In December, Leeds and Bradford will host the UK-France Local Government Forum, celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale and focusing on social inclusion and placemaking. Councillor James Lewis of Leeds City Council expressed enthusiasm for welcoming UK and French leaders to strengthen historic ties and tackle shared community challenges.
What is the purpose of the upcoming UK-France Local Government Forum in Leeds and Bradford?
The UK-France Local Government Forum aims to strengthen international relations by enabling UK and French local government leaders to collaborate on social inclusion and placemaking. It celebrates the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale and promotes long-term partnerships to address common challenges.
Strengthening International Ties
In a significant event that underscores the strengthening of international relations, Leeds and Bradford City Councils are set to co-host an important forum in the realm of local government. The UK-France Local Government Forum is not just another conference; it’s a platform for sub-national government leaders from the UK and France to collaborate and share valuable insights. The forum’s theme this year, social inclusion and placemaking, is particularly poignant given the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, commented on the occasion: “As leader of a city which has been twinned with Lille since 1968, and has a long history of city diplomacy, it will be an honour to welcome delegates from across the UK and France to Leeds.” His words reflect an eagerness to celebrate and strengthen the historic bonds with one of the UK’s closest European neighbours.
The event, which will take place in December, marks an opportunity for leaders at various government levels to discuss and exchange views on subjects that are crucial to the development and wellbeing of their communities. The forum will underscore the shared commitment of both nations to foster environments that are inclusive and well integrated.
Expanding Local Government Horizons
Leeds has a culturally rich and diverse backdrop, making it an ideal setting for a forum that will exchange ideas on social inclusion and placemaking. Councillor Lewis adds, “Leeds is a culturally rich and diverse city, with a comprehensive strategy for inclusive growth.” This assertion underscores the city’s commitment to creating spaces where all individuals can thrive.
With the aim of facilitating a meaningful exchange of ideas, the UK-France Local Government Forum is encouraging participation from council leaders or combined authorities currently engaged in or interested in partnership projects with French counterparts. The 2024 forum in Leeds follows the previous successful event in Nancy, France in 2022. The continuity of these forums highlights the value placed on long-term collaborations to address common challenges.
For those interested in participating or attending, information can be sought by contacting UKFRLocalGovForum@fcdo.gov.uk. The intention is to draw together a diverse range of perspectives and experiences to build upon the already strong foundations of Anglo-French local governance.
Celebrating a Century of Cooperation
This year’s forum is set against the backdrop of the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, a series of agreements that established a platform for peace and cooperation between Britain and France. Celebrating this milestone, the forum will not only reflect on the past successes of this alliance but also chart a course for future collaboration.
The forum promises to sustain and deepen ties between the two nations, with Councillor Lewis encouraging everyone in the city to recognise that “from now on green is go for glass.” This statement, while highlighting the start of the new glass recycling initiative in Leeds, also symbolises the green light for continued and enhanced cooperation with France.
As Leeds and Bradford prepare to host the forum, there is a clear sense of anticipation for what the event will bring. It is a testament to the enduring nature of international friendship and collaboration, showing that even amidst changing global landscapes, the bonds of partnership remain as important as ever.
- The UK-France Local Government Forum will take place in December in Leeds and Bradford, celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale.
- The forum aims to facilitate collaboration between UK and French local government leaders on social inclusion and placemaking.
- Councillor James Lewis of Leeds City Council emphasized the importance of strengthening historic ties and addressing shared community challenges.
- The event encourages participation from council leaders engaged in or interested in partnerships with French counterparts, following a successful previous forum in Nancy in 2022.
- The forum also aims to reflect on past successes of the Entente Cordiale while promoting future collaboration between the two nations.