Why we are committed
International exchange creates new perspectives, promotes dialogue and cooperation, and encourages the sharing of best practices. It brings people together to promote understanding, peace, democracy, the rule of law, human rights and prosperity.
Frederic Stephan, Head of External Relations at the State Capital of Stuttgart
Development is local or it does not exist. Solve any problem at the local level and you have solved it for the whole world. Believe in local government and decentralized cooperation and rely on them to be the custodians of a renewed international solidarity and multilateralism, in order to build a more sustainable, resilient, and dignified life for each and every one in the world.
Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of the UCLG Africa
Investments of any kind in the implementation of the Global Agenda 2030 are investments in ourselves. Local development cooperation has understood this.
Hannah Wagner, Environmental Officer for the City of Rottenburg am Neckar
The world is facing major change. To shape this change, we need to get to know each other, learn from each other and develop a shared vision. By partnering with a municipality from another part of the world, everyone can discover new perspectives and ideas. Global learning and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) help to make these perspectives visible.
Benedict Steilmann, Global Learning Advisor at DVV International
It is through partnership that Municipalities become laboratories of co-creation, proto-typing, orchestration and normative practice.
Bongumusa Zondo, Strategy and Integrated Development Planning for the City of Durban
Municipal development cooperation makes an important contribution to greater justice and peace in the world. It is indispensable for overcoming crises, especially the climate crisis. We benefit from the exchange in our municipal climate partnerships [...]. In addition, there is an impact on urban society through a strong civil society movement. A shared commitment that changes people's personal perspective on what really matters.
Holger Heß, Head of Department at the City of Ludwigsburg
Municipal development cooperation is an integral part of sustainable and future-oriented urban development. As a part of our one world, we must also act within it. […] My municipality benefits from international comparison: What are our partner municipalities doing – what are we doing? The ‘outside perspective’ we gain also helps within our municipality.
Eberhardt Kettlitz, Deputy Head of Department at the City of Gudensberg
Through municipal development cooperation, I experience democracy on a different level. Here, bridges are built globally, voices are heard, and this creates great cooperation between the municipality and its citizens.
Akoth Sewe, Kosewe Children’s Library Kenia e.V in Ingelheim am Rhein
Considering the major challenges of our time and current geopolitical developments, municipal development cooperation is more important than ever: municipalities make a valuable contribution to global justice and solidarity, to combating hardship and poverty, and thus to social cohesion. Municipal development cooperation shapes change on an equal footing. Above all, however, municipal development cooperation brings people together, reaches those who need it most, and has an impact where it is most needed.
Lina Furch, Head of the Europe/International Department of the Association of German Cities, Deputy Secretary General of the German Section of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)