Cities call for more support to tackle violent extremism

Policymakers gather in Aarhus to discuss the role of cities in curbing extremism.

18 May 2017, Aarhus: Around 500 representatives from 45 nations gathered in Aarhus this week to debate how cities can best approach the global challenge of radicalisation and violent extremism. The Strong Cities Network Global Summit 2017 brought together policymakers, security forces and community organisations from cities around the world, to share expertise and collaborate on counter-extremism models to implement on a local level.

The summit was run over three days and attended by dignitaries including the Major of Vilvoorde, Hans Bonte, and Director of Public Safety for Los Angeles, Joumana Silyan-Saba. The programme consisted of a series of presentations and workshops debating the challenges cities face today, including tackling right wing extremism, working with returnees, and how best to and how to promote integration and preventing polarisation of refugees.

One of the dominant topics during the event was positive impact of devolved approaches to countering extremism, with many calling for more national policymakers to commit support for city-led initiatives.

The event was hosted in city of Aarhus, famous for pioneering the ‘Aarhus model’ to prevent radicalisation. It combined two international conferences – Strong Cities Network Global Summit and Building Resilience to Radicalisation and Violent Extremism conference – hosted by ISD’s Strong Cities Network, the Municipality of Aarhus and East Jutland Police.

Rebecca Skellett, Head of Strong Cities Network, added “While no two cities face the same challenges, city policymakers can learn much from each other’s experiences of preventing and responding to extremism, in all its different forms.

“Cities are uniquely placed to safeguard their citizens from radicalisation to create stronger and safer communities. This is why it is so important to provide a platform where cities can support and collaborate with one another to develop the effective approaches to these challenges.”

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Strong Cities Network

Launched at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015, the Strong Cities Network (SCN) is the only global network of over 100 cities committed to countering violent extremism of all ideologies through establishing inclusive, welcoming communities and respect for human rights. The SCN is guided by a 25-city and region International Steering Committee.

For more information visit www.strongcitiesnetwork.org