Global Leaders Converge in Toronto to Combat Online Hate

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett participated in the Strong Cities Network Sixth Global Summit held in Toronto from March 12 to 14, 2024. The event gathered over 200 local leaders from around the world to discuss strategies for addressing the rise of hate, extremism, and polarization in urban areas.

Fawcett was invited to join a panel discussion focused on how municipalities are tackling online harms. He highlighted incidents in Brandon, such as the June 10 attack at École secondaire Neelin High School and previous attempts at book bans in local schools, as examples of how these issues manifest in the community.

During his speech, Fawcett emphasized the global nature of these challenges, stating, “Listening to people from all over the world, it reminds us that there are no borders on any of this. The things that we deal with are no different than in Morocco, in Ireland, in Uganda. We have things to share. We have things to learn.”

The panel included notable figures such as the mayors of Savannah, Georgia, and Quelimane, Mozambique, along with the deputy mayor of Strasbourg, France, and the former mayor of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Fawcett noted that discussions with these leaders provided valuable insights into the local responses to online hate crimes, which he described as having “no boundaries.”

The summit also shed light on the widespread issue of loneliness, which Fawcett described as a growing epidemic worldwide. He participated in discussions about strategies to engage community members and combat this isolation. “This summit helps show that Brandon isn’t alone, and there are other cities to look at to develop best practices,” he remarked.

Participating in the summit was also beneficial for local researcher Stephanie Spence from Brandon University. Spence, who is conducting research on anti-racism and polarization, found the event rich with innovative strategies for fostering social cohesion. “There was a lot to learn around different innovative strategies and approaches for protecting communities in the context of rising hate and polarization,” she stated.

Spence noted that the summit provided her with networking opportunities that could enhance her future work. She emphasized the power of bringing together individuals with shared goals, describing the experience as “incredibly powerful and inspiring.”

Throughout the event, participants shared insights on how misinformation campaigns, sometimes originating from foreign entities, target local governments. This information is crucial in understanding the multifaceted nature of online hate and extremism.

The Strong Cities Network summit served as a vital platform for exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration among cities facing similar challenges. As the event concluded, both Fawcett and Spence left with renewed hope and strategies that they can implement in Brandon and beyond.

As cities continue to grapple with these pressing issues, the insights gained from this summit will likely inform future initiatives to create safer, more inclusive communities.