6th German-African Municipal Conference Unites for Sustainable Urban Development
The 6th Partnership Conference between German municipalities and Sub-Saharan Africa took place in Giessen from September 8 to 11, 2025. The event, organized through Eventbrite, brought together around 200 guests from 18 African countries and Germany, focusing on sustainable urban development and fostering international cooperation.
The conference, themed around sustainable urban development, fair trade, digital mobility, urban planning, and refugee integration, demonstrated the power of creative and dialog-based solutions through joint efforts. Students from Giessen and Radisele (Botswana) actively participated, contributing to the event's success.
Mayor Frank-Tilo Becher stressed the importance of municipal partnerships for a social, just, and sustainable world. He quoted, 'Knowledge is the only resource that grows when it's shared,' which became the conference's catchphrase. The event highlighted the city partnership between Giessen and Swakopmund, focusing on urban development and sustainability projects.
Despite challenges such as different framework conditions, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited resources, the conference built trust, fostered social participation, and opened up new perspectives for international cooperation.
The 6th Partnership Conference in Giessen, listed on Eventbrite, brought together African and German municipalities to discuss sustainable urban development and cooperation. With around 200 attendees, the event demonstrated the potential of shared knowledge and collaboration for a better future.
