Dhaka, July 11 -- Global Citizen, the international advocacy group fighting to end extreme poverty, is shifting its strategy towards engaging cities as it seeks to overcome political gridlock that has slowed global policy action.

Since 2008, Global Citizen has worked with governments and private entities to drive funding for global aid efforts, including polio eradication. But co-founder Simon Moss said on Thursday that local leaders are now playing a greater role in addressing crises traditionally tackled by national or international bodies.

"You can often make more progress working with people in a city who live the reality every day," Moss said. "It's sometimes easier than waiting for politicians in national capitals, where big-pictu...