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Strong Cities Network Announces Governing Mayor of Oslo as Co-Chair of International Steering Committee

Publication Date:

13/03/2026

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News

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The Strong Cities Network today announces that Eirik Lae Solberg, Governing Mayor of Oslo (Norway), will serve as Co-Chair of its International Steering Committee (ISC) from March 2026 for a two-year term, alongside Fatiha El Moudni, Mayor of Rabat (Morocco). He succeeds Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague (the Netherlands), who served as Co-Chair from July 2023 to June 2025.

The ISC is the Strong Cities Network’s advisory body. It provides a forum for interested city leaders from across the Network to share perspectives on the threats and challenges cities are facing today and inform the Network’s strategic priorities. The Co-Chairs help facilitate this role.

The appointment is an important development for Strong Cities as it enters its second decade. Oslo, one of the Network’s original members, has played a consistent role in its development and growth. In June 2015, it hosted the preparatory meeting at City Hall, which helped lay the groundwork for the official launch of the Network during the opening of the United Nations General Assembly in New York later that year. Since then, Oslo has been a staunch advocate of the Network’s mission, providing both financial and in-kind contributions that have sustained and expanded the Network’s global impact.

Oslo has also played an active role in the Network’s transatlantic engagement. In May 2023, it co-hosted a transatlantic dialogue on responding to extremist and hate-motivated violence, bringing together city leaders and civil society to share long-term, community-based approaches to prevention and response. It also engaged in transatlantic dialogues in Berlin, Denver, London, Manchester and New York City, where the Governing Mayor delivered remarks on the role of mayors and local governments in strengthening community safety and well-being amid consecutive global crises.

Eric Rosand, Strong Cities Network Executive Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Governing Mayor Lae Solberg as Co-Chair of our International Steering Committee. Oslo has been engaged in the Network’s work since its inception, and this appointment reflects the City’s longstanding commitment to the Network’s mission. I would also like to thank Mayor van Zanen and the City of The Hague for their support and dedication during their time as Co-Chair — it has been greatly valued by the entire Network.”

Eirik Lae Solberg, Governing Mayor of Oslo, said: “Oslo has long believed that cities are on the front lines when it comes to confronting hate, extremism and polarisation, and that mayors have both a unique responsibility and a unique opportunity to lead. I am honoured to take on this role as Co-Chair of the Strong Cities International Steering Committee as the Network enters its second decade, and I look forward to working alongside Mayor El Moudni and our fellow member cities to build stronger, safer and more resilient communities around the world. Strong Cities was shaped in part in Oslo, and I am committed to ensuring it continues to grow and make a meaningful difference in cities everywhere.”

Fatiha El Moudni, Mayor of Rabat and ISC Co-Chair, said: “I am delighted to welcome Governing Mayor Lae Solberg as Co-Chair on the International Steering Committee. This partnership reflects the strength of collaboration between cities across regions. Our cities may differ in geography and context, but we share a common responsibility to foster inclusion, resilience and peaceful coexistence. I am confident we will continue to champion the vital role of cities and local governments in building communities that are resilient to hate and extremism.”

Jan van Zanen, Mayor of the Hague, and Outgoing ISC Co-Chair, said: “Serving as Co-Chair of the Strong Cities International Steering Committee has been an honour and a privilege. Over the past two years, I have seen first-hand the meaningful impact this Network has in equipping cities and mayors with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to protect their communities.  The Hague Charter for Municipal Peace, developed by UCLG, aligns strongly with the values and practical work of Strong Cities, and I sincerely hope it will continue to be used and advanced within this Network. I am proud to see Governing Mayor Lae Solberg taking on this role, a leader whose city has been foundational to everything Strong Cities has achieved, and I look forward to continuing our engagement with the Network.”

Eric Rosand, Strong Cities Network Executive Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Governing Mayor Lae Solberg as Co-Chair of our International Steering Committee. Oslo has been engaged in the Network’s work since its inception, and this appointment reflects the City’s longstanding commitment to the Network’s mission. I would also like to thank Mayor van Zanen and the City of The Hague for their support and dedication during their time as Co-Chair — it has been greatly valued by the entire Network.”

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