Western democracies are currently undergoing a period of profound transformation, marked by growing distrust in institutions, increasing social fragmentation, and mounting difficulties in building consensus around public policy decisions. In this context, effective governance requires new leadership skills, the ability to listen, and a renewed commitment to building trust.

During this webinar, Bill de Blasio, former Mayor of New York City, will share his perspectives on the key challenges facing the governance of major cities and contemporary democracies, drawing on his experience leading one of the world's most complex metropolitan areas.

Through concrete examples and real-world case studies, the session will explore the underlying causes of declining public trust in institutions, the crisis of political representation, the impact of growing social polarization, and the reasons why governing has become increasingly complex. Particular attention will be given to the strategies leaders can adopt to build consensus, foster dialogue among diverse interests, and guide organizations and communities through environments characterized by high complexity and deep divisions.