From the Press and Information Office of the State of Berlin:

To mark 25 years of city partnership, Governing Mayor Kai Wegner will visit Berlin’s partner city Windhoek in Namibia from 15 to 18 October 2025. A delegation of cultural and business representatives will accompany him. The theme of the visit is “Remembering together. Experiencing together. Creating change together.”

Wegner: “For 25 years, Berlin and Windhoek have cultivated an active city partnership. We want to further strengthen and intensify this relationship. The two cities are linked by a range of joint projects in culture, education, business, research, sports, and support for democracy – and also by our historical responsibility in light of Germany’s colonial past. We want to expand the cooperation between Berlin and Windhoek and foster good relationships, especially among young people on both continents.”

On 15 October 2025, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, will join the Mayor of Windhoek, Ndeshihafela Larandja, in signing a Joint Action Plan with concrete objectives and initiatives for the city partnership. He will then take part in a “Memory Walk” to sites of remembrance, visit the “Voices of the Cities” exhibition on cooperation projects, and discuss issues related to skilled labor and professional training. On October 16 2025, Wegner’s activities will include giving a speech to students at the University of Namibia on the importance of city partnerships and taking part in a workshop, “Past, Present, Partnership.”

On 17 October 2025, the Governing Mayor will visit a partner school and the Riverheights Football Academy. That evening, the world premiere of “People of Song” will take place. This musical, which brings together artists and performers from both countries, will be staged in Berlin at the Humboldt Forum in November. On 18 October 2025, the Governing Mayor will visit a business project, a health project, and the “Single Quarters” neighborhood market. Meetings will various government representatives are also planned.

Background
Berlin's anniversary program “25 Years of Twin Cities Windhoek – Berlin” features exhibitions, musical theater, tours, and workshops. It has been organized by Kulturprojekte Berlin and a number of partners. The program in Windhoek is a joint project of the Windhoek city administration, the Namibia Institute for Democracy, and the Creative Industry Institute Africa, supported by the Berlin Lotto Foundation: www.windhoek-berlin.com.

Berlin and Windhoek have been partner cities since 6 July 2000. Regular exchange with the city administration and stakeholders from civil society maintain these ties and ensure a dynamic partnership. The cities collaborate on projects in science and research, art and culture, energy, education, and sports. To improve socioeconomic conditions, Berlin is also expanding its business relationships with Windhoek and creating new career opportunities for young Namibians.