Cultural exchange

»Mountains and valleys might not converge, but people do.« This loose translation of a Persian proverb best describes our view on the collaboration between Leipzig and Travnik that we have facilitated since 1997 and was officially acknowledged in 2003. Our efforts focus on cultural exchange for better comprehending each other's way of thinking, working and living as well as each others weaknesses and strenghts. Personal experience and relations are the foundation for mutual understanding and confidence. There is no manual for how to successfully run a town twinning. It does not suffice if the municipalities merely officially acknowledge the collaboration, but apart from occasional visits and input from a fewenthusiasts there is no exchange or development.

In order to make a town twinning work, to see it flourish and grow collaborations of such kind should develop bottom- up. Additionally, there has to be a sufficient amount of shared ideas, ideals and views on economic, cultural and political issues. These given the citizens commitment and input can become socially relevant.

Our Bosnian-German collaboration works, specifically since both city equally gain from the partnership. This is maybe because Travnik is a small whereas Leipzig is a big city. 150 members contribute to projects and initiatives in both cities. The two offices in Travnik and Leipzig are closely linked, but work independently on our several projects.