Can cities save democracy? This admittedly deliberately provocative question was discussed during a panel discussion organised by the AIA at the Haus der Bilder in Bonn City Library. The event was part of our annual theme ‘Sub-national Diplomacy’. At this event, conceived by AIA Fellow Tamara Ehs in collaboration with the Academy, the panellists agreed that cities play a crucial role in building and maintaining democratic attitudes and processes, but that they should not be overburdened with excessive expectations.
Cultural philosopher Sanja Bojanić from the University of Rijeka (Croatia) and Austrian diplomat Helfried Carl, founder of the Innovation in Politics Institute, presented their initiative for a European Capital of Democracy, which has been running successfully for several years and focuses on the importance of cities for democracy. János Kendernay from the Budapest Mayor’s Office introduced himself as a representative of a liberal city in an illiberal country and gave a vivid account of the democratic engagement of the Mayor of Budapest, for example in the context of organising Pride. Theresa Reymann, Senior Project Manager for the City of Düsseldorf, cited various concrete examples of measures to promote democracy in the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Chaired by AIA Fellow Stuart MacDonald, the challenges facing cities in light of increasing political paralysis and ideological deadlock were also discussed. At the same time, the potential of mayoral and city networks was highlighted very positively. Representatives of ICLEI present in the audience also made it very clear how important it is to support each other in efforts in the areas of climate protection, sustainable economic development, public health and migration.
The event was rounded off with a closing speech by Bonn’s mayor, Ursula Sautter, who once again emphasised the importance of international networks, including for Bonn with its profile as an international city. So can cities save democracy? The panel agreed: no, but citizens can.
