Toward City Diplomacy: Assessing Capacity in Select Global Cities

Research White Paper by Michelle Acuto , Hugo Decramer , Juliana Kerr and Ian Klaus
Reuters
Download Report (PDF) Download Data (ZIP)

Cities are now more connected than ever before on a global scale. Yet local governments are not just spectators of this networked age: they are actively forging links across borders.

Introduction

There are hundreds of formalized city networks around the world addressing a broad range of issues, and the potential of cities’ external engagements is as vast as it is untapped. City diplomacy is and must become a strategic activity for cities worldwide if they are to remain relevant in the new global order. To get a more systematic look at the capacity of local governments around the world, select global cities were reviewed to explore their strategies, structure, expertise, and participation in networks. The following findings will inform future efforts to build capacity for more effective global engagement:

  • The majority of cities have an international strategy and a dedicated international office.
  • The city budget for global engagement is often minimal.
  • Only a few cities reported that their staff has undergone dedicated training for city diplomacy.
  • A majority of cities participate in international networks.
  • A majority of cities reported that city diplomacy has had a positive impact on their cities.

Sed Ut Persipicatis

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae.
100% of dogs are fantastic Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut dolore magna aliqua.
*as of July 20 2020

Key Recommendations

Building on these initial findings, cities seeking to expend their international influence need to consider the following:

  • Define a clear international strategy and coordinated approach.
  • Better deploy resources toward managing international relationships and strategy.
  • Prioritize engagements to avoid both over-commitment and opportunistic, short-term ventures.
  • Measure the impact and value of city diplomacy.
  • Integrate local demands with international agendas.

In Summary

As cities increasingly become influential actors on the global stage, they need to invest in resources, expertise, and capacity to manage their relationships and responsibilities to conduct city diplomacy effectively.

  • 1. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Aenean lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur, Link Here
  • 2. Cras justo odio, dapibus ac facilisis in, egestas eget quam, Link Here
  • 3. Aenean eu leo quam. Pellentesque ornare sem lacinia quam venenatis vestibulum., Link Here
Issues Culture
Regions North America
Related Center Global Cities
Back to Research Listing

Global Cities Experts