Answers to many of the challenges facing cities can be found more easily by working with others. Experiences gained in other counties are particularly valuable. The Senate Department seeks international exchange of experts through various channels and formats. Here are some examples:
Urban Dialogue between Germany and Ukraine
The perspective of sustainable, integrated urban development plays an important role in the reconstruction of Ukraine. Berlin – represented by the Senate Department for Urban Development, Building and Housing – and its partner city Kyiv participate in a German-Ukrainian Urban Dialogue within the context of the international learning and exchange format “Dialogues for Urban Change” (D4UC) in order to support the reconstruction process in Ukraine. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building, the Urban Dialogue is coordinated by the German International Cooperation Society (GIZ).
Urban Dialogue between Germany and the USA
Together with the Atlanta, Frankfurt (Main), Munich, Seattle and St. Louis, Berlin was part of a German-American urban network within the “Dialogues for Urban Change” (D4UC) programme. Between 2022 and 2024, representatives from these cities discussed urban development strategies, principles of urban design, planning tools and approaches to governance. Discussions focused on finding solutions for creating affordable housing and designing denser and more mixed-use cities and neighbourhoods.