EMPHASIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF CITY AND STATE DIPLOMACY IN SHAPING FOREIGN POLICY

from Special Report: All Diplomacy is Local - Strengthening City and State Statecraft

INTRODUCTION FROM OUR CEO

Diplomacy is an ever-changing artform that shifts with the times and the needs of a nation. American success abroad and on the world, stage is directly linked to U.S. policies and actions at home. This includes expanding the responsibility of international affairs beyond Washington and the Federal government. Held on April 12, 2023, the 2023 Meridian Diplomacy Forum, "All Diplomacy is Local: Strengthening City and State Statecraft," underscored the vital role of cities and states in shaping diplomacy and foreign policy.

Taking place at Meridian’s historic campus in Washington, DC, the day-long event featured expert speakers and practitioners who shared insights on various themes around city and state statecraft, including the importance of subnational actors, the role of innovation, the significance of culture and identity, the need for collaboration, and the challenges and opportunities facing city and state diplomacy.

The program opened with eye opening remarks by T.H. Vadym Boichenko, Mayor of Mariupol, Ukraine; T.H. Oleksandr Markushyn, Mayor of Irpin, Ukraine; and T.H. Volodymir Karpliuk, Former Mayor, Irpin, Ukraine; Head of Irpin Reconstruction Summit that demonstrated Ukrainian city leaders’ unrelenting determination towards the future through leading efforts to revitalize their communities and construct more sustainable, modernized cities.

The Meridian Diplomacy Forum 2023 provided an important platform for discussing the significance of city and state diplomacy in shaping foreign policy and highlighted the need for collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUB-NATIONAL ACTORS

Sub-national actors such as cities, states, and regions play an increasingly essential role in shaping global politics and diplomacy. Forum speakers highlighted that these actors have the flexibility and innovation to tackle global challenges such as climate change, migration, and economic development. They emphasized that sub-national actors have direct relationships with their counterparts in other countries, enabling them to drive international cooperation and collaboration.

The Role Of Innovation

Innovation emerged as a crucial factor in driving city and state diplomacy. The forum showcased innovative solutions developed by cities and states to tackle sustainability, urban planning, and technology-related challenges. Speakers also noted that innovative approaches to diplomacy, such as public-private partnerships, can lead to effective and sustainable solutions.

The Significance Of Culture And Identity

The forum speakers stressed the importance of culture and identity in shaping city and state diplomacy. They highlighted that cities and states could leverage their unique cultural and historical identities to build relationships with other countries and promote their interests. Moreover, culture and identity can shape public perceptions of cities and states, influencing their economic and diplomatic power.

The Need For Collaboration

Collaboration among cities, states, and other sub-national actors drives effective diplomacy. The forum emphasized that collaboration can help promote innovation, share best practices, and build stronger relationships with counterparts in other countries. Collaboration among sub-national actors can also help fill gaps left by traditional diplomatic channels.

The Challenges And Opportunities Facing City And State Diplomacy

The forum featured discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing city and state diplomacy. Speakers noted the difficulties of limited resources, lack of recognition, and the need to balance local and national interests. However, they also identified opportunities for sub-national actors to drive innovation, build relationships with other countries, and shape global policy.

“CITIES ARE BANDING TOGETHER TO TACKLE OUR SHARED GLOBAL ISSUES OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND MIGRATION. THEY WERE THE FRONT LINES IN DEALING WITH COVID-19 AND THEY ARE THE ONES MOST CLOSELY TASKED WITH TRANSITIONING OUR COMMUNITIES TO THE DIGITAL ECONOMY."