A new journey for Nordic Safe Cities

Categories: New initiatives
Udgivet: 06 Jan - 2020

2020 marks the beginning of a new journey for The Nordic Safe Cities alliance towards an even stronger network, as it continues as an independent association. A transformation that underlines the success of the project and the creation of even closer Nordic cooperation to secure the safety of our region.

“To me, it is a great success, that we have initiated an activity that now can stand on its own, as a city to city network. Nordic Safe Cities really have been, and I am sure it will continue to be, at the forefront of this important work that needs support from all levels.“

Sounded the words form the General Secretary, Paula Lehtomäki, in her welcoming speech at the Nordic Safe Cities Summit 2019 in December in Stockholm.

Countries around the world experience tensions and terror attacks. These attacks indicate an increase in violent extremism, polarization, and hatred in Nordic societies. Radicalization and violent extremism do not only threaten the common security but do also threaten the basic values on which Nordic societies are founded. This threat feeds fear and distrust in communities, schools, residential areas and in social online forums.

As a response to the tragic attacks and negative tendency, Nordic Safe Cities was initiated in 2016 by the Nordic Ministers of Council. Now four years after, Nordic Safe Cities alliance has successfully proved its relevance and has been transformed into its own independent and non-profit organisation. In line with the Danish presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2020, the Nordic Safe Cities can be seen as a best-case example of how small initiative can grow into solid projects and result in the establishment of an independent organisation.

More than ever, Nordic Safe Cities is now able to improve and boost the support to the strategy and policies on safety and security in the Nordic member cities, advance the work to bring the Nordic prevention models out to the world and attract new partners and funding to support the cities.

The aim remains the same

As a new decade slowly begins, The Nordic Safe Cities will continue to mobilize communities to promote and defend the Nordic democracy, values, and human rights and prevent extremist hate and violence. The Nordic Safe Cities will remain action-oriented and keep supporting cities on local initiatives by connecting cities with counterparts in other cities in order to facilitate knowledge sharing, new tangible solutions and fast access to know-how. Jeppe Albers is pleased about the support and explains:

“The new year represents a new decade for Nordic Safe Cites but the aim remains the same. We will continue to work with and for our member-cities to help them act and show they are safe and create safer environments for their citizens,” he says and continuous:

“I am thankful for all the support from cities, mayors, professionals, and organizations. It demonstrates the continuing relevance of the alliance and the need for a forum where cities can come together and discuss common challenges, solutions and actions. Nordic Safe Cities begins the year 2020 as one strong and united alliance and I am exiting for the further work”.