The Diplomacy of the Cities is a new concept in the field of international relations, which is a reflection of the new global reality which makes its development possible. I am not here to talk to you about the theoretical potential of the concept but rather of its very real dynamic capacity and its considerable impact in the establishment of peaceful ties, which I have had the possibility to witness firsthand. With the Cold War mercifully behind us, the new millennium is ushering in a new structure of global relations marked by the dismantling of borders in the field of economic and trade relations, by dismantling of obstacles to information marked by the development of digital communication allowing access to more and more sources of information, by more and more people. Today a growing portion of the world's population lives in cities. In other words, for a vast portion of the world's population, one's town or city constitutes the predominant point of reference of their identity and social, political, and cultural awareness.
Cities are centers of civilization, meeting points of ideas and innovation.
It is in the cities that mankind's greatest cultural, intellectual, economic, social, and technological achievements have seen the light. There is, however, a growing awareness of those problems that is generating worldwide consensus. Despite the undoubted progress in many domains, the enormity and complexity in scope of social and economic issues which states have to manage today has led to a disenchantment with the traditional political model, which manifests itself in a sense of alienation from central authority and a desire to search for new forms of political identity and focus. While the problems of today are global in cause, the impact of their consequences is most acutely felt at the local level. It is not therefore surprising that more and more people are looking towards the city as a vehicle of hope, peace, and democracy.