4th World Forum on Cities and Territories of Peace (27&28 June)

The World Forum on Cities and Territories of Peace (WFCPTP) is a significant global platform that brings together diverse stakeholders from multiple levels to emphasize the crucial role of fostering coexistence and peace within cities and territories. By identifying the root causes of conflict and violence, the forum aims to initiate public policies, programs, and citizen initiatives that contribute to the establishment of a culture of peace.

One of the primary objectives of the forum is to address the social pressures that often culminate in violence within various territories. By examining these underlying causes, the participants can develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate and prevent conflicts, promoting sustainable peace within communities.

In 2023, Bogota has been chosen as the host city for the fourth edition of the World Forum. Previous forums took place in Mexico City in 2021, as well as Madrid in 2018 and 2017. The upcoming event is scheduled to be held on the 27th and 28th of June.

The Observatory for Decentralized Cooperation organised a co-learning laboratory with several mayors, elected representatives and civil society entities called "Towards feminist municipalism: institutionalization of women's rights and the eradication of sexist violence", with two parts, a first organized by the Forum of Ibero-American Mayors and Elected Women, and a second organized by the UCLG Committee on Social Inclusion, Participatory Democracy and Human Rights. The UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Ms. Reem Alsalem, will lead this second part. The topics that will be discussed in the first part of the laboratory will be: (i) Feminist Cities: caring and safe and (ii) Feminist Cities: safe and free of institutional violence against women. In addition, a video summary of the 1st meeting held last September will be broadcast and the document “Walking towards a local feminist future” will be distributed. Reflections and debates around the I Forum of Ibero-American Mayors and Elected Women”.

The World Forum serves as a dynamic space for dialogue and collaborative work, with a specific focus on constructing solutions and developing institutional and social tools that contribute to sustained peace in cities, territories, and communities. It brings together local governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector, fostering conversations about the essential conditions for peace based on social justice, environmental justice, and human security.

The 4th edition of the World Forum will revolve around several thematic axes that will guide the discussions and deliberations. These axes include territorial peace, environmental peace, women, peace & security, transition towards citizenship of peace, and a new social contract for care. Each of these topics is crucial in addressing the multifaceted aspects of peacebuilding and cultivating a peaceful society.

The World Forum on Cities and Territories of Peace presents a valuable opportunity for stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to come together, exchange ideas, and contribute to the development of innovative approaches to peacebuilding. Through collaborative efforts and the sharing of knowledge and experiences, the forum aims to foster a world where cities and territories become beacons of peace and coexistence. To learn more visit this website.