Q&A invitation to join a network of cities for Fair Local Policies What is the final goal of this process? In essence the process is still open-ended. We are currently in a phase of fact-finding and conceptualization of the questions raised in the initial call for interest: what tools can local authorities develop to help create a more fair and inclusive local society? We are now inviting you to partake in this participatory process that will define form and goal. As knowledge stands today we are targeting the establishment of an informal network of cities that have similar policy objectives on Fair and inclusive local development. This network can be the learning platform to exchange good practices and to develop new strategies, tools and policies relevant for local authorities worldwide. The network could also serve as starting grid to design project proposals for external funding of test-cases, scenario exercises, ‌ Ideally the network can eventually also create evidence-based policy proposals that can be part of the policy debates on the Urban Agenda taking place in international institutions. What can such an informal network be expected to deliver? Even though the scope and goals is still to be defined, we are aiming to bring together the mediumsized cities of the world around a topic that is at the heart of local governments competencies. We will therefore naturally be looking at specific practices that can inspire partner cities. As we are envisioning this network now it will be open-source: lessons should be shared also beyond the partners. This will could take form of the publication of good practices, but could also be in the form of peer-review exercises. Ideally the network will be able to secure external (co)funding to build test cases in partner cities. If the objectives are on Fair development, how does this relate to the Fair Trade Towns model? The Fair Trade Towns model has proven to be very effective to increase awareness and actions around the need for more Fair trading relations between north and south. It is particularly strong in Europe. This network could be a good platform to exchange successful practices. And, maybe, to assist the efforts of the Fair Trade movement to expand the model to Africa, Latin-America and Asia. The city of Ghent’s ambition however goes beyond awareness raising with citizens and beyond trading relations - the core of the Fair Trade Towns model. Rather we want to look at how local policies can help local economic players (government procurement included) to increase respect for ethical standards when producing for the local market or trading in international markets. We want to explore the role ethical criteria and international corporate social responsibility can take in making local economies more resilient towards fluctuations in the international market. This should not be seen as limited to external trade policies but also (or even mainly) in relation to creating local markets for ethically produced goods. We are therefore also thinking to include policies on sharing economy, solidary economy, social and inclusive economy, ‌ Will such a network have a strictly defined scope?
This will depend of the interest of the participating cities. It is also possible to desing a multistakeholder approach that would also include multilateral organisations or NGO’s. All this is to be discussed. For now on the shortlist are: -
Local food strategies for food sovereignty
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Sustainable procurement as tool for local inclusive development
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Local economic development strategies
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Awareness Raising with citizens and/or businesses on fair and inclusive development
Why is the city of Ghent initiating this process? The City of Ghent wants to contribute to sustainable development. It does so through its local policies but also believes strongly in international cooperation as a tool for sustainable development by bringing good practices together that enable mutual learning between partners. Ghent is eager to learn what other cities in the world are doing (on activity and policy level) to build a fair and inclusive local society. Ghent is very willing to also share its experiences that can inspire and motive partner cities in that same way. Will the city of Ghent become the coordinator of such a network? Not necessarily. The modalities of the network (and the methods of management) are still to be developed between partners. Ideally they will be inspired on the objectives and scope: to be fairly distributed and optimally shared. As pointed out above, the stimulus to initiate the process is policy-driven. Ghent will not fund this network but is willing to invest time and effort in the initial facilitation towards start-up. What costs are involved in participating in the process? There are no costs involved in participating in the process. In the inception phase the process will be predominantly realized through free online tools. If meetings are organized, travel will be on the costs of the participating partners. Such meetings will be limited in number and will, to the extent possible, be linked to other international events – so to take advantage of representatives already scheduled to travel abroad. What does participation in the process mean exactly? In the inception phase participation will be through online communication and possibly a live meeting in Ghent/Brussels parallel to an international event that already brings local authorities to the area of Ghent (still to be defined). This phase will serve as fact-finding of good practices and interest in the content and goals of the network.
In later phases participation can take form of drafting project proposals, publishing reports of good practices, represent the network on international fora. All will depend on the scope and goals that are still to be defined between partners. How can my city, region, organization participate? We welcome all actors interested in the process to participate. Please send contact details of the staff member of your city or organization that will take part in the exchanges to wouter.boesman@gent.be What potential partners have already expressed interest? In the first phase of this process following local authorities, NGO’s and international organisations have been interviewed and/or expressed interest to be involved: Local and Regional Authorities: Bukavu (DRC), Timisoara (RO), Pays de la Loire (FR), Mangaung Metro Municipality (RSA), Cebu (Phi), Milan (IT), Gothenburg (SE), Oslo (NO) National (Belgium): Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG), Trade for Development Centre (BTC/TDC), Oxfam Fair Trade, International: Fair Trade Advocacy Office, ICLEI-Africa and ICLEI-Europe, CLAC Multilateral: UNDP-ART (Brussels-office)