Leeds is buzzing as it welcomes the UK-France Local Government Forum, a vibrant two-day event aimed at enhancing social inclusion and placemaking between local leaders from the two nations. Marking the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, the forum showcases collaboration with notable participants like Councillor James Lewis and ambassadors from both countries, all focused on building resilient and inclusive communities.
What is the purpose of the UK-France Local Government Forum in Leeds?
The UK-France Local Government Forum in Leeds aims to foster international relations and urban cohesion, focusing on social inclusion and placemaking. It facilitates policy exchange and innovation among leaders from local governments of both countries, aiming to create resilient and inclusive communities through dialogue and cooperation.
Fostering International Relations and Urban Cohesion
Leeds, a vibrant city in the United Kingdom, is playing host to a prestigious international gathering. Leaders from local governments across the UK and France have convened in Leeds for a significant two-day forum. The theme for this event is social inclusion and placemaking, topics of paramount importance in contemporary urban development. The Leeds-based forum is fully funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It is a collaborative effort between Leeds and Bradford City Councils. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering strong international relations and urban cohesion.
The forum is not merely a meeting of minds but a crucible for policy exchange and innovation. It brings together mayors, leaders, cabinet members, councillors, and officers from sub-national governments. They engage in dialogue, sharing views on subjects of mutual interest. Their collective wisdom is instrumental in shaping resilient and inclusive communities. The forum’s attendees include notable figures such as Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, and Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Metropolitan District Council. Distinguished guests like Dame Menna Rawlings, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the French Republic, and Hélène Duchêne, the French Ambassador in London, also grace the event.
To complement the discussions, themed study visits are organized for the attendees. These excursions aim to provide practical insights into innovative initiatives like neighbourhood twinning, 21st-century placemaking, and cultural strategies for community shaping. Participants have the opportunity to visit places of significance such as Chapel FM Arts Centre, Bradford City Centre, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire in Bradford.
Celebrating the Legacy of the Entente Cordiale
This year’s forum coincides with the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, a series of agreements that signaled a new era of amity between the UK and France. The forum is seen as an extension of this historic accord, promoting friendship, understanding, and collaboration. It is a testament to the enduring alliance and neighbourly ties between the two nations. The forum acts as a tangible manifestation of this relationship, with local governments leading the charge in bilateral cooperation.
The forum’s agenda covers a broad spectrum of topics including bilateral cooperation, creating resilient communities, cultural placemaking, and local authority contributions to global challenges. These discussions are crucial for sharing best practices and lessons learned between participating cities and towns. The collective goal is to foster more vibrant, inclusive, and connected communities on both sides of the Channel.
The significance of this gathering is amplified by the symbolic presence of the forum’s participants. Leaders from the UK and France convene not just for discourse but to build a framework for sustained partnership. Their discussions at the Leeds forum are poised to influence policy and practice in local governance, impacting the lives of citizens in both countries.
Enhancing Bilateral Relations through Local Initiatives
The forum is more than a ceremonial gathering; it is a concrete step towards strengthening Franco-British relations at the grassroots level. The discussions aim to transcend political rhetoric, focusing instead on tangible outcomes such as trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange. The forum is a platform for leaders to share experiences and learn from one another’s successes in local governance.
Councillor James Lewis, expressing his views on the event, emphasized the deep and historical ties between the UK and France. He highlighted the role of partnerships in enriching these connections. “Our culturally rich and diverse city, with its comprehensive strategy for inclusive growth and placemaking, makes Leeds the ideal host for this forum,” stated Councillor Lewis. He voiced his anticipation for a fruitful exchange of ideas that would enhance Leeds’ welcoming atmosphere and inclusive living conditions.
Dame Menna Rawlings reflected on the significance of the forum in the context of the Entente Cordiale’s anniversary. She expressed delight in the nurturing of links between cities and towns of the two countries, promoting dialogue and fostering mutual understanding. “In this way, we want to ensure that UK/France relations support growth and opportunities across the whole of the UK,” Dame Menna shared.
Hélène Duchêne articulated the importance of dialogue and exchanges between local authorities and civil society in enriching bilateral relations. She underscored the value of personal ties forged through twinnings, partnerships, and meetings. The Ambassador celebrated recent advancements that facilitate school trips between the UK and France, viewing them as the foundation for a robust future relationship.
Notes for Editors:
- Leaders from the UK and France gather in Leeds for a major forum on social inclusion and placemaking.
- The event is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and hosted by Leeds and Bradford City Councils.
- Local government representatives will exchange views on bilateral cooperation and community resilience.
- The forum includes study visits to Chapel FM Arts Centre, Bradford City Centre, and Saltaire.
- The event marks the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, celebrating UK-France cooperation.
Relevant Links:
- Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy: https://www.inclusivegrowthleeds.com/
- Chapel FM Arts Centre – Global Leeds: Chapel FM
- Bradford City Centre Renewal and Regeneration: Bradford City Centre
- Saltaire – UNESCO World Heritage Site: Saltaire
Please note, the URLs provided for Bradford City Centre and Saltaire are placeholders and would need to be replaced with actual links when available.
Images:
– Above: The Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis (centre) with His Majesty’s Ambassador to the French Republic, Dame Menna Rawlings (left) and the French Ambassador in London, Hélène Duchêne (right).
- Leeds is hosting the UK-France Local Government Forum, a two-day event focused on social inclusion and placemaking.
- The forum is fully funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and is a collaborative effort between Leeds and Bradford City Councils.
- Attendees include local government leaders, mayors, and ambassadors from both countries, facilitating policy exchange and innovation.
- The event features study visits to key sites like Chapel FM Arts Centre, Bradford City Centre, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire.
- This year’s forum celebrates the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, reinforcing the historical ties and cooperation between the UK and France.