Blog

This photo tells a story.

When I first joined the @World Cities Culture Summit (WCCF) in São Paulo in 2023 to facilitate the leadership session, Laia Gasch, the Forum’s Director, told me how deeply committed she and Justine Simons OBE, Chair of the WCCF and London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture & Creative Industries, were to ensuring that diverse and Black representation were not an afterthought – but a lived reality at the Forum.

Since then, I’ve watched them work tirelessly to make that vision possible:

Building partnerships, amplifying new voices, and navigating the very real complexities that come with growing truly global participation across continents.

And every year, amid the intense and inspiring days of the Summit, we pause – we gather – and we take this picture.

It’s more than a photo. It’s a reflection of progress. A celebration of commitment. A testament to representation, diversity and inclusion – not just as ideals, but as visible, human, and joyful realities.

This year, here in Amsterdam, the group was larger. The energy was deeper. The connections, richer. It felt like growth.

That growth is mirrored in the Forum’s work – including last year’s African Alternatives: The Future of Creative Cities Report, which shares analysis of emerging themes and trends for culture in Sub-Saharan Africa, with insights from 11 African capitals. It’s a significant step in amplifying African voices and cultural innovation on the global stage.

So, in this UK Black History Month, I want to pause and celebrate us – the leaders, creatives, and change-makers in this photo and beyond – and to thank Laia, Justine, Touria Meliani and the City of Amsterdam for their continued leadership and unwavering belief in what inclusive cultural collaboration can look like when it’s done with purpose and heart.

Here’s to seeing more of us every year – and to the cities and leaders who make that possible.

About World Cities Culture Forum:

World Cities Culture Forum is the leading global network of civic leaders from over 40 creative cities. Our city partners span six continents representing a total population of over 245 million. Our network of over 40 global cities share ideas and solutions to build a world where culture is at the heart of thriving cities, acting as a driver to create equitable, prosperous and sustainable places to live, work and play.