The Agenda / Global
Small host cities
Small cities such as Katowice, and Eugene show the benefits of hosting big events.
diplomacy––– global
Punching above their weight
Gregory Scruggs on why smaller cities are stepping up to take on the challenge of hosting major international events – and reaping the rewards.
When the UN flag was raised to officially open the 11th World Urban Forum in Katowice, Poland, on 26 June, there were several sighs of relief. Mere months before, Katowice’s hotels were full of Ukrainian refugees. It would have been easier to call the whole thing off, as an increasing number of cities seem to be doing. Boston bailed on its 2024 Olympic bid,…