Sustainability begins in cities and municipalities. In order to emphasize this worldwide responsibility of the municipalities, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development nominates 20 honorary ambassadors for the development policy of German municipalities.

Development Minister Gerd Mueller: "Municipalities have all the know-how we need in developing countries, especially in the area of infrastructure. It is extremely encouraging that German municipalities are assuming responsibility in developing countries and also in difficult regions. We have been able to increase the number of committed municipalities from 200 to over 800 in recent years. We are supporting the municipalities in this and have set up a Service Agency for Communities in One World for this purpose. In the meantime, 20 experienced local politicians support this important work. My goal is to significantly expand this cooperation over the next few years."

The BMZ ambassadors will mobilise new municipalities and municipal enterprises for development policy and deepen existing commitment. They will also advise on new offers for municipalities. In this way they support the work of the Service Agency for Communities in the One World of Engagement Global.

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