Tasks of UDE
UDE enables (mostly existing) city partnerships to strengthen their bilateral relationships, elevate them from a representative-cultural exchange to a professional level, and expand them into trilateral and multilateral city connections. Furthermore, UDE's strategic goals include motivating and empowering cities – within the framework of the 2030 Agenda – to engage in continuous global learning, global responsibility, and global commitments.
UDE designs, organizes, and promotes conferences (both in-person and virtual) for local politicians and representatives of municipal departments (especially the Office for International Affairs, the Environmental Office, and the Office for Social Affairs). This low-threshold approach is welcomed by numerous cities and seen as a way to initiate and/or sustain international cooperation.
Furthermore, a limited number of professional exchange trips are supported to gain insight into the situation of the partner city, thereby fostering personal contacts and providing a deeper understanding of the actual location factors and political contexts within the partnership. As in other European countries, municipal connections within the multi-level network are increasingly being used to complement national diplomacy and as a source of expertise.
Goals of UDE
Project goals
1. The participating cities in Germany and in the partner countries have an understanding
strengthened in current political situations and solutions.
2. The municipal actors are aware of their role in the field of urban diplomacy and their
They are aware of the potential for shaping the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Furthermore, they are aware of the opportunities presented by these measures.
Strengthened skills for collaborative partnerships.
3. Municipalities are involved in the internationalization of their cities and in the implementation of the agenda.
Strengthened by 2030.
Agenda 2030
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals have direct and indirect links to local government.
administrative level. Therefore, cities worldwide, as the level closest to the citizens, play a central role in this.
Shaping the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Increasingly, the 2030 Agenda is not just a set of goals, but an instrument for shaping the city, partnership, and for acknowledging and perceiving global responsibility.
Further links:
City Diplomacy Lab – Connecting cities through research, training, and practice
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development | BMZ
„"Cities on both sides of the Atlantic face very similar challenges": German Association of Cities