Category: Municipal services

The state of digitalisation in waste management: experiences from Germany and Lebanon

Posted on by erik

On 28 May 2025, the Connective Cities team held the online Ad-Hoc event “Waste Management and Digitalisation”. The Ad-Hoc events are online meetings, in which experts from Germany and the Global South come together in order to discuss a specific topic of common interest.

By the last event, experts discussed the state of the digitalisation in the waste management sector – and the prerequisites for the development of municipal waste management. During the event, two experts presented their experience in Germany and Lebanon. It was particularly interesting to see that in Lebanon the private social enterprise Nadeera serves as a cutting-edge example, while in Germany waste managed is bedded into a clear legal framework, which strictly regulates the collaboration between relevant stakeholders: ministries, municipalities, private companies, and the public.

Mr. Michel Mokbel explained how Nadeera manages to recycle plastic waste in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates with the support of digital tools. Using their phones, citizens have access to an app, which they can use to identify recyclable plastic waste and get informed about the correct deposit. The application recognizes e.g. bottles using artificial intelligence. Smart bins, reverse vending machines or deposit centers receive the categorized waste. For waste recycled correctly, citizens receive rewards. The playful interaction with citizens promotes their engagement and loyalty, while driving up recycling rates. More than 100 communities in the MENA region yet engage in the platform.

In contrast, PD Dr.-Ing. habil. Abdallah Nassour, who has researched the waste management sector in Germany and the MENA region for over thirty years, emphasized that sustainable waste management is driven more by policy, responsibility, and organization than by technical solutions. According to him, Germany demonstrates a successful model where municipalities play a central role, supported by a clear legal framework and a well-structured financing system. Waste fees, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and private sector involvement ensure cost recovery and operational sustainability. The country operates thousands of treatment facilities and has developed a strong workforce and educational foundation for circular economy practices. The MENA region faces challenges such as weak regulations, insufficient funding, and limited technical expertise. Landfilling remains the cheapest option, and sustainable waste strategies are often lacking. However, there is significant potential for composting, energy recovery, and refuse-derived fuel (a type of fuel produced from non-recyclable waste materials use) especially in collaboration with the cement industry. Implementing EPR systems and optimized waste collection are essential next steps. Municipalities should lead the transition, with support from the private sector and international partners. Ultimately, education, financing, and cooperation form the backbone of a functioning circular economy.

The subsequent questions and discussion revealed a great interest in Nadeera’s innovative approach. Also, many aspects of Professor Nassour’s presentation were commented and furthered. An interest in exchanging on solutions for organic waste and composting became apparent. Following the presentations, the Connective Cities team also offered two peer-to-peer consultations in which individual challenges in ongoing digitalisation projects were discussed among the participating experts. The peer-to-peer consultations highlighted two crucial challenges of the digitalisation of the waste management sector: in municipalities where decisions are centralised to the mayor, advocacy for the digital transformation plays an increasing role; when the digital transformation is ongoing, new challenges may occur and shall be overcome with the participation of every member of the team.

For more information, please contact us at connective-cities@engagement-global.de

Empowering Communities: The Ripple Effect of Women’s Leadership

Posted on by erik

The initiative “Making My School More Beautiful,” led by five women elected for the municipal council of Yarmouk al-Jadida municipality in Jordan, showcases a successful model for promoting democracy and empowering girls through school parliaments. By collaborating closely with local communities, schools, and mothers, the project not only enhanced school environments but also fostered civic awareness and active participation among young women. Its structured approach offers a replicable framework for similar initiatives in other communities.

Together for a cleaner city: improvements in waste management

Posted on by erik

Dabola is a dynamic city in Guinea, with a population of 47,200. Located approximately 430 km from the capital Conakry, it is a vibrant hub for traditional agricultural activities, trade, and craftsmanship. However, the city faces significant challenges due to rapid population growth and inadequate waste management, which negatively impact public health and the environment. Insufficient infrastructure and the accumulation of waste in public spaces threaten the well-being of residents and the local ecosystem.

In response to these challenges, a partnership between Dabola and Dortmund was established in 2019, focusing on solid waste collection and treatment as well as environmental education.

Since August 2022, a local expert has been assisting the municipality of Dabola in developing a sustainable waste management system and strengthening the capacities of local actors.

The implementation of a waste management plan, developed in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, marked a significant turning point in Dabola. This initiative not only strengthened cooperation between the municipal administration and external actors but also established fruitful partnerships with private companies specializing in the field. As a result of these collaborative efforts, Dabola has seen a notable decrease in street waste.

Version française: Ensemble pour une ville plus propre: améliorations dans la gestion des déchets

Ukraine Conference of the State Government of North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) with Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Ukraine)

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Since the Russian aggression in Ukraine, relations between Germany and Ukraine have intensified. On 18 November 2024, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia organised a conference on cooperation with Ukraine in cooperation with the city of Cologne. The aim of the conference was to network North Rhine-Westphalian and Ukrainian stakeholders from state and local government, business, civil society and academia. The focus was on the question of how horizontal cooperation can contribute to strengthening Ukraine’s resilience, reconstruction and EU integration. The regional partnership between North Rhine-Westphalia and the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast was a particular focus.

With 300 German and 100 Ukrainian guests, the conference was a success. It was officially opened by the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, and the Mayor of Cologne, Henriette Reker.

From pilot project to real-world laboratory for municipalities

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When Connective Cities organised its inaugural event in Leipzig in 2014, it was not yet clear that this new approach to international exchange between municipal practitioners would be accepted and deliver concrete results. In the meantime, a network of around 3,500 experts in over 700 cities and 100 countries has formed. Many project ideas have been developed and worked out in detail. Working groups have become think tanks and municipalities have become living laboratories for the realisation of innovative projects.

Reason enough to celebrate! 65 municipal experts from 15 countries came together at the Connective Cities anniversary celebration, which took place on 4 December 2024 at the offices of the Association of German Cities in Berlin.

Projects for the expansion of renewable energies

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Version française

The Regional Renewable Energy for Cities Workshop, held from October 23-25, 2024, in Tunis, Tunisia, was organized by Connective Cities, RoAid, the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM), and the City Climate Finance Gap Fund (Gap Fund). The event was part of the Renforcement de la Gouvernance Locale et Modernisation des Service Locaux (REMO) project by GIZ Tunisia due to its close collaboration with Tunisian municipalities, key partners in the project, as well as its partnership with the Ministry of the Interior.

The regional conference aimed to strengthen renewable energy initiatives in urban areas, provide technical expertise, and promote peer-to-peer learning among cities in North and West Africa.

Tunisian cities participating in the workshop demonstrate a strong commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life, enhancing safety, and reducing energy costs through investments in green energy solutions. Their priorities include public lighting using photovoltaic panels and sustainable energy operations for public buildings (e.g., health, education, recreation).

The goal of these cities, regardless of their size or character, is to become more attractive for residents, investors, and tourists by fostering sustainable development and creating a healthy environment.

Tunisian cities face several challenges in their transition to green energy systems. Key obstacles include:

  • limited access to non-reimbursable funding,
  • modest technical and financial preparation,
  • political-administrative constraints, and
  • a shortage of technical expertise in the environmental sector.

Despite these hurdles, opportunities exist for cities to access support through initiatives like The Gap Fund, which provides assistance for feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and securing international financing. International development banks prioritize projects that emphasize environmental health, community well-being, and the adoption of green technologies, adding significant value to local populations.

With immense solar potential and a favorable modernization context, Tunisian cities must focus on collaboration with other municipalities or regions to secure larger-scale funding. Leveraging the expertise of institutions such as GIZ, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and other development banks is essential. Additionally, adopting proven, cost-effective solutions from successful global projects can help tailor efforts to their specific needs. By aligning their initiatives with international standards, Tunisian cities can accelerate their transition to sustainable green energy systems and ensure a healthier, more attractive environment for citizens, investors, and tourists alike.

Day 1: Focus on project preparation, financing, and expert presentations

The workshop began with a welcome address by Madame Samira Abidi, President of the Instance Générale de Prospective et d’Appui à la Décentralisation, Ministry of Interior, Tunisia. She emphasized the importance of supporting cities in their renewable energy efforts, highlighting that the Ministry has available funds to support projects. Madame Abidi stressed the need for combined funding opportunities to maximize impact and welcomed all participants to collaborate towards sustainable solutions.

Jelena Karamatijević (Connective Cities) introduced the objectives of the workshop, stressing the organization’s commitment to peer learning and knowledge exchange among cities. She also introduced Connective Cities as a global network facilitating collaboration and capacity-building to tackle sustainability challenges through urban innovation and energy efficiency projects.

Romanian city expertise and good practices

The technical sessions began with a presentation by RoAid, focusing on the experiences of Romanian cities and how they have overcome challenges similar to those faced by cities in Tunisia and other African countries. Romanian experts discussed specific examples of solar energy integration, smart grid technologies, and energy-efficient infrastructure. These insights were particularly relevant, as Romania’s urban energy projects closely align with those of the participating cities. Romanian cities demonstrated innovative urban solutions in solar street lighting, community-driven energy models, and energy-efficient public infrastructure.

Handing Over Ceremony for the Climate-Sensitive City Development Strategy for Garowe

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On September 25, 2024, the Garowe Municipality officially received the Climate-Sensitive City Development Strategy (CSCD), developed in collaboration with GIZ and the RACCA Working Group. This strategy offers practical solutions to pressing climate challenges in areas such as mobility, waste management, water resources, and green spaces.

Event Highlights:

  • Presentation of key sectors for climate-friendly urban development in Garowe.
  • Discussion on sustainable measures to improve urban infrastructure.
  • Formal handover of the strategy plan to the municipality, promoting the implementation of climate-friendly projects in Garowe.
  • Expert exchanges and collaborative discussions aimed at ensuring a resilient future for the city.

The ceremony marked the transition from planning to implementation, empowering Garowe in its efforts to become a sustainable and climate-resilient city.

We invite you to read the full publication and documentation of the event to explore the insights and strategies discussed in detail.

Jerash in Jordan: Incremental steps towards success

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Known as “Pompeii of the Middle East”, Jerash in Jordan is a tourist destination due to its well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins. It is a rapidly urbanizing city that is experiencing population growth, accompanied by challenges such as housing shortages, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and the integration of refugee population. As the city struggles with these complex issues, the municipality has been pursuing innovative and sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of its residents while fostering environmental stewardship and economic prosperity. Represented by the local development unit, the municipality has actively participated in many of Connective Cities regional and global activities, enabling it to take away ideas for  local projects in the areas of gender-sensitive local economic development, waste management and plastic recycling, paving the way towards becoming a zero-waste municipality. In 2021, the municipality established a sorting station with financial and technical support from the GIZ to construct a waste sorting facility. The municipal waste management team has successfully managed the segregated waste operation during the past years. The operation is sustainable and the revenue from selling the segregated products is covering the operational costs.

Kragujevac – renewable energy in district heating

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‘ENERGETIKA’ Kragujevac, a state-owned company specialising in steam generation and air conditioning, has taken an important step towards environmental protection. In 2021, the old coal-fired boilers were replaced by modern gas-fired boilers, which have been in operation since the 2022/2023 heating season. This conversion has significantly reduced the plant’s environmental impact.

In a further project for the next three years, it is now planned to use the waste heat from a data centre located near the ‘Aerodrom’ boiler house heating plant and feed it into the district heating network using a heat pump. The data centre is planned for two expansion stages and the first has been in operation for less than two years. The currently installed cooling capacity of the 2 modules is 4.4 MW. The expansion of the data centre to 4 modules is expected to double the cooling capacity, which is planned for the coming years. The cooling system is designed for redundant operation.

By using the waste heat from the data centre in Kragujevac and other measures to increase energy efficiency in the hot water system, a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will be achieved.

The initiative highlights the importance of continuous improvement through the exchange of expertise and experiences, ensuring medium to long-term success.

10 Years Connective Cities

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“And there is a magic in every beginning…” these Hermann Hesse’s words can be used to describe the atmosphere when almost 70 experts from local politics, local administration and academia came together for their first exchange of ideas exactly ten years ago in Leipzig’s former stylishly renovated town bath. (Some impressions: https://youtu.be/CA7naV3BFco )

The motto of the kick-off event was “Sustainable urban development between resource efficiency and sufficiency”. The key concepts of “efficiency” and “sufficiency” were presented as two complementary strategies for sustainable urban development. The discussion ranged from technological innovations for resource-efficient development paths, to social innovations that focused on the transformation of social and individual lifestyles. The approaches and topics discussed then, have lost none of their importance for sustainable urban development. Such topics under the umbrella of Connective Cities today include “flood management”, “energy-efficient urban redevelopment and energy-efficient construction”, “revitalisation of contaminated inner-city areas”, “citizen participation”, “participatory, integrated urban renewal”, “neighbourhood development” or “urban gardening and urban agriculture”.

The very first kick-off event was attended by a large number of international participants, including experts from South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, Indonesia, China, Colombia, Hungary, and Serbia.