking and governance.
  
  
• Approach: The Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities is addressing these barriers by first recognising the skills gap among newly elected women councillors — many of whom were housewives with no prior political experience. It prioritised capacity-building programmes before and after elections that focus on enhancing public speaking, leadership abilities and policy-making skills to build the confidence of female leaders.
• They have also created women councillor networks to provide a support system for female leaders across the country. These networks enabled women to share good practices, collaborate and amplify their impact in local governance. To further strengthen their role in fostering community safety, women councillors are encouraged to revive and participate in community policing initiatives. Acting as a vital link between the police and communities, female leaders helped establish special women’s desks in police stations, which offered safe spaces for addressing and reporting gender-based violence.
  
  
• Impact: Through these efforts, women councillors in Sri Lanka have gained the confidence and skills needed to participate effectively in governance. Initiatives like community policing and women’s desks have improved public safety and strengthened trust between communities and law enforcement. The Federation stresses gradual, sustainable transformation to ensure that reforms are embraced by communities and have a lasting impact and cautions against rapid, poorly executed initiatives that can undermine progress. By prioritising a deliberate, community-driven approach, women leaders in Sri Lanka are making meaningful contributions to promoting peace and tolerance.

5. Harnessing the Power of Youth to Strengthen Community Cohesion

Participants recognised that youth engagement in governance and community-building efforts is a transformative force in addressing societal challenges and fostering social cohesion across the region. However, they noted that challenges, such as insufficient government frameworks, limited funding and a lack of capacity-building, continue to hinder meaningful youth participation.

Ismail Rafeeq, Mayor of Fuvahmulah City (Maldives), highlighted his city’s efforts to mobilise young people as “climate guardians”. In response to increasing flooding, students aged 16 to 20 have been actively engaging with the City Council, proposing solutions to mitigate environmental risks. Additionally, community theatre initiatives have provided a platform for youth to express concerns and interact with local leaders, fostering dialogue on social and environmental issues. Mayor Rafeeq also shared that sports and recreational programmes have been introduced as a means of preventing youth involvement in extremist ideologies by offering meaningful alternatives.

In India, Varghese Menachery Kochappu, Mayor of Thrissur Municipal Corporation, shared that his city has established and operationalised ward sabhas (local committees) and youth parliaments, creating structured platforms for young people to participate in decision-making processes. Competitions and livelihood training programmes have also been introduced to equip youth with employable skills, strengthening their role in governance and economic development.

Ghayur Ali Khan, Tehsil Pabbi Chairman from Nowshera (Pakistan), highlighted his city’s 5% youth quota in village councils and the establishment of dedicated funds for youth-led initiatives. He emphasised the importance of city-to-city youth exchanges to foster collaboration and mutual learning, and mentorship schemes for young journalists to equip them with skills to investigate misinformation and prevent hate speech.

Mamnoon Ahmed, Administrator of Dhamrai City Council (Bangladesh), underscored the energy and dynamism of youth as a driving force for social change. Dhamrai has integrated student bodies into council activities and developed skill-building initiatives focused on entrepreneurship and digital literacy. Through volunteer work and active participation in governance, he said that young people have developed a stronger sense of civic responsibility and trust in local institutions in his city.

In addition to involving them in local decision-making and providing capacity-building, cities are also engaging vulnerable youth to strengthen community cohesion and trust in law enforcement. Hemanthi Goonasekera, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities, provided an example from Trincomalee and Gravets Council (Sri Lanka), where intercommunal sports events have been used as a tool to unite Muslim, Sinhala and Tamil youth. A notable initiative was the first-ever volleyball match held inside a police station, an event designed to break down barriers and strengthen collaboration between communities and law enforcement.

The discussions underscored that youth engagement is essential for building inclusive, peaceful and resilient cities. Initiatives such as youth parliaments, skill-building programmes and intercommunal activities were recognised for their potential to bridge divides, reduce extremism and equip young people with the tools needed to lead. However, participants emphasised that structural support — through policy reforms, funding allocation and mentorship — remains crucial to sustaining meaningful youth participation.

Next Steps

The insights, findings and recommendations discussed during the Regional Workshop will inform and shape the strategic approach of the Strong Cities South Asia Regional Hub in 2025. This includes determining Regional Hub priorities, guiding technical support activities and expanding initiatives such as the Women’s Leadership Caucus. The Caucus will continue to build on this initial regional discussion by fostering training and learning opportunities and advocacy efforts to strengthen the role of women in city-led prevention. The Regional Hub will also explore opportunities to implement urban planning approaches that promote social cohesion and develop digital literacy programmes aimed at countering hate speech and protecting information integrity.

Additionally, key city practices shared during the workshop will be collected and integrated into tools and guides housed in the Strong Cities Resource Hub, which serves as a living library of good practices, guides and toolkits for city leaders. Furthermore, participating cities will be engaged in developing City Spotlights, capturing and documenting innovative prevention efforts to serve as learning models for other municipalities worldwide.

The event underscored the importance of global knowledge exchange. In this regard, Strong Cities will seek to facilitate cross-regional exchanges between South Asian and North American cities, particularly in locations with significant South Asian diaspora communities and city leaders of South Asian heritage. These exchanges will offer valuable opportunities to share approaches on preventing hate, fostering inclusion and strengthening community resilience in diverse urban settings.

These next steps reaffirm Strong Cities’ commitment to responding to the challenges, needs and priorities identified by city leaders, ensuring that the momentum generated during this Regional Workshop in Colombo translates into concrete actions that strengthen city-led approaches to resilience and social cohesion across the region and globally.

Additional Resources

• Countering Hate Speech in Times of Crisis: Considerations for Mayors and Local Governments, Strong Cities Network, December 2024
• Managing Migration: City-Led Approaches for Being an Inclusive, Welcoming and Socially-Cohesive City, Strong Cities Network, December 2024
• City-Led Prevention of Hate, Extremism and Polarisation: Leveraging Local Youth Councils, Strong Cities Network, December 2024
• City-Led Youth Engagement in Addressing Hate, Extremism and Polarisation: Ten Recommendations for Cities, Strong Cities Network, December 2024
• Creating Safe, Cohesive and Resilient Cities through Urban Planning & Design: Ten Considerations for Mayors and Local Governments, Strong Cities Network, December 2024
• National-Local Cooperation: A Pillar of City-Led Prevention of Hate, Extremism and Polarisation – A Practice Update, Strong Cities Network, December 2024
• Global Crises, Local Impacts: Key Findings & Recommendations to Date, Strong Cities Network, September 2024
• Impact: Catalysing City-Led Prevention, Strong Cities Network, June 2024
• Global Crises, Local Impacts, including latest findings and recommendations, April 2024
• A Guide for City-Led Response, Strong Cities Network, April 2024
• Preventing and Responding to Election Disruption and Violence: Ten Considerations for Cities, Strong Cities Network, March 2024
• Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative: Ten Key Findings in 2023, Strong Cities Network, March 2024
• Navigating Local Impacts of Global Crises: Ten Considerations for Mayors and Cities – Lessons Learned from the Israel – Gaza Crisis, Strong Cities Network, December 2023
• A Guide for Mayors: Preventing and Responding to Hate, Extremism and Polarisation, Strong Cities Network, September 2023
• A Guide for Cities: Preventing Hate, Extremism and Polarisation, Strong Cities Network, September 2023

Donors & Partners

Contact Information

For more information on this event and the Strong Cities’ South Asia Regional Hub, please contact [email protected].

News & EVENTS

Stay up to date with recent news, articles and event reports

News & Events

Looking for something in our Resource Hub?

Or explore all resources

Nominated for Best Animated Short at Cannes

Watch now

Join US

Looking to become a Strong City?

Get in touch