Lord Mayor Dr Joy Alemazung champions municipal partnerships for global solutions in the heart of Ostalbkreis
Heubach, Germany: In a bold stride toward reimagining global collaboration, Dr. Joy Alemazung, the pioneering Mayor of Heubach, is set to host an intercontinental conference under the visionary title: “Local Partnerships, Global Solutions – Skilled Workers, Education, and Sustainability in Municipal Focus.” This landmark initiative, driven by the city of Heubach in partnership with the Welcome Center Ostwürttemberg and the Ostalbkreis District Office, will unfold from June 29 to July 1, 2025, across Aalen, Heubach, Westhausen, and Schwäbisch Gmünd in southern Germany.
At a time when Germany is grappling with an acute shortage of skilled workers, the conference brings a refreshing and pragmatic approach: harnessing the power of international municipal partnerships to build sustainable, people-centered pathways for vocational training and workforce mobility. “This is not about aid. It’s about shared action, shared learning, and a shared future and true development cooperation,” says Mayor Alemazung, whose own story of integration and leadership in Germany exemplifies the very ideals the conference seeks to promote.
Under the guiding theme “Think global – act local,” the conference will bring together decision-makers from national and local governments, academia, industry, and civil society. Confirmed participants include representatives from the University of Dschang (Cameroon), Hochschule Kehl, senior officials from African municipalities and ministries, including Cameroon and Senegal, as well as a strong representation from German municipal and district administrations.
Key topics on the agenda include:Equitable recruitment strategies and ethical international cooperation, Municipal exchange in public administration through international job shadowing, Vocational education as a bridge between Africa and German municipalities and industries, Smart City solutions and digital transformation solutions for in African municipalities.
Other Program highlights include: A site visit to Richter Lighting Technologies GmbHin Heubach, showcasing innovation and sustainability in local industry, an interactive workshop at the Center for Digital Development in Westhausen with particular focus on digital solutions for African municipalities, and a case study on Heubach’s pioneering collaboration with Tunisian partners in business development.
Beyond the formal sessions, the conference offers a carefully curated cultural and networking program – including an optional visits to regional landmarks such as the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, fostering deeper ties between communities and individuals.
All conference proceedings will be held in German with simultaneous English interpretation, ensuring inclusive dialogue and broad participation.
With this initiative, the city of Heubach positions itself not only as a forward-thinking town in Baden-Württemberg, but also as a platform for international cooperation rooted in dignity, respect, and shared prosperity.
Stay tuned as African Heritage Magazine continues to offer exclusive coverage of this transformative event that redefines how municipalities on both sides of the Mediterranean can shape a common future together. For news and stories on European and Diaspora engagement, stay with African Heritage Magazine. Email us at info@africanheritagemagazine.de
