Capitals Alliance
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National capitals are special cities. Planning for cities that include a seat of government often involves political and symbolic concerns that are different from those of other urban areas. National capitals have the privilege of representing a whole country, embodying its hopes and inspiring its people while remaining effective spaces for ceremony and administration, and allowing for the demands of security, tourism and other business.
In July 2001, as part of the annual conference of the Canadian Institute of Planners, the National Capital Commission hosted a series of meetings in Ottawa, focused on capital cities. Representatives from Canberra, Washington, Brasilia and Ottawa met to share common concerns and exchange ideas on the planning, urban design and programming of their capitals. It was agreed that these meetings were fruitful and should be continued.
The inaugural meeting of the ‘National Capitals Alliance' took place in Canberra in March 2002, hosted by the National Capital Authority. At that meeting the alliance endorsed the following Terms of Reference.
Terms of Reference
The Capitals Alliance, a forum for national capitals, will:
- create linkages and encourage the sharing of visions and ideals for national capitals in the 21st century.
- provide a forum for the exchange of information, expertise and ideas on national capitals.
- promote the story of the past, the present and the future of alliance capitals.
The Capitals Alliance members agree:
- to hold regular meetings in alliance capitals over the next three years;
- to establish a National Capitals Alliance identity and Secretariat;
- to establish and maintain an exchange of information between members;
- to commit to a concept of staff development in alliance capitals.
The Capitals Alliance members agree that each host city will:
- coordinate the program for visiting delegations;
- facilitate professional exchange between alliance capitals.
For the first three years, the founding National Capitals Alliance members will invite, by common agreement, other national capitals to become members of the alliance.
Capitals Alliance Governance Snapshot
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