Bremen's international commitment

As a Hanseatic city and port location, the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen maintains relationships with cities and countries worldwide in all areas of society. Bremen-based companies are globally active in the context of their economic activities, scientific institutes participate in international research projects, and at the municipal and state level, official relationships are maintained with friendly and partner cities in the Global North and Global South.

This is also reflected in its numerous city partnerships, projects and networks, which aim to overcome global challenges together and promote intercultural exchange. Bremen maintains intensive partnerships with two cities in the Global South: Durban in South Africa and Windhoek in Namibia. In addition, there are further project partnerships and contacts of various kinds.

Among other things, Bremen supports projects by NGOs from the state of Bremen that contribute to the fulfilment of basic needs such as the right to food, access to clean water and sanitation, as well as health care and education in countries of the Global South.

The Free Hanseatic City of Bremen also played an active role in the founding of BORDA, which continues to this day in the joint cooperation on international projects and initiatives. An outstanding example of this cooperation is the joint engagement in projects for sustainable urban development and wastewater disposal in countries of the Global South. BORDA contributes its expertise in the development and implementation of environmentally friendly technologies, while Bremen supports the projects politically and financially.

The cooperation between the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen and BORDA shows how local and international actors can successfully work together to address global challenges such as water and wastewater management. This not only strengthens Bremen’s international position, but also helps to spread sustainable and future-oriented solutions worldwide.

The city’s comprehensive and diverse engagement emphasises its role as a cosmopolitan and forward-thinking city that actively contributes to the creation of a sustainable and peaceful world.

With support from Bremen, BORDA has already been able to provide many people with access to clean water, safe sanitation and appropriate wastewater treatment. These projects improve the living conditions of people in the project regions and enable sustainable development – an important task that BORDA and the state of Bremen will continue to work on together in the future.

Further information on international cooperation and development in the Hanseatic City of Bremen: