This December, Leeds and Bradford City Councils are set to co-host the UK-France Local Government Forum, a significant event that brings together local government leaders from both the United Kingdom and France.
The forum offers a platform for sub-national leaders to exchange ideas and discuss topics of mutual interest. This year’s forum will specifically address social inclusion and placemaking, aligning with the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale. This historic agreement marked a new era of cooperation between Britain and France, making this year’s event particularly noteworthy.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council said:
“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, for a forum that promises to sustain and deepen our historic ties with one of our closest European neighbours.
“Leeds is a culturally rich and diverse city, with a comprehensive strategy for inclusive growth, making it the ideal host for a forum that will focus on social inclusion and placemaking.
“I look forward to sharing our local experiences with leaders and learning from others both in the UK and France about how we can improve our local offer and make Leeds one of the most welcoming and inclusive places to live and work.”
The 2024 UK-France Local Government Forum, set to be the third edition, follows the successful 2022 event held in Nancy, France. The government is now inviting participation and attendance, especially from leaders of councils or combined authorities that are engaged in active partnerships or twinning arrangements with counterparts in France, as well as those interested in establishing or revitalizing such connections.
For more details, interested parties can contact: ukfrlocalgovforum@fcdo.gov.uk
