Wernigerode, located in Saxony-Anhalt, and Hoi An in Central Vietnam have been connected since 2013 in the first German-Vietnamese town twinning. In addition to delegation trips and cultural exchanges at choir festivals, exchange trips to Hoi An take place regularly. The partnership agreement provides for exchanges in the fields of education, culture, tourism, environmental protection and vocational training.
Although both cities are affected to different degrees by climate change, each stands to benefit from the other's unique experience. As part of the "Municipal Climate Partnerships" project, they have developed a joint action programme on climate protection and adaptation, including the core themes of renewable energies and waste disposal. Initial measures such as the joint installation of a photovoltaic system on the roof of the tourism organisation in Hoi An have already been implemented.
On 14 November 2018, the jury of the German Sustainability Award will select the top 3 entries and the winner.