The approach taken by Connective Cities was also innovative and was the results of the intensive discussion between  the participating implementing organisations Engagement Global with its Service Agency Communities in One World, the Association of German Cities and the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Association for International Cooperation).The networking formats also first had to be trialled and further developed.

In the meantime, Connective Cities has developed from an initial pilot project into an internationally networked city platform. Over 4,000 experts have taken part in Connective Cities activities over the past ten years. Almost 3,200 are regularly involved in the virtual "Connective Cities Community Platform" as well as in face-to-face meetings in the form of topic-specific working groups.

More than 700 cities from over 100 countries benefit from the exchange of expertise, workshops and consultation processes at over 240 events. Around 90 project ideas have been co-developed and supported through peer counselling in the city network until they are ready for implementation. Around 180 good practices have been documented and published.

The third phase from 2020 to 2022 was initially characterised by the coronavirus pandemic. In 2020, when travelling was no longer possible without restrictions, we massively intensified our virtual exchange. This resulted in a mutually supportive international dialogue that covered all facets of the fight against the pandemic. Since the pandemic has eased, we have focussed our work primarily on "urban development and climate change", as a cross-cutting topic ranging from "disaster risk reduction" and "sponge city concepts" to "energy efficiency and renewable energy", "sustainable and affordable construction" and "gender in times of crisis". We also support Ukrainian municipalities during the war to strengthen their resilience and develop capacities for reconstruction.

"The Connective Cities learning process on flood management was a great opportunity for our city to network. We were able to build connections with colleagues who had a lot of knowledge and experience in this topic. We learned a lot from the other cities and also from the experts who were present, such as Dr Johannes Belle from the University of the Free State in South Africa. This gave me a much better understanding of the topic in all its depth. We also benefited greatly from the presentations and discussions with the people from the EIB, who made it clear to us what is important for an application. Last but not least, we benefited greatly from the peer learning process, where the other colleagues gave their input on our project! We look forward to learning much more at Connective Cities. "
Mrs Evelyn Musonda, Senior Community Development Officer, Department of Housing and Social Services, Lusaka City Council, Zambia

The work of Connective Cities has now been recognised internationally by important institutions. In its study "Reshaping Decentralised Development Co-operation in Germany" in April 2023, for example, the OECD emphasised that Connective Cities "promotes the global exchange of municipal expertise and supports the exchange of learning and expertise between German and international urban practitioners geared towards the needs of municipalities."

"The topic of "sustainable building with nature-based raw materials" or "ecological building" was discussed very intensively in the Potsdam City Council at the time of the Connective Cities presence workshop and ultimately resulted in the resolution "23/SVV/0630 - ecological building for municipal companies". This lays down strict guidelines for the use of wood, a raw material that is only available in limited quantities, in compliance with the rules for sustainable production and harvesting. The extended kick-off workshop sensitised numerous city councillors to the topic and its specifics. The resolution would probably not have been passed in this form without the expert input from Connective Cities. This is a great result."
Cordine Lippert, Head of the Climate Protection Coordination Centre, Climate Protection Coordination Centre, State Capital of Potsdam and Pete Heuer, Chairman of the Potsdam City Council