The Mayors of Louisville in Kentucky and Anaheim in California are on a 10-day visit to India for improving trade relations. Also on the cards is a trip to meet Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama.
The trip has been organized by the Strong Cities Network, a global network of municipal-level policy makers working towards building social cohesion and community resilience to counter violent extremism in all its forms.
“Visits like this are great opportunities to promote our city,” Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said in statement. “Our focus on compassion is something that resonates worldwide and is so relevant in today’s world. And I always welcome to the chance to tell our city’s story to potential investors and business interests that may be looking to expand in the U.S.”
Fischer and Anaheim mayor Tom Tait are going to meet government, business and thought leaders to discuss different approaches to making cities safer and communities stronger amid the rise in violent extremist groups around the globe.
We look forward to welcoming @louisvillemayor Greg Fischer to #Mumbai as part of the @Strong_Cities network effort to make cities safer and communities stronger in India and across the world. Read more about his upcoming visit here: https://t.co/31FlkLTot9
— US Consulate Mumbai (@USAndMumbai) February 13, 2018
Tait had earlier visited India in 2015 to meet the Dalai Lama.
The mayors will meet business leaders at the Indian Merchant Chamber of Commerce in Mumbai as well at the mayor of Mumbai, Vishwanath Mahadeshwar. They are also scheduled to have a discussion at the chamber of commerce on Feb. 16 on “Countering Violent Extremism Through Compassion and Kindness.”
Fischer was chosen for the trip because of his focus on compassion, according to Rebecca Skellett, a manager with the international mayor’s group.
“Mayor Fischer and Mayor Tait are both driving forward innovative practices to build social cohesion with citywide Charters for Compassion and Kindness, which offer tremendous value to residents and businesses alike,” Skellett said in a statement. “This is why we’re delighted to be taking these two U.S. Mayors to Delhi, Mumbai and Dharamsala — to share their journeys, inspire Indian cities and policy makers, and learn more about how India’s diverse range of communities live together side by side.”