Local government representatives from 20 African cities and international experts discussed potentials of using renewable energy to promote local economic development. The conference was a remarkable success – fostering collaboration and brainstorming among urban planning professionals, city officials, and development agencies. Participants worked closely together and came up with their own renewable energy project ideas.

At the virtual event on  2 August 2023, international urban practitioners (including from Armenia, the Palestinian Territories, Nepal, and Ukraine), gained insights into the transformative potential and opportunities of green urban spaces. The session provided a great opportunity to learn more about Urban Green Islands – from the basic principles to the key challenges. It also highlighted remarkable success stories that have led to tangible results thanks to this innovative approach.

A notable emphasis was on the importance of collaborative approaches. Participants were introduced to techniques to nurture partnerships, spanning the public sector, private entities, civil society, and international bodies. On 5 and 7 September, the initiative brought together 17 municipal decision-makers from 10 different war-affected municipalities of Ukraine for a virtual two-session program.

135 people lost their lives, more than 800 were injured and around 9,000 houses were severely damaged during the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley, Germany, in July 2021. Temporary shelters had to be provided for the people who could no longer stay in their own homes. The municipality of Grafschaft, a charity organization and the private sector quickly pooled their resources and expertise to organize 25 tiny houses for temporary use for around 100 flood victims. Find out how!

Disasters disproportionately affect marginalized population groups like the elderly, children, the disabled, and low-income households. How do we make sure that no one is left behind? How do we distribute resources equitably to ensure that all segments of society are reached? How do we effectively build resilient communities that empower and protect the most vulnerable?
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The sixth German-Ukrainian municipal partnership conference will take place in Leipzig from November 13 to 15, 2023. Participants can expect an ambitious program of keynote speeches, exchange formats, and networking opportunities. Connective Cities will also be present with its own expert forum "Integrated Urban Development for Reconstruction: Planning and Implementation". Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, patron of the German-Ukrainian municipal partnership network, and Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze will contribute to the high-level program of the event with their greetings and keynote speeches.