"In principle, cooperation with development cooperation partners does not differ so much from consultancy for public institutions in Germany. In both cases, the aim is to understand the specific situation of the counterpart and to develop solutions on the basis of one's own experience. Only the conditions differ considerably."

"Of course, we cannot and do not want to transfer Hessen's municipal financial equalisation to Bolivia, but we have certainly inspired our partners there. One finding was that regardless of the country, administration everywhere works similarly and seeks pragmatic solutions."

"It's just fun to talk to colleagues who do the same job as I do – but in a very different country, under much more difficult conditions. If more develops from the conversations and we find partnerships or other forms of exchange, I personally would be very happy about that."

"The talks with German urban planners were so inspiring for the partners from Palestine that they invited several of the experts they met in Germany to speak at a national conference on urban planning. We expect long-term partnerships to result from this."

"The experience of working with partners in a  - supposedly - so distant country on profound topics and to be able to create trust and a personal relationship is very enriching."

"After so many years in politics, it is exciting for me to share my experience in fiscal decentralization with German development cooperation partners. Developing an understanding of the problems in the partner countries broadens the horizon - much of what we take for granted here in Germany appears in a different light."

"In principle, cooperation with development cooperation partners does not differ so much from consultancy for public institutions in Germany. In both cases, the aim is to understand the specific situation of the counterpart and to develop solutions on the basis of one's own experience. Only the conditions differ considerably."

"Of course, we cannot and do not want to transfer Hessen's municipal financial equalisation to Bolivia, but we have certainly inspired our partners there. One finding was that regardless of the country, administration everywhere works similarly and seeks pragmatic solutions."

"It's just fun to talk to colleagues who do the same job as I do – but in a very different country, under much more difficult conditions. If more develops from the conversations and we find partnerships or other forms of exchange, I personally would be very happy about that."

"The talks with German urban planners were so inspiring for the partners from Palestine that they invited several of the experts they met in Germany to speak at a national conference on urban planning. We expect long-term partnerships to result from this."