Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo is joining the Strong Cities Network – a global network of more than 290 cities working together to address hate, extremism, and polarization in their communities.  

The Strong Cities Network provides a platform for mayors and local leaders to connect, share experiences, and develop strategies to create cohesive, and safe communities. It fills a critical gap in efforts that often overlook the roles local government can play in preventing hate and harm. Hate can be locally rooted and driven by political, social, and economic grievances.  

“Everyone in this community deserves to feel welcome, respected, and protected from hate and harm,” says Regional Chair Karen Redman. “Joining the Strong Cities Network is one more step the Region is taking to bridge divides and strengthen belonging among residents in Waterloo Region. Through this network, we will work with and learn from municipal partners around the world who have developed proven ways to strengthen their communities.”   

“The work of the Strong Cities Network aligns well with the community-led initiatives underway in Waterloo Region to combat identity-based hate and harm,” says Fauzia Baig, Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the Region of Waterloo. “We’re stronger together, and the We all belong here campaign as well as the Waterloo Region Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan share the same significant and ambitious goals as members of the Strong Cities Network.”  

This week, the Region is attending the Strong Cities Network’s Sixth Global Summit in Toronto, with the theme Stronger Together: Forging Safer, Connected, Thriving Cities in a Changing World. The Summit brings together 370+ mayors, local leaders, national government representatives and civil society organizations to share their experiences and solutions on building safer, more resilient and more inclusive communities.  

At the Summit, mayors will endorse the Toronto Declaration, a shared commitment to defend democracy, safeguard community safety and well-being, and uphold the dignity and rights of every resident.  

The Strong Cities Network is hosted by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, a global think tank on the forefront of analyzing, exposing and countering all forms of terrorism, extremism, foreign interference, digital manipulation and authoritarianism, helping equip institutions, individuals, communities and the private sector with the tools, policies and skills to achieve impact at scale. 

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