Mayor Minna Arve Invited to Munich Security Conference's Responsible Leadership Program

Now in its 60th year, the Munich Security Conference, along with its accompanying events, serves as the world's leading forum for discussing international security policy. The conference gathers annually in Munich leaders from government, military, and other key influencers in foreign and security policy.

Arve joins a group of visionary leaders

Mayor Minna Arve received an invitation this year to participate in the Responsible Leadership program, organized as part of the Munich Security Conference, in collaboration with the BMW Foundation, a long-standing partner of the conference. The program brings together a diverse group of international leaders from the public sector, corporate leadership, and academia. The common thread among program invitees is their commitment to advancing the goals of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 and promoting sustainable societal change in their respective fields.

The small core group of leaders includes former heads of state and Nobel Peace Prize laureates. The program emphasizes a confidential atmosphere conducive to open discussion, and therefore, the list of participants is not published.

- The invitation was a surprise and, of course, a great honor. I believe this invitation is not so much a recognition of me personally but of the role that cities play in building a sustainable and secure world through initiatives such as strengthening local democracy and ambitious climate action, Mayor Arve commented.

Inclusivity fosters security

The invitation to the mayor highlighted Arve's work in Turku and as Vice Chair of the ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability network, emphasizing community-building, inclusive, and innovative approaches. In addition to foundational work and leadership, innovations were also emphasized. Turku, for example, is pioneering new forms of participation by implementing citizen panels, where randomly selected residents of different ages and backgrounds can weigh in on city budget priorities.

In Munich, Mayor Arve will also participate as a panelist in a discussion on urban democracy titled "City Catalysts: Overcoming Divides - Cities as Strengtheners of Democracy".

Recognizing the role of cities as part of overall security is a new but increasingly emphasized perspective in the tradition of the Munich Security Conference. Arve aims to highlight in her remarks the significant role cities play in maintaining democratic, secure, and resilient societies.

- Security doesn't arise from coercion but from inclusion. Exclusion and lack of perspective have been proven to increase insecurity, which undermines our democratic societies from within. Therefore, cities have a particularly important role as defenders of democracy and as maintainers of trust and community in a polarizing world. The everyday services we provide are largely services that foster integration into society, Arve stressed.

In addition to Mayor Arve, Turku City's Senior Specialist Karoliina Hidén will also participate in the program. Some of the travel expenses of Turku delegation are covered by the BMW Foundation.

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