Background and goals

Precarious situation in initial host countries

What is it all about?

Since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011, millions of people have fled the country.

The main initial host countries are the three countries that border Syria: Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. A large proportion of the refugees live in municipalities and communities, as opposed to refugee camps. In terms of provisions, this poses several challenges. It is especially challenging for host communities to ensure waste management, water and energy provision, and municipal governance for the rapidly increasing number of inhabitants.

View of the landscape in Jordan — Jordan, (photo: © Engagement Global)

Support on a municipal level

What impact can the inter-municipal exchange have?

Numerous German municipalities can offer the knowledge and experience required. Because of this, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung – BMZ) has launched a programme that promotes cooperative partnerships between the host communities in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, and German municipalities.

The programme “Municipal know-how for host communities in the Middle East“ has been set up by Engagement Global’s Service Agency Communities in One World (SKEW), together with the Connective Cities cooperation Project.

Municipal exchange of expertise (photo: Martin Magunia)

Simply get involved

Who can take part? A opportunity for development-policy commitment

A opportunity for development-policy commitment (photo: Engagement Global)

The opportunities are aimed at municipalities and local actors from Germany, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey who are interested in municipal peer-to-peer exchange and in a contribution to sustainable development on the local level. There are several possibilities, as you can see here on the dialogue platform.

In the Offers section, you can see an overview of our projects, and get ideas for your own involvement. Here you can browse current published offers/requests – or add your own. We would also be happy to advise you on the various opportunities for participation in a personal meeting. Please get in touch directly with the relevant points of contact.

Long-term help

What are the aims?

The aim is to facilitate a peer-to-peer exchange between participating municipalities and to strengthen host municipalities in the region. The Focus lies on professional exchange and constructive cooperation between the partner municipalities, for the joint development of local solutions. Training refugees in German municipal authorities should also make a long-term contribution to the reconstruction of Syrian municipalities.