Leipzig with
Travnik (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Leipzig with
Travnik (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

The town partnership between Leipzig and Travnik became official in 2003 with the decision of the city leaders. Since 1997, however, intensive contacts and promising projects have developed between the cities. Through the "Verein zur Förderung der Städtepartnerschaft Leipzig-Travnik" many committed people from Leipzig have already made friends with the Travnikers. From uncomplicated, humanitarian aid, a successful sustainability partnership has grown. Since 2017, the town twinning has received support from the SKEW within the framework of the measure "Municipal Sustainability Partnerships".

The fundamental goals of the two cities are based on a partnership at eye level and the consideration of Travnik's ethnic and cultural diversity as potential. With a focus on the SDGs, the tolerance and quality of life in both cities should therefore be increased and the European integration process of Bosnia and Herzegovina promoted at the municipal level. Together, the partner cities address the waste problem in Travnik and make use of Leipzig's expertise in this sector. The regional waste concept was drawn up in cooperation with four ethnically mixed municipalities in the canton. Meanwhile, however, all the other municipalities in the canton have expressed their wish to participate.

Further measures of the various projects focus on sustainable and participatory urban development. More emphasis is placed on sustainable mobility, which promotes cycling in particular. For example, a modification was made at which a bicycle lane was added to a main road. Bicycle brackets have already been installed at three locations in Travnik. In addition, there was a funding commitment for the introduction of a Leipzig-style traffic app.

However, the town twinning is also engaged in cultural activities. For example, an old organ destroyed during the war was reconstructed. The civil society dynamic of the partnership, which has developed over time, is also remarkable. The citizens exchange ideas intensively in the cultural and sports fields; there are student exchanges and annual visits. The commitment shows itself from both sides, sensibilizes the citizens and brings with it a growth of intercultural competence.

The jury honours the partnership between Leipzig and Travnik with a nomination among the Top 3 in the category "Municipal Partnerships 2020" of the German Sustainability Award.