How can local governments contribute to peace-building and conflicts prevention? This will be one of the main questions raised during the ever first conference on "City Diplomacy", taking place in The Hague, from 11 to 13 June 2008.

 

The conference aims to get a better understanding of the factors for success or failure of local government peace-building initiatives. It will lead to proposals so to improve policies and practices in this field, with concrete opportunities for those who want to become more active in this field.

 

Case studies analysing concrete experiences from all continents will be presented. At the end of the conference, working group sessions will be organised to develop concrete products like a "Template for a City of Peace".

 

The conference is open to local governments (politicians and staff) and
local government associations. The total number of participants is limited to 300.

 

It is organised by UCLG, United Cities and Local Governments; VNG, the
Association of Netherlands Municipalities; and the city of The Hague.

 

Background information

 

City diplomacy refers to the support given to local governments who have to deal with conflicts, by local governments from outside the conflict area. Local governments engaged in City Diplomacy facilitate dialogue; they show solidarity with colleagues working under the threat of violence and political pressure; they share experience with the reintegration of ex-combatants or internally displaced persons; they lobby international organisations, to give but a few examples.

 

Practical information

 

Conference languages

English, French, Spanish

Conference fee

250 Euro if registered before 1May 2008
350 Euro if registered after 1May 2008

 

Contact details

City Diplomacy Conference Secretariat,
C/o VNG International,
P.O. Box 30435
2500 GK The Hague,
The Netherlands.

email citydiplomacy@vng.nl
Tel.: + 31 (0)70-373 8342/ 373 8413
Fax: + 31 (0)70-373 86 60