Giessen's 6th Africa Conference Boosts Urban Sustainability Cooperation
Giessen's 6th Partnership Conference with Sub-Saharan African municipalities concluded successfully, fostering international cooperation and sustainable urban development. Around 200 guests from 18 African nations and Germany attended the event from September 8 to 11, 2025.
The conference, themed around sustainable urban development, fair trade, digital mobility, urban planning, and refugee integration, provided momentum for Giessen's ongoing work in these areas. Mayor Frank-Tilo Becher stressed the importance of municipal partnerships for a socially fair and sustainable world.
A highlight was the city partnership between Giessen and Swakopmund, showcased as a model of successful international cooperation. However, details about a new partnership initiated in 2022, focusing on urban planning sustainability and professional qualification, remain unclear.
The conference's catchphrase, 'Knowledge is the only resource that grows when it is shared,' echoed through the event. Through creative dialogue, eye-level solutions were found together, addressing challenges such as differing framework conditions, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited resources. Students from Giessen and Radisele (Botswana) also participated, gaining insights into international cooperation.
The 6th Partnership Conference in Giessen has further strengthened ties with Sub-Saharan African municipalities. While the new 2022 partnership remains mysterious, the conference's success and momentum will continue to shape Giessen's work towards a more sustainable and fair world.
