Newsletter «Zurich (Inter)national»

Public spaces throughout Europe are transforming. Urban street space is to be redistributed in favor of open spaces, green areas, and active mobility. Barcelona has taken on a pioneering role with the creation of «superblocks». The City of Zurich also wants to test and introduce Quartierblöcke in the future in accordance with the Kommunaler Richtplan Verkehr.

In German-speaking countries, Berlin is a forerunner with its Kiezblock projects. Kiezblocks reduce motorized traffic and create more space for residents. On September 19-20th, a delegation of experts from the City of Zurich was able to inspect the first implemented projects in Berlin as part of a temporary city-to-city cooperation. An important insight from the exchange with the Berlin authorities and the association Changing Cities was that success depends on the participation of all those affected and requires a step-by-step approach that relies on collaboration and adaptability. Transparent communication is key to overcoming resistance to change. The findings of the expert exchange are now being incorporated into the City of Zurich's pilot projects, which are due to start next year.

The municipal and city councils of Zurich have repeatedly expressed their willingness to support Ukraine in its reconstruction efforts.

On the initiative of Zurich Water Supply and with the support of Skat Consulting Ltd., Zurich and Vinnytsia are currently carrying out a targeted exploration process with a view to specialist cooperation in the field of drinking water supply. Zurich has donated decommissioned streetcars to Vinnytsia several times in the past – most recently in 2023.

The water supply in Vinnytsia is struggling with technical and infrastructural problems, which are exacerbating due to the ongoing war of Russia against Ukraine. With the aim of securing the supply for the city population, Zurich wants to support Vinnytsia with technical expertise in the repair and modernization of its drinking water system.

The visit of Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), to the Mayor of Zurich on 19 August 2024 could lead to a new chapter of cooperation with the Bhumtang region in Bhutan.

From 2011 to 2013, the City of Zurich supported the development of the master plan for the Bumthang Valley. The cooperation arose from a cultural exchange between the Museum Rietberg and the government in Bhutan and was largely initiated by Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, then Minister of Forestry and Agriculture of Bhutan.

Following the successful implementation of the master plan, which combines the preservation of tradition and sustainable settlement development, new challenges have arisen in connection with the continuing population growth. For this reason, Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, on behalf of the Bhutanese Prime Minister, asked the Mayor of Zurich to consider continuing cooperation in the areas of public transport and waste disposal in Bumthang Valley.