Nordic Safe Cities
Democracy is deeply rooted in the Nordic countries. We respect fundamental human rights and freedom, and we see ourselves as open-minded, trustful and tolerant. These are Nordic values shared by all Nordic countries and values worth protecting.
In recent years these values has been challenged by actions and beliefs that sometimes result in violent actions. Motives are different across individuals, groups, national borders, religious, political, and socio-economic factors and circumstances.
Whatever the reasoning, radical and violence-promoting behaviour directly threatens our cities’ safety and ability to be tolerant. These threats against our communities’ cohesion and social contracts have sparked a growing interest in mitigating solutions and efforts on all levels. The problem is complex, but we need to act.
Nordic Safe Cities is a city network working to ensure safe, trustful, tolerant and resilient cities for all and actively prevent radicalisation and violent extremism. We strive to identify, innovate, accelerate, share and scale best practices to create safer Nordic Cities in the Nordic region.
The network is open for Nordic mayors, policy-makers, experts and urban practitioners making a concerted effort to prevent new attacks and strives to ensure safe cities for all.
Nordic Safe Cities has been initiated and funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers and is run by the Nordic social entrepreneur agency Nextstep based in Copenhagen.
Ambitions of the Nordic Safe Cities network
Through Nordic sessions and local activities since 2016, Nordic Safe Cities has brought together more than 40 small and big cities from the Nordic Region as well as experts from the North, London, Brussels and Washington to discuss, develop and share experiences, best practice and tangible local solutions.
As a guideline the Nordic Safe Cities has formulated six ambitions and focus areas for making a safe city.
Safe Urban Spaces
Create a city open for everyone everywhere
Safe Online Sphere
Promote an online sphere with an e-safety culture and safe online communities
Strong Families
Act with families to safeguard children
Safe Public Institutions
Strengthen public institutions to safeguard through inclusive policies and initiatives
Strong Youth Engagement
Empower the voices of youth
Safe Communities
Create safe & resilient local communities and foster friendships between people in the local neighbourhood
For more information about the ambitions please download the Nordic Safe Cities Guide.
