Integrated, connected, solution-oriented: International exchange formats for creating liveable cities

Context

Climate change, social inequality, migration and a lack of affordable housing. These are just some of the challenges facing cities around the world in the 21st century. Integrated urban development is the key to tackling this complexity.

In Germany, there is a clear division of responsibilities between the federal government, states and municipalities, which work together at all levels. In addition, municipalities coordinate across sectors and focus on neighbourhoods and the common good.

The international cooperation formats of the German Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB) reflect this integrated approach to promoting liveable cities and neighbourhoods in line with the principles of the New Leipzig Charter (2020).

Objective

Innovative international learning and exchange formats facilitate integrated urban development aimed at the common good, both in Germany and in selected partner countries.

Approach

The project focuses on the implementation of international learning networks. These include six to twelve cities each and run for up to three years.

Together with national authorities and city associations, they work on one real-life project example per city in so-called living labs. Participants examine local implementation practices in the context of local and national conditions.

A key component of the networks is the peer-to-peer approach. This is accompanied by a variety of complementary formats such as exchange visits, virtual consultations and study trips.

The experiences and insights gained are shared in international forums such as the G7 and at conferences, for instance, at the Federal Congress of National Urban Development Policy of the BMWSB or the World Urban Forum.

These activities generate important contributions for improved national urban development policies and programmes, for innovative practices in municipalities, and thus for the local implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Last update: November 2023