City diplomacy

City diplomacy refers to the activities and relationships between cities and other subnational entities with the goal of achieving political, economic, and cultural objectives. City diplomacy can include relationships between cities within the same country or between cities in different countries.

Throughout history, cities have been hotbeds of diplomacy, often taking on the role of mediators between two sides in a conflict. City diplomacy has become increasingly important in recent years as cities have taken on a greater role in global governance, particularly in areas such as climate change, migration, and urban development. City-to-city relationships can foster collaboration on shared challenges, promote economic development and cultural exchange, and create opportunities for trade and investment.

City diplomacy can take many forms, including formal partnerships between cities, cultural exchanges, and collaborative programmes in areas such as education, transportation, and environmental sustainability. City diplomacy can also involve the representation of cities in international forums, such as the UN, where mayors and other city leaders can advocate for policies that benefit their cities and communities.

Overall, city diplomacy is a way for cities to build relationships and promote their interests on the global stage, and it has become an increasingly important tool for subnational entities to influence international affairs.