Germany

German urban development professionals share their knowledge, benefit from global good practices, and strengthen their international network.

Our Focus:

For over 10 years, Connective Cities has fostered the exchange of expertise between German and international cities. The thematic focus of our work changes annually and is based on the needs of German cities and their partner cities worldwide. These topics range from waste management and climate adaptation to inclusion, migration, livable neighborhood development, and CO2-reducing mobility concepts.

Our Focus:

We regularly initiate thematic learning processes that last about a year, starting with kick-off events hosted by selected cities. Complementary elements such as virtual exchanges, study trips, and local workshops follow. Additionally, German municipal professionals benefit from annual networking events that promote exchange.

Our Focus:

Focus areas change annually based on the needs of German cities and their partner cities.
Participation in hands-on learning processes with interactive workshops.
Virtual exchanges and study trips offer exciting opportunities for professionals to learn from one another.
For over 10 years, Connective Cities has strengthened dialogue between cities on important topics like climate adaptation, mobility, and inclusion – an ideal opportunity to get actively involved!

About the Region

Germany is known for its innovative approaches to urban development, with benchmarks like Freiburg and Heidelberg standing as examples of sustainability, climate protection, and livable city design. However, German cities are also grappling with challenges such as demographic change, affordable housing, climate adaptation, and the digitalization of municipal services. International cooperation offers valuable insights in this regard: While German municipalities share their expertise in areas like mobility transition, green infrastructure, and circular economy, they also benefit from global experiences and innovative approaches to more efficiently tackle current challenges. This not only strengthens resilience but also fosters future-proof solutions for German cities.

Gabi_Schock_Vorsitzende des Ausschusses für kommunale Entwicklungs-zusammenarbeit der Deutschen Sektion des Rates der Gemeinden und Regionen Europas (RGRE).

Many African cities have been in crisis mode since the 1980s: whether it's climate change, pandemics, loss of biodiversity, or water scarcity. In terms of crisis experience and digitalization, they are ahead of us. They are looking for true partners for cooperation. In Connective Cities, there's an opportunity to collaborate in municipal partnerships and projects and extend a helping hand.

Regional Learning Process

in Germany

Heavy rain management, evacuation, and climate-friendly construction

In Germany, significant learning processes on sustainable urban development and climate protection were conducted in 2022 and 2023. In Cologne, the focus was on rainwater and stormwater management within the framework of water-sensitive urban planning, as well as the evacuation and emergency housing of evacuees.

In Potsdam, the focus was on climate-friendly construction using bio-based and recyclable materials. In 2024, events will be held in Berlin focusing on modernist architecture and sustainability reporting. These learning processes foster innovative solutions for more resilient and climate-friendly cities.

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International learning process

Deep Dive

Heat in the City

Six cities – Lüdenscheid and Heidelberg (Germany), Aswan (Egypt), Nairobi and Mombasa (Kenya), and Lviv (Ukraine) – are collaborating from mid-2023 to 2025 as part of the "Heat in the City" learning process.

They are analyzing the effects of heatwaves and urban heat islands in their cities and developing tailored solutions for their local contexts. The goal is to promote urban adaptation to the challenges of climate change.

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