Newport City Council is the only local authority in Wales to be accepted onto a prestigious European leadership programme.
The Bloomberg LSE European City Leadership Initiative is the first ever professional leadership and management programme designed specifically for political leaders and public officials.
Newport is one of 30 areas selected from 17 countries across Europe including Dublin, Turin, Helsinki and Oslo.
The programme will provide Newport City Council with expertise to tackle problems, modernise services and strengthen operations. Established and led by Bloomberg Philanthropies together with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the Bloomberg LSE European City Leadership Initiative will be delivered by LSE Cities in collaboration with the Hertie School in Berlin.
Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, leader of Newport City Council, said:
“Acceptance to this programme is testament to Newport’s upward trajectory as a city. Newport is at the top table with major cities across Europe, including Oslo, Dublin and Turin. This is a place where we belong.
“The priority for us is to tackle wealth inequality within the city and between our communities. Newport is a post-industrial city on the cusp of benefiting from the next wave of industries with exciting developments in the semiconductor and specialist manufacturing fields already being seen. However, it is vital that this prosperity is felt by all communities.
“On this journey, we want access to support and expertise from organisations such as the London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Cities, the Herties School and Bloomberg Philanthropies, at no cost to the hardworking Newport taxpayer.
“Our ambition is to radically improve income and health inequity and close the gap between those living within the lowest income areas and the rest of the city. Projects such as the ‘No-one left behind’ fund are already working towards these priorities by supporting projects that make people feel more connected and included, are driven from the ground up, and are community led.”
Through nine months of intensive classroom, field-based and capacity building training, representatives will learn evidence-backed strategies from world-class faculty, researchers and policy leaders on how to drive performance, work across departments, mobilise collaborations and marshal solutions that deliver real results.
Newport’s invite to join the initiative is in recognition of three key priorities:
- Economic growth – a thriving city centre and wider economy fit for the future
- Education and skills – a city that enables social mobility and reduces wealth inequality
- Environment and infrastructure – protecting our environment and preparing for a digital future
Newport is the fastest-growing city in Wales with a young and diverse population. The city aims to boost economic growth and improve education and skills by working closely with citizens and using data to create innovative solutions.
Councillor Batrouni added:
“Based on a desire to lead a response to these changes using data and support from major businesses and public sector organisations, Newport City Council saw an opportunity to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Bloomberg LSE European City Leadership Initiative to help drive innovation and growth.”
Expenses are covered by the Bloomberg LSE European City Leadership Initiative.
