From June 3-8, 2024, a delegation of representatives from the Ethiopian Cities Association (ECA), an alliance of 98 Ethiopian cities working towards improving the living conditions of the urban Ethiopian population, completed a six-day study tour to the Netherlands, focusing on urban governance and development practices. The delegation, which included mayors from Mekelle, Dire Dawa, and Wolkite, along with ECA staff and a VNG International expert, participated in a series of knowledge-sharing sessions and site visits across several Dutch cities.
The tour was held as part of the Uniting Local Government in Ethiopia (ULGE), a European Union (EU) funded project implemented by VNG International and ECA. The study tour kicked off at the national headquarters of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) in The Hague, where the delegation received a warm welcome. VNG International Director, Mr. Pieter Jeroense, provided a briefing to the Ethiopian visitors.
Throughout the week, the delegation participated in peer-to-peer learning experiences covering a wide range of topics crucial to urban governance and development. These included:
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Municipal member engagement
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Capacity building and service provision
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Strategic Communication and information dissemination
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Lobby and advocacy
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Stakeholder engagement
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Smart City initiatives
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Urban agriculture
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Urban Planning
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Public Finance Management.
The study tour facilitated valuable exchanges between Ethiopian and Dutch municipal leaders, focusing on institutional capacity building, urban development strategies, and public finance management practices.
As the tour concluded, the delegation visited the Laakkwartier neighborhood in The Hague, gaining insights into local urban planning and community development. The group also explored Madurodam, a miniature park showcasing Dutch landmarks, before departing for Schiphol Airport.
Mr. AndualemTenaw, representing the Ethiopian delegation, expressed gratitude to VNG International for their hospitality and the well-organized sessions that contributed to the tour's success.
This exchange of experiences and knowledge is expected to contribute to the ongoing development of urban governance practices in Ethiopian cities.