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The 2023 World Mayor Prize and Awards will be conferred on mayors who have demonstrated that by listening to and working closely with the citizens of their own communities as well as by forming partnerships and friendships with towns and cities at home and across borders, cities can succeed where nations struggle. Mayors shortlisted for the World Mayor Prize have been commended for their humanity, local leadership and their ability to bring people together. Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, UK, was a finalist for the 2023 World Mayor Prize and Awards Commendations for Marvin Rees Mayor of Bristol, UK Page 1 | Page 2 Criticism of Mayor Rees below Commended by Khadijah M., Bristol and London Mayor Marvin Rees has proven himself to be an outstanding leader who is genuinely invested in the well-being of our city and its residents. His innovative ideas, passion, and unwavering dedication has made him a true asset to our city and indeed globally. We are very fortunate to have such a compassionate and visionary mayor leading our city. Commended by Kerry McC. Bristol As Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees has shown true leadership. He responded with courage and wisdom to the unrest that followed the toppling of the slave trader, Edward Colston’s statue, which had international reverberations, and in challenging the Government’s response, which was to introduce draconian new laws against political protest. Bristol’s commitment to Net Zero has been an inspiration to other cities, with the ground-breaking City Leap - leveraging in millions in private sector finance to help decarbonise heat, retrofit homes and more - serving as a model for others to follow. And with the One City Ecological Strategy, we have a blueprint for how cities like a Bristol can protect and enhance the natural environment. I have also worked with Marvin in setting up Feeding Bristol, a food poverty project that has provided thousands of free meals to people - especially children - who would otherwise have gone hungry. This proved especially important during the Covid pandemic, in providing a ready-made distribution system for food parcels. It’s another demonstration of how tackling inequality and social injustice is at the very heart of what Marvin is about, and so central to what he has sought to do as Mayor of our great city. Commended by Z. S., London Mayor Rees support for young people in our city has meant that doors ordinarily closed to us have been kicked wide open. He has supported and helped to increase the number of young people accessing internships, city & international leadership exchange programmes and work experience placements for students across the city, and this includes myself. Most importantly he has given young people like me “hope”. I never believed in my lifetime that the city of Bristol would elect a black man to serve - but we did elect him not once but twice. Mayor Rees is a very gracious leader and does not shy away from making difficult decisions no matter how unpopular they may be - he’s not a crowdpleaser - he is a man of integrity and this city has been robbed of the opportunity for Marvin to continue to lead the city beyond 2024 but his international standing and the respect that he garners has put both Bristol and his leadership on the world map. Marvin wholeheartedly deserves the honour of World Mayor 2023. Commended by Steve P., Bristol This is an unequivocal vote for Marvin Rees. Marvin has challenged some of the largest and most intractable of the cities problems and by developing the “One City” approach to governance has mobilised more than just the mechanism of local government or even just the public sector to address many of them. Indeed, public health officials have said that if we’d not had the “One City” model in place to fight the Covid pandemic, we’d have to have invented it! This is a way of working that is now being recognised at governmental level as an exemplary model for the governance of cities. Commended by Steve C., Bristol Over the last years it's been my privilege to work alongside Marvin - especially through the Covid crisis. Oasis, the charity I founded and lead, works not only in Bristol, but in towns and cities around the UK - and it's from that perspective that I've developed a deep appreciation, not only for what Marvin does, but for the way he does it and the person he is; for his approachability, his down-to-earthiness, his ability to build partnerships across divides, his passion for justice - for building inclusion and sustainability and creating equity - and most of all his commitment to community development and to serving ordinary people. I have grown to trust Marvin, not only as a city mayor and politician, but much more importantly as a human being. Put simply, I believe Marvin will make a wonderful and very effective world mayor. Commended by Prof Greg C., London I wish to support Mayor Marvin Rees of Bristol for World Mayor of 2023. There are several exceptional Mayors in this contest, and they all deserve our support. Our world needs every city to succeed, and every mayor to enjoy support for the good work they do. This is why I wish to support mayor Marvin Rees, because Mayor Rees has not only led Bristol with distinction, but he has also generously supported many other city leaders to learn together, and act together, in the name of sustainable and just cities. In Bristol, Mayor Marvin Rees has led progressive reforms to climate and energy. He has radically accelerated the decarbonisation of the city to foster a just transition, whilst also addressing the bio-diversity crisis alongside global warming. In particular, he has led a complete revision to the energy purchasing and distribution system in the city to enable rapid adoption of renewable energy at an affordable price through a joint venture with the private sector (The Bristol LEAP programme). This brave and ambitious initiative has broken the mould in terms of how a UK city can purchase energy and the innovation will be adopted by many other UK cities, following Bristol’s lead. Mayor Rees has also led ambitious redevelopment programmes for Bristol and has unlocked important sites for redevelopment with support from Local and National bodies, and the private sector. In particular, the ambitious development of the Temple Quarter, around Bristol’s main railway station, will see new space created for innovative and low carbon sectors and jobs. Bristol is a city that was busy port during the slave trade, and Marvin Ress is Bristol’s (and Europe’s) first Black directly elected Mayor. Just after he was elected, anti-slavery protests arose in the city with the tearing down of statues of slave owners and traders, undertaken by protestors. Mayor Rees showed exceptional leadership and argued that the historical record of slavery should not be destroyed or taken away, but should rather be used to teach the true history of the enslavement and genocide of many millions of African people. Bristol is now becoming a city that teaches the challenging lessons from the slave trade, rather than to try to put it out of sight. At the National level within the UK, Marvin Rees has been an important leader on the Climate and Urban agendas of the UK. He has been a very impactful Chair of the Core Cities UK group, the association of the 11 biggest cities outside of London. he has also been a dynamic chair of the Urban Forum within the UK’s Local Government Association. In these roles he has led a fresh review of the role of cities in the UK’s national wellbeing. He is co-chairing The UK Urban Futures Commission that will provide fresh insights and reform proposals to enable UK cities to embrace the challenges of the new times with a focus on climate, inequality, productivity, infrastructure, and leadership. This approach focusses on how cities can work together, and with National Government, rather than simply compete. Mayor Rees has been especially active on tacking the investment gap that prevents UK cities from more rapidly and radically reducing their carbon emissions. Along with the leader of Glasgow that hosted COP 26 in 2021, Mayor Rees argued for new approach to city climate investment which led to the establishment of the Cities Commission for Climate Investment (3Ci), which is innovating on new financial mechanisms and platforms for decarbonisation in UK Cities. Mayor Rees is a key leader of the 3Ci commission. At the Global Level, Mayor Rees has been an active champion of partnership, collaboration and solidarity between cities. Through his work with UN Habitat, the World Economic Forum, The Global Covenant of Mayors, The Commonwealth Local Government Forum, Mayor’s Migration Council, and many other platforms. Mayor Rees has set a new agenda of collaborative innovation, supporting cities to experiment and adapt/adopt lesson from other cities globally. Some of his key arguments are captured in the Ted Talk he gave in Vancouver in 2022. In this role he has championed support for cities in poorer nations, many of which are vulnerable to climate change, forced migration, informality, and are still addressing the negative legacies of colonialism. Mayor Rees has stressed the need for all cities to be empowered and he has shown great support to other city leaders when they face challenges, for example from politically motivated attacks by national governments. Overall, Mayor Rees has been an outstanding Mayor of Bristol. He has also been a passionate champion for sustainable and just cities the world over. Commended by Monira C., Bristol Marvin Rees has done a huge amount to bring our city of Bristol to the global stage especially in advocating social justice and addressing inequalities. He has worked tirelessly over last seven years to make globalism and Internationalism relevant for the city and to connect us to like minded cities to create meaningful change locally and internationally. As a Black Man, he is an rare example of a mayor in UK and Europe, whose efforts to engage on behalf of city with global peers is much maligned locally, nevertheless his wide vision to fight for equity at a International level is seen as threatening at local and national levels. I fully support Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol being awarded title of World Mayor 2023 both for the global connections he has created as well the personal challenges he has had to overcome in his role as a mayor of a major core city in UK. Commended by Shabir R., London & Bristol I met Marvin some years back, then again during Covid in the summer of 2020 when our mutual friend Lord Woolley (Simon) reintroduced us. It was in a somewhat surreal circumstance that we reconnected - it was in response to a request from His Majesty, King Charles III (then The Prince of Wales) to support a BLM related project in Bristol, to be led by The Prince’s Trust. I had the pleasure of introducing Simon and Marvin to His Majesty and this kicked off scoping a wonderful project in Bristol. It also entailed Marvin hosting a visit by the King, with full Covid protocols to navigate. During this and subsequent discussions over a collaboration that would place Bristol in a prime position to receive much needed investment into youth programming, Marvin led from the front and pulled together all the key players and partners. At the launch strategy session, the Mayor used his platform to set out a plan and vision, then to take off the table every hurdle, real or perceived - masterfully conducted. I came to appreciate the ‘nouse’ that Marvin had come to acquire and what he had become known for locally, his ability to address what needed to be focused on, and to always bear in mind, it’s not easy reaching out to those that needed help most. I also found his passion for clean energy and pushing back on pollution was ever present, as a thread, in whatever he was considering. Marvin is a man with a great vision, clear passion and an uncomplicated focus to deliver on what he has promised. When I think of Marvin, I think of that lovely saying of the late great Nelson Mandela: “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears”. In our Mayor, we have an individual whose choices reflect his hopes to deliver a better future for all. Commended by Asher C., Bristol Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, has been a remarkable global leader in many aspects. As a leader, he has demonstrated his commitment to fostering a sense of community, promoting inclusivity, equality and driving positive change. Under his leadership, Bristol has seen significant progress in various areas. Marvin became the first directly, elected mayor of African heritage of the major European cities in 2016. This has allowed him to provide visible political leadership in Bristol’s difficult journey towards racial equality. Marvin has been a strong advocate for social & equality and has implemented policies that aim to reduce inequality and promote social justice. He has actively engaged with different communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. His efforts have helped towards creating a more inclusive and diverse city, where everyone feels valued and included. Furthermore, Marvin has shown great dedication to sustainable development and environmental initiatives. Bristol has become a leader in green innovation, with Marvin championing initiatives such as improving air quality, promoting renewable energy sources, and enhancing public transport. His focus on sustainability has positioned Bristol as a role model for other cities around the world. The groundbreaking City LEAP programme will accelerate green energy investment of £500 million in Bristol and help towards decarbonising the whole city and the creation of 1,000 new jobs. Marvin has always prioritized economic growth and job creation in Bristol. By collaborating with various stakeholders, he has attracted investment, stimulated entrepreneurship, and supported local businesses. His strategic approach to economic development has resulted in increased opportunities for Bristol's residents and has contributed to the city's overall prosperity. Overall, Marvin has proven himself to be a dynamic and effective global leader. Through his commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and economic growth, he has made significant strides in improving the quality of life for the people of Bristol and has become an inspiration for leaders worldwide. Commended by Julian D., Bristol Thanks to the achievements of the Bristol Bus Boycott, which defeated the colour bar in 1963, Marvin's mayorship stands on the shoulders of giants. Facing multiple challenges, he has dared to dream big and lead by example and with authenticity. He has purposefully advanced the legacy of his elders, pathfinders, and pioneers. Through his audacious leadership style, he has disrupted the status quo in a city that is the 7th most unequal for people of colour in the UK. Therefore it is with confidence that my 6-year-old daughter now believes she can be the city's future leader. I'm pleased to say she is not alone, as many young people from disadvantaged, discriminated against and disregarded backgrounds believe that becoming a city leader is possible too. Because of this indelible impact, I commend Marvin for this award. Commended by T. R., Bristol Marvin has demonstrated courage and leadership in Bristol, despite much racist opposition. His leadership of the city has delivered housing, diversity in leadership and set the bar high for inclusive leadership practice. The city has shifted its focus under Marvin, who has brought together the leaders of key institutions under the One City vision. His wisdom during the Colston Statue episode was evident at a time when feelings were running high after the death of George Floyd. As one of only two non-white mayors in Europe and from an unconventional background, Marvin has inspired and brought hope to many. It would be an excellent close to his time as mayor to be honoured as a global Mayor, and a well-earned endorsement despite the racialised opposition he has been constantly subjected to. Commended by Ammo, Bristol I think Marvin is the best I have seen in any city in UK grew up in same inner city as me and has done some much to cover diversity and inclusion I wish we had more like him. Commended by Temba M., Bristol Marvin Rees has been an inspiration to many people. His Dedication, determination and drive for creating equity and inclusion within Bristol demonstrates his desire for change. His resilience and commitment to this city is evident and deserves to be recognised. I have personally been blessed with Marvin's initiatives that himself and our Deputy Mayor have created such the equality, diversity and Inclusion Stepping Up Programme. The programme has changed my life and I am now in a position to further help people who like me. To me that is what good leadership is. Commended by M. A. T., Bristol Mayor Rees has shown a remarkable ability to govern a city through some extreme challenges during his terms of office. Making his leadership and impact felt on major social challenges of our time from housing, tackling the effects of climate change with the need to lead major UK and world cities in a conversation about a just transition to meet zero. He was seen on our screens globally for the dignity and poise in his voice in the aftermath of street protests in Bristol after the death of George Floyd and the fall of the 'Colston statue'. It has been an honour to serve his administration in a small capacity. He remains amongst the most able politicians of his generation. Commended by Ruth P. Bristol: I would support Marvin for this title as he has shown inspirational leadership bringing together a divided and complex city. He has demonstrated an ability to look at and address global issues through his experiences in Bristol and always prioritising equality and anti-poverty initiatives. He has brought together all stakeholders in developing a One City Plan and has made our City one that is now taken seriously and looked to as a model of innovative practice on green and other issues. Page 1 | Page 2 Criticism of Mayor Marvin Rees Critical comment by H. C., Bristol I wouldn't support Mayor Reese and think his inclusion in this list is totally undeserved. He has squandered funds of the City of Bristol on ill-considered projects that have demonstrated both his total disregard for others and amazing levels of ineptitude. He has rubbed a lot of people up the wrong way and the majority will be more than happy when his position of Mayor of Bristol terminates next May. As a consequence of his performance whilst Mayor, the residents of the City of Bristol actually voted to abolish the role. Given that his own party chose not to select him as a its candidate for a seat as a Member of Parliament. should say enough. Critical comment by S.T., Bristol The World Mayor Prize would look foolish if it was awarded to Marvin Rees as Mayor of Bristol. The people of Bristol have been so disappointed with the way he has implemented the role of mayor, that the city has voted to abolish it altogether. Some issues are his refusal to work with elected representatives from other political parties, and the fact that he banned local democracy reporters from press conferences. Critical comment by A. G., Bristol I would like to submit a criticism of the nomination of Marvin Rees for world mayor. As a citizen of Bristol city, the years of Rees’ mayorship have been detrimental to Bristol civic life. The current transport system is a disaster yet he is obsessed with an infeasible underground transport system spending millions on this scenario that will never happen in the future. Cycling in the city is actively dangerous. His housing and planning policy is unsuccessful, obsessed with Highrise and failing to deliver affordable housing he claims. He abandoned a city centre arena project and his tenure has seen the financially disastrous refurbishment (still not re-opened) of the only large venue in Bristol - Bristol Beacon. Food poverty is rife, especially in the outlying working class estates such as Hartcliffe and Filwood which have been declared as food deserts. The road infrastructure is constantly under construction, delayed roadworks everywhere. Due to his failures in the role, in 2022 the people of Bristol voted in a referendum to get rid of the role of mayor in the city. It’s hard to see why he would be afforded the accolade of world mayor. Critical comment by Chris S., Bristol I believe Marvin Rees should NOT win the award. He has turned our city into a form likened by many to mismatched lego sets, has failed to protect natural resources in areas where new housing will be built and keeps promoting an underground/overground system of mass transport (whilst overseeing a failed bus system) that will probably put the city into debt for multiple decades. He seems to think he is a city saviour when he is concentrated on his own legacy and now his own bid to become a Bristolian Labour MP which has failed as he lost out to a better candidate. To gauge the feeling most Bristolians have for Mr Rees, we were able to vote down, democratically, the office of elected mayor and replace it with the committee system we had years ago. Mr Rees is an absolute liability to Bristol and deserves nothing except condemnation for failed promises to protect wild areas of our city, annoy the council workforce and pay way too much to non-political council officers. NO TO MARVIN REES. The Kyiv mayor, Klitschko, should get the award. 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