What are the challenges and opportunities in promoting sustainable mining industries and what crucial role do cities play in promoting positive change in this sector? This question was at the centre of the expert exchange, which was stimulated by five practical examples from Germany and Georgia.

Tunisia, once a pioneer and example of equal representation for women, dissolved the country's democratically elected municipal councils in March 2023. In Morocco, the political participation of women is promoted through legal and institutional measures. Against this background, Connective Cities is launching a working group committed to creating a favourable environment in which women can play an active, productive and leading role in municipal and local governance.

Here are two examples that demonstrate how low-carbon construction can be achieved: Firstly, the city of Thimphu in Bhutan has outlined a vision of synergies between sustainable forestry and a robust construction sector in its 2023-2048 Structure Plan. Secondly, the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) has a certification system for sustainable construction that takes into account the entire life cycle of a building and the character of a construction project. Inspiring!

Connective Cities has supported the development of a bottom-up strategy for climate-resilient urban development, known as the Climate-Sensitive City Development Strategy (CSCD). This involved a participatory methodology for identifying and analyzing key entry points for municipal action. Garowe was the first pilot project where this methodology and the design of the CSCD strategy were tested. We are pleased to present this strategy to you here.

As the world transitions to a more sustainable future, municipalities in South East Europe and the Caucasus are actively seeking innovative solutions to meet their energy needs. In this context, Connective Cities has organised two peer-to-peer exchange activities as part of a regional learning process on renewable energy options at municipal level.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Köster and Ms Anna Thoms from the Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodesy at Leibniz Universität Hannover will present the basic principles of the sponge city concept, along with specific strategies and examples of how this urban planning concept can be implemented and adapted in cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Interested?

AI-driven systems can analyse a variety of data sets, including satellite imagery, climate trends, demographic data and historical disaster information. Learn more about how cities can increase their resilience to disasters and minimise loss of life and property by harnessing the power of AI. Case studies from cities in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will be shown.

All cities, municipalities and districts in Germany can apply online with their development policy profile until 31 May 2024. Participation is equally worthwhile for both small and large municipalities, as the awards (between 10,000 and 30,000 euros per municipality) are presented in various size categories, as well as special prizes.

The reuse of existing buildings enables cities around the world to continue using the grey energy bound up in concrete and steel in a sustainable and economically efficient way. The goal of an emission-free construction sector is currently leading to this paradigm shift. The aim of the event is to present good practices, exchange innovative approaches, identify challenges and jointly develop solution strategies. Application deadline: 30.06.2024, indicating a project.