Connective Cities
International Community of Practice for Sustainable Urban Development
Mission Statement
As an international community, we are committed to making cities worldwide more suitable, future-proof, and sustainable.
Through exchange and mutual learning, municipal experts develop projects for future-oriented cities that align with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.
Background
In light of population growth, urbanization, and climate change, municipalities are key to inclusive, resilient, and environmentally friendly development. They foster economic progress and societal innovations that are central to shaping the future.
However, many cities and municipalities face challenges that they cannot overcome alone. Innovative solutions for future-proof cities exist, but there is often a lack of systematic access to proven practices and key actors, such as experts and leaders from municipal administrations, the private sector, and civil society.
Approach
We respond to the individual requirements and needs of municipalities by promoting an innovative approach to urban development. Through learning and exchange formats, we mobilize both German and international expertise to collaboratively develop local solutions for urban challenges with collegial advice.
These solutions include, for example, functional flood management during heavy rainfall, ecological waste management, and climate adaptation measures, such as the development of heat action plans for cities.
Target Group
Connective Cities collaborates worldwide with municipal practitioners and their associations and networks. In addition to Germany, a special focus is placed on the regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, as well as Southeast Europe and the Caucasus. Furthermore, the initiative is also active in Latin America and Asia.
Project Structure
Connective Cities has been implemented since 2013 as a cooperation project between the Service Agency Communities in One World (SKEW) of Engagement Global (EG), the German Association of Cities (DST), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The project is commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
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