At the inaugural convening of BUILD in 2014, GMF launched a unique forum for leading transformative change in cities that supports greater sustainability, inclusion, and global engagement. The diversity of voices and experiences represented at BUILD facilitated a rich transatlantic policy dialogue, while also focusing on the specific leadership tools needed to advance change at a local level. This combination of policy and leadership dialogue shaped two cohorts of BUILD participants and created a transatlantic learning bridge between cities on both sides of the Atlantic. BUILD 2014 introduced these themes and established a transatlantic framework for understanding the opportunities and challenges of leading sustainable, inclusive, and globally engaged cities. At BUILD 2015, the exploration of these themes deepened by exchanging concrete policy tools and leadership tactics to move from ideas to action. BUILD 2016 added a new dimension to the exploration of urban transformation — the impact of the digital age on the people, places, and economies of transatlantic cities. BUILD 2017 highlighted how transatlantic cities have proven resilient despite disruptive dynamics challenging established paradigms in the global political and economic order. While there is a greater urgency to respond to challenges at home, there is also an increased opportunity for cities to play a more prominent role on the global stage by advancing sustainability, economic inclusion, security, and democracy.

BUILD 2018's New Opportunities

In 2018, BUILD will depart from its traditional convening to focus on the theme of “Ideas to Action” which will focus on supporting projects and follow-up activities generated by BUILD participants from all four years. The initiative will include specific follow-up projects and events with GMF partners, and a “Call for Collaboration” to solicit proposals for mini-grants, technical assistance, and access to GMF experts that help implement ideas in local communities that were generated as a result of BUILD 2014–2017. The BUILD 2018 Ideas to Action initiative will provide urban leaders the support to take action in their communities and show the tangible benefits of transatlantic exchange. We will plan to reconvene the network in 2019. If interested, email build@gmfus.org.