Bristol is “influencing the United Nations” and helping shape global policymaking, according to a new council bid to strengthen the city’s international links.
Bristol City Council is aiming to attract foreign investors to fund major public works needed to cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change, amid concern that not enough funding is coming from Westminster. Mayor Marvin Rees also said the city is “providing leadership on global values” like human rights.
The council’s cabinet is expected to sign off a refreshed international strategy on Tuesday, September 6. First written in 2017, the 10-year strategy is being updated to reflect major changes like Brexit and Covid-19, and it sets out how the city wants to appear on the world stage.
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A cabinet report said: “The idea and importance of city diplomacy has gathered momentum, where cities need to have proactive international engagement to influence national and international policy and governance structures that directly impact on our citizens and businesses. This is starting to open channels for the city both nationally and internationally at the United Nations level.”
Last year Bristol was a “driving force” in creating the Cities Commission for Climate Investment, a group of major British cities aiming to raise billions to pay for huge projects to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Bristol took part in the Cop26 climate talks in Glasgow last November and earlier this year the mayor spoke at a Ted conference in Vancouver.
In the new strategy, Mr Rees said: “This is not just about international trade and investment. It’s also about providing leadership on global values such as human rights and environmental sustainability. In true Bristol fashion, our determination, collaboration and long record of creativity and innovation mean partnering with other cities is in our nature. Please come and visit Bristol and learn more about our city in person.”
