More than 50 years of friendship: a busy October for the Leeds-Dortmund partnership
Some international partnerships are built around formal agreements, while others thrive because people keep finding reasons to work together, learn from one another and stay in touch. The relationship between Leeds and Dortmund is firmly in the second category.
Since becoming partner cities in 1969, Leeds and Dortmund have built a friendship that reaches into every corner of city life. From universities and businesses to trade unions, community groups and volunteers, the partnership is sustained not by the many people who continue to invest their time, energy and ideas in it.
October provided plenty of proof that the relationship is as relevant today as ever. In the space of just a few weeks, Leeds hosted three very different delegations from Dortmund. Taken together, they offered a snapshot of what makes this partnership unique: its breadth, its longevity and the sheer range of people involved.
The month began with a visit focused on economic development, innovation and higher education. Representatives from Dortmund explored opportunities for collaboration with partners across Leeds, sharing ideas on how cities can support innovation, develop talent and create opportunities for businesses and residents alike. Long-standing university links were strengthened, while new conversations opened up around research, skills and student exchange.
A few days later, attention shifted from boardrooms and universities to the experiences of young people entering the world of work. Through an exchange organised with Leeds Trades Union Council, young workers from Dortmund spent time in the city learning about Leeds' history, meeting local counterparts and discussing the challenges and opportunities facing a new generation of workers.
Young trade union activists from Dortmund at Leeds Civic Hall hosted by the Lord Mayor and his Consort
The final visit of the month reflected perhaps the most enduring aspect of the Leeds-Dortmund relationship: friendship. Members of the German-British Society in Dortmund, led by long-standing partnership champion Geoff Tranter, visited Leeds for a programme of cultural and community activities. For decades, volunteers and friendship groups like these have been helping to keep the partnership alive, building personal connections that often outlast formal projects or programmes.
In one month alone, the Leeds-Dortmund partnership brought together academics, businesses, young people, trade unionists, volunteers and community leaders. Few international city partnerships can point to such a diverse programme of activity over such a short period. More than 50 years after it began, the Leeds-Dortmund partnership continues to evolve. The issues may change, and new opportunities emerge, but the spirit of openness, curiosity and friendship that has sustained the partnership for more than half a century remains.
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