Strong Cities Network Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative in Bratislava

From March 6 to 7, Foundation for a Path Forward was invited to present and participate in the Strong Cities Network Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative in Bratislava, Slovakia. The conference focused on fostering urban resilience and community cohesion amidst global crises. This conference, part of the Strong Cities Network's ongoing efforts and organized in collaboration with the City of Bratislava and Partners for Democratic Change Slovakia, brought together over 40 mayors, local government practitioners, and representatives from a wide spectrum of national governments, civil society, and multilateral organizations from across Germany, Central and Eastern Europe, and North America.

Cities participating spanned from Prague in the Czech Republic to Rochester in New York, reflecting the broad geographic and cultural spectrum of the challenges at hand. Local governments from diverse urban centers such as Bremen, Dortmund, Zittau, Budavar, Budapest, Miskolc, Braga, Bardejov, Žilina, Lviv, Aurora, Chicago, Highland Park, Reno, and Rochester were represented, illustrating the universal nature of the threats faced, which demand collective and innovative responses.

The event also featured participation from a host of influential city associations and partners including the Union of Polish Metropolises and entities like the Global Parliament of Mayors, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), One World Strong, the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Unbroken Foundation of Ukraine, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Counterterrorism, and the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava. These organizations brought invaluable experience and insights, enriching the conference's discussions with practical strategies and solutions.

Throughout the conference, Foundation for a Path Forward was instrumental in driving discussions on the vital role of urban centers as first responders to societal impacts of crises, which manifest in strained inter-communal relations, the proliferation of hate and violent extremism, and a gradual erosion of democratic norms and values. The sessions highlighted the critical need for cities to adopt collaborative, comprehensive strategies for managing the influx of refugees and other newcomers, focusing on seamless integration that maintains social cohesion, founded on easy access to resources and information.

One significant area of focus was the Foundation's efforts to convene diverse, and often opposing, community groups to mitigate inter-communal hate and polarization. By creating spaces for dialogue and mediating tensions, the Foundation emphasized building a united identity for cities that transcends existing divisions, an essential strategy in combating misinformation and polarization.

The future agenda set by the Strong Cities Network, with active participation from Foundation for a Path Forward, includes continuing the transatlantic dialogue with future meetings planned in cities like Strasbourg, Stockholm, and Columbus, Ohio. These meetings aim to further solidify the network of cities committed to tackling hate, polarization, and extremism through innovative, city-led solutions.

Furthermore, the outcomes from the Bratislava conference are poised to enhance Strong Cities' existing guides for mayoral leadership and local government practitioners. These resources will focus on prevention and response strategies to global crises, addressing hate, polarization, misinformation, and enhancing digital hygiene within city governments and communities.

The Strong Cities Network’s Bratislava conference stands as a testament to the power of collective action and shared learning in addressing global challenges. By fostering a dialogue that transcends borders, Foundation for a Path Forward is spearheading a movement towards more resilient, cohesive, and democratic urban communities, navigating the complexities of the 21st century with innovative solutions and shared strategies.