How can construction waste disposal be managed as effectively as possible and, moreover, how can building materials be reused with a view to future reconstruction? This question was addressed by 30 experts from 12 municipalities, mainly from Ukraine and Germany, who also reported on their experiences in the context of the flood disaster in the Ahr valley in June 2021 and the current war situation in Ukraine.

The municipality of Mitrovica in Kosovo used a Connective Cities learning process to create a roadmap for establishing an umbrella organization for the approximately 300 informal waste pickers in the city - inspired by experiences from Quito, Ecuador, and Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

The Transformative Riverine Management Programme from the municipality of eThewkwini (Durban, South Africa) is an innovative project to integrate adaptive water and climate management and to establish partnerships between the municipality, research institutions, community organisations and citizens. The programme aims to transform the management of over 7,400 km of watercourses and river corridors. 

The municipality of Al-Maghazi in Palestine is a small community that provides home and shelter for many. Despite the various challenges which have been exacerbated by the 14-year siege of Gaza, community leaders are trying to meet their development tasks and improve the living conditions of the local population. One important component is the community garden of Al-Maghazi.

The working group is an opportunity to establish contacts between Ukrainian municipal representatives and German municipalities. The first meeting is intended to provide an overview of joint challenges and needs and to lay the ground for further cooperation. Relevant examples of municipal resilience strategies will be presented.

Are you professionally involved in accommodating evacuated persons and would you like to share and discuss your experiences and challenges with colleagues from German and international cities? Then apply for our event by 31 January 2023!