The City Diplomacy Lab is proud to announce two upcoming high-level events dedicated to the strategic role of cities in international relations. These meetings launch an international series focused on the challenges and opportunities of city diplomacy in a shifting geopolitical context.
🇫🇷 Monday, 8 September – French Senate (Salle René Monory)
“Diplomatie des Villes. Le rôle stratégique des villes françaises dans les relations internationales”
Mayors from leading French cities—including Lyon, Bordeaux, and Angers—will join national officials and members of Parliament to share their perspectives on navigating today’s evolving geopolitical landscape and advancing a more secure, risk-informed approach to city diplomacy.
Held under the patronage of Senator Gilbert-Luc Devinaz, the event will include a focused discussion on the multilevel governance recommendations outlined in the Cities at the Crossroads policy brief. Participation is by invitation only.
🇮🇹 Monday, 15 September – Italian Chamber of Deputies (Sala del Refettorio)
“Diplomazia delle Città. Il ruolo strategico delle città italiane nelle relazioni internazionali”
This event will kick off a national-level reflection on Italy’s leadership in the evolution of city diplomacy. Distinguished participants include Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani*, the Mayors of Arezzo, Bologna, Genoa*, Naples*, and Turin, and Member of Parliament Lia Quartapelle, who is hosting the event. Free participation upon registration.
These events are part of a broader multilateral process coordinated by the City Diplomacy Lab, which will continue at the European Parliament and at Urban 7 under the French G7 Presidency in 2026.