Cities in the member states of the European Union who wish to exchange with a city facing similar challenges in another global region are encouraged to apply for the International Urban Cooperation (IUC) city-to-city cooperation programme on sustainable urban development.
The programme aims to foster links between EU cities (in particular those with more than 50,000 inhabitants) and those in Japan and other regions. Through the programme, local leaders will be able to connect and gain new perspectives on pressing sustainable development issues.
Submissions from EU cities to apply for pairings with cities in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, India, Japan, Mexico, Peru, and the USA (China was already included in a previous call) are now open until 11 September 2017.
Successful candidates will be paired with an international city that faces related challenges, allowing both parties to cooperate, build connections and share knowledge. Representatives from each city will take part in study tours, staff exchanges, training and seminars, etc. and will develop together a Local Action Plan to drive sustainable urban development in the selected area.
For more information, including on eligibility requirements, please click HERE (external link).