Local expert operations

Serhij Lukanjuk has been supporting the partnership between the municipality of Voloka in Bukovina and the district of Swabia as a specialist since September 2023. As education coordinator, he continues to develop the adult education centre in Voloka and trains the administrative staff of the municipality and surrounding communities, including in the area of project management. The many internally displaced persons who have been living in Voloka since the beginning of the Russian war play a special role here. Serhij Lukanjuk also identifies training needs for them and designs appropriate training programmes.

Since March 2025, the expert Jacob Tchonda has been supporting the partnership between Nuremberg and Lacs 1/Aného in Togo. This is a trilateral partnership involving a second municipality in Togo, with the additional aim of fostering South-South exchange. Improper waste disposal and treatment in the Togolese municipality has had negative impacts on both public health and the environment. With the support and guidance of local expert Jacob Tchonda, a water and sanitation engineer, the municipality of Lacs 1 seeks to close existing gaps in waste collection and, through gradual improvements in waste treatment and disposal, move toward a more circular economy. The development of appropriate financing models and the formation of alliances with private sector actors also play a significant role in the expert’s assignment.

Since May 2025, energy expert David Tchekpassi has been supporting the partnership between Nuremberg and Tchaoudjo 1 (formerly Sokodé) in Togo. The partnership follows a triangular cooperation model that also involves another municipality in Togo, with the aim of strengthening South-South exchange. This assignment builds on earlier collaboration focused on expanding the use of solar energy in Tchaoudjo 1.

As an energy engineer specialized in renewable energy and energy efficiency, David Tchekpassi provides technical advice and hands-on support to improve the local energy supply, reduce ongoing energy costs, and contribute to achieving climate goals. A key part of his work is also to assist with securing external funding for the installation and operation of solar systems in the municipality.

In her role as development advisor, Mieke Kuiters supports the long-standing partnership between the Bavarian district of Regen, the Armenian regions of Tavush and the municipality of Vanadzor, focusing on sustainable tourism development. Her work centers on strengthening the Tavush Destination Management Organisation (DMO) by enhancing its organizational structure, service quality, and financial sustainability. She also assists the city of Vanadzor in formulating a comprehensive tourism strategy, building a strong regional brand, and implementing targeted marketing measures. Through close collaboration with local actors and international stakeholders, the project fosters new networks and funding opportunities, aiming to unlock the regions’ tourism potential. By linking the municipal and regional levels in a dynamic triangular cooperation, the initiative contributes to regional development, tourism promotion and economic resilience in Armenia.