In our interdependent 21st century world, nation states and international organisations are finding it more difficult to respond to global challenges facing humanity, from climate change and immigration to terrorism and pandemic disease, from spreading inequality to religious conflict.
At the same time, cities are demonstrating remarkable capacity to govern themselves democratically and efficiently, both locally and through global networks. To harness the power of cities as a force for change the Global Parliament of Mayors, brainchild of political scientist Benjamin Barber, is due to convene for the first time in the autumn of 2015.
