- the World in Tromsø, and Tromsø in the World
International relations is a rather vague concept. We may define it either in a rather broad perspective, to include all types of human interaction in the international society, or in a more restrict way to describe the behaviour of States amongst themselves.
A fact remains: the international society is a reality. We all belong there. However, the rules of interaction are fragile and somehow inconsistent. The conduct of international relations has traditionally been a matter for the central governments, not for the cities. This state of affairs is changing. International relations at the municipal level are increasing in importance. The role of the City-Region, with its concentration of knowledge clusters and learning networks, trancends the local and national borders.
This knowledge driven economy is bringing forward new roles for the cities. The concept of “The International City” is closely related to that of the Learning City. Both imply a global-local interaction. Where the local ends and the global starts is becoming less and less clear. This brings new challenges and new approaches to local politics.
I believe the development of local initiatives are a necessary supplement to the policies developed by central governments, in the field of international relations. Indeed cities can make a difference. Projects and initiatives driven by cities at the international level, have often a more concrete approach, and provide a more dynamic way of international interaction. After all most of the people in our planet live in a City.
By building bridges of human understanding, by stimulating ecomomic partnerships and by creating commom ground for cooperation in different fields, the cities provide a different dimension in international relations.
Tromsø – Local initiatives, global links
In global terms our city is small, with its 65000 inhabitants. However, not less than 100 different nationalities are working and living in our city. Our University and research institutions represent a gateway to the world, and the same goes for the numerous companies in many different sectors, with their markets scattered around the world. Add the fact that we have a young and well educated population, a strategic location and an ambition to develop further, and you will understand our international vocation.
The geographical location, the demographic structure and an increasing number of high-tech and other knowledge driven companies and research institutions make the City of Tromsø, the natural international city of the Northernmost regions of Europe.
This creates new opportunities and new responsibilities. The welfare of our inhabitants shall remain the core of all local politics. However, the international dimension of our local politics is becoming more visible. In other words: we are becoming more and more emerged in the international community.
The “international” policies of the city are slowly emerging into a coherent whole. Later this year the City Council will debate a report dealing with the internationalization of the City Hall services, as well as the discussion of new strategies to be adopted.
At the present stage our international relations are developing in different, but convergent directions.
The first I shall call the “Arctic and Northern dimension”. Because of its location and infrastructures Tromsø is the natural gateway to the Arctic. This implies the necessity to work towards better relations with our neighbours and friends in the region, with particular attention to Northwest Russia. Stimulating cooperative projects, actively participating in the existing networks (formal and informal), and being the voice of the region at the national and international levels, are tasks that need political leadership and strategic foresight.
The second “pillar” is the “ International city dimension”. Being an international city means that we aim at a standard of services of high quality to make us competitive in the international markets. In order to attract business and people we have to develop sophisticated strategies in order to promote our city in the global market. Our membership in the “Winter-cities” network, the cooperation with European partners in the ESCITY-project “European City and Science”, and our participation in the “City of Knowledge”-network initiated by the Nordic Council are examples of different ways of creating international links, in strategically important areas for the City. International festivals (such as the Tromsø International Film Festival), conferences and other cultural and academic activities create a dynamic that must be stimulated and further developed. Participation in different international exhibitions such as the Venice biennale is other important activitivities.
The third pillar of our international relations is then founded on the “solidarity-dimension”. We have an ethical obligation to be concerned with our planet. The development of a “Twin-city” scheme involving different cities all over the planet, the decision to become the first “Mandela-ambassador” city for the 46664, the solidarity with the inhabitants of Gaza, the development of cooperative projects with municipalities in Sri Lanka are examples that show the amplitude of the work in progress.
Interdational relations is about people meeting people, acquiring and sharing knowledge, exchanging goods and ideas. It is also about the development of structures that will make our cities and regions more attractive for all. There is no doubt whatsoever in my mind that the task of building bridges of friendship and true solidarity across nations and cultures is the best contribution to human progress and to justice and peace in our troubled planet. It makes a difference.
“You are now all Africans!”. This, somehow disconcerting statement, made by Nelson Mandela in Tromsø the 11th June 2005, gives us an opportunity to reflect further. What does he meant by that? For me it is clear enough. We are all part of the same world, we all share in our common human destiny. It all comes to that, and in a simple, yet precise way, President Mandela said it all. Politics at all levels must be based on love and mutual respect. This is what we aim at in Tromsø. Join us!