SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Savannah Mayor Van Johnson traveled to Cape Town, South Africa, this week to deliver the keynote speech at the Strong Cities Network's Fifth Global Summit.
Mayors, governors and leaders from over 60 cities and municipalities worldwide gathered at the summit to share strategies for addressing hate, extremism and polarization, the city of Savannah said.
“Reimagining community safety starts and ends with leadership," said Johnson during his keynote address. "It begins with us, with cities."
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He highlighted the importance of leadership and public engagement.
Officials said this visit proves Savannah's growing reputation as an innovative governance focused on the people.
"His insights and contributions reflect the City’s commitment to fostering safer, more inclusive communities and serve as a model for cities around the globe facing similar challenges," a statement from the city of Savannah read.
The Strong Cities Network's mission is to strengthen interaction and connections between cities, their leaders and practitioners, to address the challenges of hate and take local action, its website states.