The event series "Insight Sessions: Post-COVID Urban Futures" is part of this year's Connective Cities Corona programme and facilitates a regular, open exchange on relevant topics of the post-COVID-19 era for municipal practitioners and relevant experts worldwide. Different topics of sustainable urban development during and after the COVID-19 pandemic will be discussed and innovative approaches in this regard will be shared in brief and concise virtual exchange formats. The aim of these events is to provide impulses that encourage participants to reflect on their progress so far and think about innovative solutions. The open discussion rounds will take place on Wednesdays once every three weeks. 

We are pleased to invite you to the fifth event in the series on „Crisis Management – Cross Border Solidarity in time of crisis“ on Wednesday, September 29st, 2021 from 10:00 - 11:30 CEST.

The Covid-19 pandemic challenge international cooperation. Namely, border closure at the beginning of the pandemic, different national regulations and the lack of adequate communication tools made collaboration difficult. Moreover, not only the pandemic but also conflicts and political dynamics challenge cooperation between cities, countries, and neighbour regions. Cities cooperation can play and certainly played an essential role during the pandemic. Cooperation between cities can strenghen multilaterlism as municipalities have, in comparison to national governance, often a closer partnership with other cities and can react faster to crises. At the beginning of the Covid-outbreak, cities worldwide supported each other, e.g., by admission of patients in hospitals and donations.

The session will focus on international cross-border solidarity among cities in times of crisis and beyond. Challenges and opportunities from cities cooperation will be discussed, and best practices and lessons learned will be presented from different world regions.

A detailed agenda will be provided shortly. The event will take place virtually in the Connective Cities Community.

Date: Wednesday, September 29th

Time: 10:00-11:30 CEST (tba)

Event language: English, German

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact: paulina.koschmieder(at)giz.de