The urban-rural divide is often characterized as a major differentiator in our societies. Migration, digitalization, and globalization have accentuated this perception of divergence. Indeed, contrasting viewpoints in rural and urban settings are today considered a major source of polarization that is roiling our democratic societies. Yet the reality is much more nuanced. Many contemporary rural concerns are shared by urban dwellers, and those that are unique can still best be addressed through collaborative approaches across by urban and rural leaders.

GMF’s Marshall Seminar on Bridging Urban-Rural Divides, May 17 to 19, will come together in Anchorage, Alaska, to identify strategies to build bridges of collaboration among rural and urban leaders and model a way forward to social cohesion that our democracies need.

GMF's Marshall Seminars address leadership issues for which there is no agreement with regards to solutions. Lasting from two to three days, they convene GMF’s smart power network to explore strategies and best practices through a transatlantic lens and identify opportunities for transatlantic collaboration. Set in the cities that best showcase the dynamics of issues being examined, the seminars provide an inspirational setting for creative thinking and mapping out of transformative action.

GMF's Marshall Seminars are exclusive to GMF alumni, including those from the Marshall Memorial Fellowship, Manfred Wörner Seminar, Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network, Policy Designers Network, Leadership Lab, Transatlantic Forum for Migration and Integration, Asmus Policy Entrepreneurs Fellowship, APSA Congressional Fellowship, and New Länder Fellowship.

For more information on Marshall Seminars, please reach out to Filip Vojvodic Medic at fmedic@gmfus.org

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