Cities are hotspots of vulnerability and risk and African cities are disproportionately suffering the impact of the climate crisis, having done little to contribute to it. At a time when we see entrenched divisions and inequality between Africa and Europe, mayors from both continents are working together for climate justice.

Speaking from the Africa-Europe Mayors’ Dialogue this film features: Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown; Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan; Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Lord Mayor of Kanifing; Elizabeth Sackey, Mayor of Accra; Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol.

"On Freedom of Movement" (wi de muv) is a forthcoming artistic documentary that considers what it means to be free to move, not as in leave or flee, but to move. It explores the ability of the environments we live in – especially cities – to create the space people need to move. Shot in Freetown, Sierra Leone, it explores the power of the creative sectors in the city and their immense potential.

This short video was filmed during a trip of Freetown makers to London in September 2022 for a creative exchange with London based Sierra Leone menswear designer Foday Dumbuya of LABRUM London. This trip was part of the Freetown- Milan fashion project that’s working with designers, musicians and artists in Freetown to develop their creative industry and launch the brand ‘Made in Sierra Leone’ for the international markets.

The Mayors of Milan and Freetown take part in a public lecture at the London School of Economics and Political Science alongside the Director of ODI Europe.

Mayors Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and Giuseppe Sala discuss their shared vision for city-led collaboration.