Perfect summer weather, an unusual venue, and around 1,000 participants over two days: the REGIONALE 2025 tent festival, held on July 11 and 12, 2026, in Much, served as a fitting conclusion to the 15-month presentation period themed “Eager for the Future!” The event provided an ideal setting for a diverse program that—under the title “The Good Life, Made by Us!”—highlighted volunteer engagement in the Bergisches RheinLand region. At the same time, the festival marked the finale of this state structural development program. After eight years of successful project development, this “temporary state of exception” came to an end.
The first day focused entirely on civic engagement: the REGIONALE’s key theme regarding the future was explored through high-caliber panel discussions, lectures, and an accompanying exhibition. A total of nine project showcases—covering the topics “Together, Not Alone,” “Local Culture,” and “Well-Cared-For”—provided ongoing opportunities throughout the day for professional exchange and presented around 30 concrete, real-world examples of successful volunteer projects from the Bergisches RheinLand and North Rhine-Westphalia. The tent festival was organized by the REGIONALE 2025 Agency in collaboration with its shareholders: the districts of Oberbergischer Kreis, Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, and Rhein-Sieg-Kreis, as well as the association Region Köln/Bonn e.V.
The festival site—a meadow in Much—offered visitors exciting views across the Bergisches RheinLand and as far as the Siebengebirge hills. Proceedings kicked off inside a circus tent that served as a “temporary landmark,” visible from afar. Right from the start, REGIONALE Managing Director Dr. Reimar Molitor emphasized the importance of volunteering for social cohesion, viewing it primarily as a structural policy task that remains a constant priority. In his subsequent welcoming remarks, Much Mayor Karsten Schäfer reaffirmed the importance of volunteer work—particularly for municipalities covering large geographic areas like Much—and emphasized that the Bergisches RheinLand region thrives thanks to people who roll up their sleeves and get things done. Sebastian Schuster, District Administrator of the Rhein-Sieg district, underscored this point in his own speech. He noted that as the state increasingly withdraws from various sectors, there is a growing need for places where people can meet and interact. It is precisely for this reason that numerous projects facilitating such encounters have been launched under the REGIONALE initiative.
Keynote by Minister Silke Gorißen
In her subsequent keynote address, Silke Gorißen, Minister for Agriculture and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia, acknowledged the significant progress made in the Bergisches RheinLand region in recent years. She noted that local residents are taking responsibility and using their ideas to create favorable living conditions. She praised the work of the REGIONALE initiative, which over the past eight years has preserved and created spaces where people can come together and actively shape their local community. She emphasized that the courage to collaborate will remain essential in the future; the partnerships forged through the REGIONALE initiative are enduring and help strengthen democracy. At the same time, she urged stakeholders to make use of available funding instruments, such as the LEADER program or foundation grants. Earlier, the Minister had toured the exhibition accompanying the tent festival and spoken with exhibitors, including the foundations of Kreissparkasse Köln, the RheinEnergieStiftung, the Hans Hermann Voss Foundation, the German Foundation for Engagement and Volunteering (DSEE), the NRW Foundation, and the Much Foundation.
A Plea for “Laboratories of Democracy”
At midday, political scientist Prof. Em. Dr. Claus Leggewie picked up on the motto of the REGIONALE presentation period during his keynote speech, posing the question of how to inspire enthusiasm for the future. First, the scholar argued, it is necessary to paint a bleak picture of the present—a point he illustrated with three examples: the intense pressure on municipal finances; growing societal dissatisfaction coupled with the rising threat to democracy posed by right-wing ideologies; and the overburdening of volunteers. To rekindle enthusiasm for the future, Leggewie posited that we must, in particular, re-establish so-called “third places”—spaces that are enjoyable and serve as meeting points for friends. Such gathering spots—pubs, late-night convenience stores, and gas stations, for instance—have increasingly disappeared in recent years. He urged citizens to create these “laboratories of democracy” themselves, thereby establishing tangible, vibrant venues for exchange. “Promoting democracy does not end where I oppose something; it begins where I stand for something,” Leggewie concluded.
Working Together Makes a Good Life Possible
Afterwards, journalist and author Dr. Martin Stankowski discussed with Leggewie, Alexandra Gauß (Mayor of the Municipality of Windeck), Sabine Müller (Board Member of Villa Much e.V.), Silvia Assmussen (Volunteer Initiative “Weitblick” of the Oberbergischer Kreis district), and Jochen Hagt (Board Member of the Hans Hermann Voss Foundation) what is needed to achieve a good quality of life at the local level. Assmussen noted that the volunteer sector in the Oberbergischer Kreis district is well-positioned, with people independently approaching the district administration with ideas—citing urban gardening projects and repair cafés as prime examples. Jochen Hagt confirmed this observation: the more village-like the structures, the greater the level of volunteer engagement. The Bergisches RheinLand region—with its decentralized settlement pattern (the Oberbergischer Kreis district alone comprises over 1,400 villages)—has always been an area where people roll up their sleeves and “create a good life for themselves.”
Alexandra Gauß emphasized that municipalities value intrinsically motivated individuals and that, in such cases, support options are almost always available. While initiating a project is easy, the mayor noted that the real challenge—the “crowning achievement”—lies in staying the course and “letting the younger generation get involved.” Sabine Müller shared her experiences with the REGIONALE project “Villa Much,” advising others to network with like-minded people who are eager to make a difference; such connections are essential for turning ideas into reality and ensuring the long-term implementation of projects. Claus Leggewie advocated for the greater use of citizens’ assemblies to solve specific local problems and to ensure that the decision-making process reflects a true cross-section of society.
lit.COLOGNE Returns to Bergisches RheinLand for the Third Time
On the second day, lit.COLOGNE provided the cultural highlight of the tent festival: the renowned literature festival made its third appearance in the region as part of the REGIONALE Bergisches RheinLand. Dr. In the first discussion round, Reimar Molitor and Rainer Osnowski—managing directors of lit.COLOGNE GmbH—spoke about volunteering with Sebastian Schuster (District Administrator of Rhein-Sieg-Kreis), Karsten Schäfer (Mayor of the municipality of Much), and Thomas Pennartz (Chairman of the Board of Kreissparkasse Köln/KSK). While Schäfer emphasized the importance of the REGIONALE project “Villa Much” and the wide range of services it offers to local residents, Pennartz highlighted Kreissparkasse’s role as an “instrument of public service provision” and an enabler within the region; he noted that the bank’s foundation programs are in high demand and provide financial backing for numerous projects. Pennartz argued that a positive future—and by extension, economic prosperity—can only emerge when support is given to people who want to initiate projects and make things happen in the region. Schuster affirmed that cooperation among the three districts would continue beyond the REGIONALE initiative, with plans to support and implement existing projects in the coming years while also launching new ones in the Bergisches RheinLand area.
Subsequently, prominent guests took the REGIONALE stage: Aleida Assmann (recipient of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade), Cologne pastor Franz Meurer, and cabaret artist Jürgen Becker. A lively and refreshing conversation ensued regarding the changing nature of volunteering, its societal significance, and the question of how much civic engagement a society based on solidarity requires. The discussion was moderated by WDR presenter Julia Schöning.
Dialogue as the Foundation of Community
The discussion was prompted by the title of Assmann’s book *Gemeinsinn. Der sechste, soziale Sinn* (“Civic Spirit: The Sixth, Social Sense”), which she co-authored with her late husband, Jan Assmann. In it, she incorporated the concept of *sensus communis*—originally coined by Aristotle—and recounted its history: “People do not live autonomously; they depend on one another. The sixth sense is innate; we all possess this social sense, yet we must bring it back into our consciousness,” said Assmann. Franz Meurer shared this view. Meurer, who was recently awarded the Mevlüde-Genç Medal by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia for his volunteer work, emphasized the human desire for a sense of home and advocated for greater integration of newcomers into the community. “Dialogue is the foundation of a sense of community,” the pastor stated.
When asked about the importance of community gathering places, Jürgen Becker spoke of his childhood in Kürten-Olpe and the village pub as a place for people to meet: “I see this at my cabaret shows, too: the most important thing is the beer afterwards. It’s not really about whether I actually drink a beer or not, but about the invitation itself.” Assmann picked up on this thought, noting that in an age of digitalization, people value these central meeting places all the more because they foster a sense of community and offer a tangible, lasting experience. This is evident in the fact that such moments tend to remain in people’s memories much more vividly. When the conversation turned to the role of churches as meeting places, Meurer observed that lifestyles have changed and not everyone has the time to go to church. “If I weren’t a pastor, I wouldn’t go to church every day either,” Meurer candidly admitted, drawing laughter from the audience.
“Volunteering is the oxygen of democracy”
The conversation then took a decidedly political turn. Democracy is a demanding form of government that requires places of community to remain stable. Only in such settings can a sense of shared humanity emerge, Assmann emphasized. Helping one another is a fundamental human duty; every action has consequences for others. That is why volunteering is “the oxygen of democracy,” she stressed, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. Towards the end of the discussion, Becker summed it up simply: “You have to go where you’re needed, rather than expecting people to come to you.”
The event was accompanied by the internationally renowned jazz musicians Julian and Roman Wasserfuhr from Hückeswagen. They performed tracks from their album *Echoes_Sound of Home*—produced specifically for the REGIONALE—creating a musical soundtrack for the Bergisches RheinLand region. REGIONALE as a Model for Export
At midday, REGIONALE Managing Director Reimar Molitor—together with stakeholders from the Bergisches RheinLand—deliberately focused on the future: the tent festival had sparked numerous new project ideas, fostered connections between people, and highlighted prospects for future funding opportunities. In doing so, the REGIONALE provided important impetus for the further development of civic engagement in the region. Molitor emphasized that the networks formed during the event would endure and that the REGIONALE had successfully shone a spotlight on the area. This has not gone unnoticed in other federal states, either; among the many guests was Steffen Schütz, Minister for Digital Affairs and Infrastructure for the Free State of Thuringia. He visited the tent festival with a delegation to learn more about the REGIONALE format. Thuringia is seriously considering establishing its own REGIONALE; Schütz described his impression of the Bergisches RheinLand as extremely positive, noting that it serves as a fantastic example of the tangible promotion of democracy. Ceremonial Conclusion with Minister Ina Scharrenbach
To mark the conclusion, Ina Scharrenbach—Minister for Regional Identity, Local Government, Building, and Digitalization for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia—offered her congratulations on eight successful years: “The best of both worlds: The Bergisches RheinLand is a treasure that REGIONALE 2025 has made even more visible. Thanks to the state structural program, projects addressing five key themes for the future have been launched over the past eight years across the Oberbergischer Kreis, Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, and the eastern Rhein-Sieg-Kreis—projects that dare to innovate and build the future. The REGIONALE in the Bergisches RheinLand has become a driving force for the economy, progress, and community life, particularly regarding the innovative use of resources and the associated regional transformation processes; this has generated genuine, authentic added value. And it is the local citizens who benefit most from this. The State of North Rhine-Westphalia was pleased to support this successful collaboration. Here, the relationship between city and countryside—between the urban Rhine corridor and the rural Bergisch region—can be experienced on equal terms. In this way, a sense of ‘home’ has been shaped in the best possible sense.” Finally, the Minister brought REGIONALE 2025 Bergisches RheinLand to a close with the declaration: “The REGIONALE has ended; the future has begun!” Afterwards, the guests enjoyed the final moments of the tent festival together.
To mark the start of summer on the longest day of the year—June 21, 2026—participants from across the Cologne/Bonn region gathered at the Beethoven Hall in the federal city of Bonn. Around 750 stakeholders from politics, public administration, academia, and the business sector had registered in advance for the “Long Day of the Region” (Langer Tag der Region), the annual networking event organized by the Region Köln/Bonn association.
Coming right after the 2025 local elections—which resulted in numerous political offices and roles being filled by new incumbents—this regional gathering offered an ideal opportunity to forge new contacts, strengthen existing networks, and engage in dialogue about the region’s future. Direct exchange and close cooperation across municipal and institutional boundaries are essential prerequisites for successfully addressing current challenges and advancing future-oriented initiatives together.
This year’s “Long Day of the Region” was organized in close cooperation with the federal city of Bonn and Sparkasse KölnBonn. True to tradition, the event kicked off with an extensive excursion program. A total of more than 600 places were available to participants across 15 themed excursions. Whether on foot, by bicycle, by bus, or on the water, the tours offered diverse perspectives on the federal city of Bonn, allowing participants to experience the challenges and potential solutions associated with sustainable transformation through concrete local projects and initiatives.
The event highlighted numerous forward-looking projects in areas such as urban and open-space development, housing, the energy and heating transition, innovation, science, the economy, and culture. At the same time, exemplary initiatives from the Cologne/Bonn region’s agglomeration program took center stage.
At the subsequent reception, Bonn’s Mayor Guido Déus welcomed guests to the Beethoven Hall and emphasized the importance of this annual networking event. The strong response impressively demonstrates the strength of regional cooperation within Region Köln/Bonn e.V. The association’s strategic, collaborative, and project-oriented work is of particular importance, especially in light of the diverse challenges faced.
Sebastian Schuster, District Administrator of the Rhein-Sieg district and Chairman of the Board of Region Köln/Bonn e.V., emphasized the special role of this year’s meeting as a platform for exchange among newly elected local government representatives and the region’s 31 new chief administrative officials. The networking event offers a unique opportunity to bring together people who wish to actively shape the region’s future.
Sparkasse KölnBonn is celebrating a special anniversary this year, looking back on 200 years of regional ties. Chairman of the Board Ulrich Voigt emphasized the institution’s close relationship with the region and reaffirmed Sparkasse’s commitment to supporting local projects and people in the future. He described the “Long Day of the Region” (*Langer Tag der Region*) as an outstanding example of how shared goals and regional responsibility bring people together and shape the future. Against this backdrop, Sparkasse KölnBonn supports the event with great conviction and has already pledged its backing for the 2027 edition.
A cultural highlight followed, featuring the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn under the direction of General Music Director Dirk Kaftan, joined by pianist Hyung-ki Joo. Guests not only experienced the ensemble’s musical quality and versatility but also witnessed the superb acoustics of the extensively renovated Beethoven Hall. The concert impressively demonstrated the importance of culture—and distinctive cultural venues—to the region’s identity and appeal. The performance was met with prolonged applause and a standing ovation.
Subsequently, a panel discussion titled “Region – Relevance – Direction” addressed the future of the Cologne/Bonn region as a hub for science and research. The panelists included Prof. Dr. Marion Halfmann, President of Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences; Prof. Dr. Sylvia Heuchemer, President of TH Köln (University of Applied Sciences); Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Hoch, Rector of the University of Bonn; and Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Media of North Rhine-Westphalia and Head of the State Chancellery.
The panelists agreed that the region possesses excellent prerequisites to further strengthen its position as a leading hub for science, innovation, and technology. Higher education institutions, companies, research facilities, and municipalities are closely interconnected and are already successfully collaborating on future-oriented topics such as digital transformation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and aerospace. At the same time, targeted investments in existing potential and faster political decision-making processes are required to further strengthen international competitiveness. The large number of graduates who remain in the region after their studies to work for local companies underscores the pivotal role higher education institutions play in innovation, securing a skilled workforce, and driving structural change.
The “Long Day of the Region” concluded on the Rhine terrace of the Beethoven Hall. In a relaxed atmosphere, guests took the opportunity to deepen existing contacts, forge new networks, and—inspired by the day’s many insights—exchange views on the future development of the Cologne/Bonn region.
The Executive Board of Region Köln/Bonn e.V., at its 133rd board meeting on March 4, 2026, expressed its support for hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the Rhine-Ruhr region in the years 2036, 2040, or 2044. The association explicitly endorses the “KölnRheinRuhr” bid, which is based on sustainable, compact, and forward-looking Games.
The Rhineland and the Ruhr area already possess a modern and high-performance sports infrastructure with numerous established venues. For the competitions, 100 percent of the facilities are to be either existing or temporary venues. This approach follows a clear sustainability strategy and avoids costly new constructions without long-term prospects.
In addition, hosting the Games offers the opportunity to invest in further infrastructure measures in advance, from which the region will benefit in the long term—particularly in the areas of mobility, urban development, and digitalization. The Olympic and Paralympic Games would therefore not only be an international sporting event but also a sustainable boost for the entire region. Of the total of 17 municipalities designated as host locations in the Rhine-Ruhr region, three are located in the Köln/Bonn region. In addition to Cologne as the leading city, the cities of Leverkusen and Pulheim are also planned as host venues. This would give the Köln/Bonn region a central role within the Rhine-Ruhr Games.
Sebastian Schuster, Chairman of the Executive Board of Region Köln/Bonn e.V. and District Administrator of the Rhein-Sieg district, also emphasized the added value of the Games: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games represent a unique opportunity for our region. They strengthen grassroots sport, promote sustainable investment in regional infrastructure, and bring people together who stand for sport, community, and joie de vivre. We want to seize this opportunity—for our cities, our athletes, and the people in our region.”
The people of the Rhine-Ruhr region are passionate about sports, hospitable, and open-minded. The size and quality of the sports venues would make it possible for up to 14 million spectators—more than ever before—to attend Olympic and Paralympic competitions on site, with short travel distances and a compact structure.
The bid process has been developed in close coordination between municipalities, experts, and athletes. In addition, referendums are scheduled for April 19, 2026, in Cologne, Leverkusen, and Pulheim to obtain public approval. The Executive Board of Region Köln/Bonn e.V. sees the bid as a major opportunity and encourages citizens to vote in favor of the Games in the Rhine-Ruhr region.
In addition to KölnRheinRuhr, Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich have also submitted their bids to the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) on time.
Region Köln/Bonn e.V.
The Köln/Bonn region faces the challenge of shaping the transformation of space, infrastructure, and the economy in a sustainable way. The energy and resource transition, climate protection and climate adaptation, the mobility transition, digitalization, and more are leading to profound restructuring tasks that must be addressed with forward-looking concepts and projects.
Against this backdrop, Region Köln/Bonn e.V. acts as a developer of concepts and strategies, initiator, moderator, and facilitator of inter-municipal cooperation and projects. It creates the necessary conditions for funding, connects stakeholders, and serves as the voice of the region towards the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the federal government. The association focuses in particular on the fields of spatial development, energy & climate, innovation & economy, and quality of life. Its work across these areas is also supported by COMPASS, the association’s funding management unit.
Region Köln/Bonn e.V. was founded in 1992 and is an association of the independent cities of Cologne, Bonn, and Leverkusen, as well as the districts of Rhein-Sieg, Rhein-Erft, Rhein-Kreis Neuss, Oberbergischer Kreis, and Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis. In addition to these eight local authorities, members include the Cologne Chamber of Crafts, the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Kreissparkasse Köln, Sparkasse KölnBonn, Sparkasse Leverkusen, the Rhineland Regional Council (LVR), and the DGB Region Cologne-Bonn. The Cologne District Government as well as the districts of Ahrweiler, Düren, and Euskirchen participate in the association’s decision-making and working bodies as guests.
More information:
www.region-koeln-bonn.de
Press contact:
Region Köln/Bonn e.V.
Rheingasse 11, Cologne
Simon Wahidi
+49 221 925 477-68
wahidi@region-koeln-bonn.de
In typically Bergisch weather – with at times heavy rain – the REGIONALE Congress “Everything is a Resource! Resource Landscape in the Bergisches RheinLand” took place on October 28, 2025, at the innovation site :metabolon on the former Leppe landfill in Lindlar. More than 300 participants from the water, energy, agriculture, and forestry sectors, as well as from academia, administration, and politics, experienced a diverse program of expert presentations, guided tours, and themed forums focused on the efficient use of resources in the Bergisches RheinLand. Prominent guests included meteorologist Karsten Schwanke and North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for the Environment, Oliver Krischer, who presented a funding notification for the REGIONALE project :bergische rohstoffschmiede.
At the start of the event, Jochen Hagt, District Administrator of the Oberberg District and Chair of the Bergischer Abfallwirtschaftsverband (BAV), welcomed the guests in the research halls of TH Köln at :metabolon. In his address, he emphasized the importance of the region’s native resources – water, stone, wood, and land – and stressed the need for innovative projects to ensure their sustainable and future-oriented use.
One of these innovative projects is the very venue of the congress itself: as a flagship project, :metabolon demonstrates how a regional circular economy can develop. With the ongoing REGIONALE project :bergische rohstoffschmiede, the :metabolon research and learning site is being further expanded – including the construction of a multifunctional building and a research hall equipped with technology focusing on plastics and construction materials.
Funding Approval for :bergische rohstoffschmiede
For the further development of the :bergische rohstoffschmiede, Oliver Krischer, Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia, presented a funding notification to the project managers from BAV and TH Köln. In his address, Krischer highlighted the great innovation potential of the Bergisches RheinLand:
“The Bergisches RheinLand is taking new paths toward sustainable and future-oriented regional development,” said Krischer. “Through strong partnerships and tangible projects, the region shows how environmental protection, economic progress, and social development can go hand in hand. This is a model for all of North Rhine-Westphalia.”
At the same time, Krischer stressed that humanity has overstepped the planet’s limits and that the necessary transition from a linear to a circular economy still requires significant effort. Implementation must happen locally, he said. For him, the Bergisches RheinLand embodies the central question of our time – a call for cultural change and new thinking: waste must be regarded as a valuable raw material to be reused and recycled. The REGIONALE, with its projects, initiates this transformation and shows how life within planetary boundaries can succeed. Alongside :bergische rohstoffschmiede, the Minister also cited the REGIONALE projects Bergische WasserkompetenzRegion :aqualon 2.0 and the Green Mobility Hub in Bergisch Gladbach as examples.
A Call for Smart Resource Management and a New Reservoir
The keynote speech was delivered by meteorologist Karsten Schwanke under the title “Climate Change – and the Challenges for Resources in the Bergisches RheinLand.” He vividly illustrated how climate change is accelerating faster than expected and that extreme weather events will occur more frequently in the future. According to Schwanke, the Bergisches RheinLand possesses key location advantages thanks to its abundant natural resources – particularly rainfall and forests – and its varied topography. However, the effects of climate change are increasingly noticeable and measurable even in the eastern Cologne/Bonn region: summer temperatures are now on average around five degrees higher than in the 1960s, and spring sunshine duration has increased by almost one third. Overall, springs and summers are becoming sunnier and drier, while winters are milder and wetter.
Compared to the Rhine corridor, temperatures in the Bergisches RheinLand are often one to two degrees cooler. Its hilly topography allows for the creation of both small and large water reservoirs – important for retaining water during heavy rainfall and for securing public and industrial water supplies. Schwanke praised the historical spirit of innovation in the Bergisches RheinLand and called for smart resource management and improved flood protection. In his view, building new reservoirs will become unavoidable in the future.
Never Underestimate the Power of Citizens
In the subsequent panel discussion, experts explored the importance of the Bergisches RheinLand’s diverse resource landscape for local people and businesses. Dr. Reimar Molitor, Managing Director of the REGIONALE 2025 Agency, and Prof. Michael Narodoslawsky, member of the REGIONALE Advisory Board, discussed water-related challenges with Dr. Uwe Moshage (Aggerverband), Ingo Noppen (Wupperverband), and Thorsten Reuter (Loopeperle e.V.). Moshage and Noppen emphasized that longer dry periods and increased algae growth make drinking water treatment increasingly important, while Reuter advocated for more private groundwater storage, such as cisterns and rain barrels in gardens.
On the topic of agriculture and forestry, Frank Herhaus, Head of Department at the Oberberg District, pointed out the lack of processing facilities, particularly in the meat sector, which hampers projects like the REGIONALE Food Hub. Dr. Franz Staubinger of the Hatzfeld-Wildenburg Administration criticized the overexploitation of forests and called for more cooperation and less regulation. In the future, mixed forests and revitalization of tree populations – including species resilient to extreme climate conditions – will be essential.
In the energy discussion, Christoph Schmidt, CEO of StadtWerke Rösrath AG, stressed the importance of citizen-driven ideas for advancing the energy transition. The energy transition, he noted, must be implemented locally and should welcome unconventional approaches. Bernd Rosenbauer of the Lieberhausen Energy Cooperative confirmed the inventive spirit of the Bergisches people: “We must not underestimate the power of citizens to make change happen.” It’s about inspiring people and showing possibilities.
In a subsequent discussion with Dr. Reimar Molitor, Elke Reichert, President of the State Office for Nature, Environment and Climate of North Rhine-Westphalia, called for greater public awareness regarding self-protection and local responsibility. She emphasized the role of districts and municipalities in joint action and noted that renewable energy still holds enormous potential for expansion. The morning concluded with a panel from :bergische rohstoffschmiede, which explored how circular economy principles can be transferred from research into practice.
Expert Forums and Future Workshops in Spring 2026
During the lunch break, participants joined guided tours of the :metabolon site. The following expert forums, led by renowned specialists on water, land, and energy, offered participants opportunities to delve deeper into key resource topics, exchange ideas, and develop new innovative project concepts.
Musical accompaniment for the congress was provided by Julian and Roman Wasserfuhr, internationally acclaimed jazz musicians from Hückeswagen, who performed together with cellist Jörg Brinkmann. They presented pieces from their album “Echoes_Sound of Home,” produced especially for the REGIONALE.
The congress was organized by the REGIONALE 2025 Agency in cooperation with its shareholders – the Oberberg District, the Rheinisch-Berg District, the Rhein-Sieg District, and Region Köln/Bonn e.V. – together with BAV and TH Köln as partners.
Beyond the congress, three Future Workshops focusing on the key topics will be held in 2026. Participation is free of charge. Registration is available at: www.regionale2025.de/zukunftswerkstaetten/
On July 7, 2025, the large-scale art installation “ECHO” at the Aggertalsperre was officially inaugurated as part of the REGIONALE 2025 Bergisches RheinLand. More than 50 guests from politics, administration, and the community attended the event.
The spectacular installation by the internationally renowned artist collective Boa Mistura from Madrid addresses the REGIONALE future theme “Everything is a Resource!” With its creative concept, it connects the elements of water, forest, stone, and grass in a new, sensually perceptible way. On the water side of the dam, the word “ECHO” was installed — but only half of it: the reflection in the water completes the word and makes it readable. This creates a fascinating interplay between art and landscape that changes regularly depending on the water level and sunlight.
“We were fascinated by the power of the landscape and especially the water in Bergisches RheinLand, which inspired ‘ECHO.’ It is a living artwork that connects with nature and is emotionally perceptible. ‘ECHO’ makes a statement, serves as a resonance space, and creates an echo. We are very proud to be part of such a relevant and important program like REGIONALE, which aligns perfectly with our vision to create something we have never done before,” emphasized Pablo Ferreiro Mederos from Boa Mistura.
A strong statement for sustainable resource management
Jochen Hagt, District Administrator of Oberbergischer Kreis and Chair of the Steering Committee of REGIONALE 2025, underlined the importance of “ECHO” in light of current environmental challenges and praised the collaborative efforts of all involved: “Especially in times when issues like climate change and resource management seem to be pushed into the political background, we are sending a signal here in Bergisches RheinLand,” said Hagt. “‘ECHO’ works on several levels: it reflects the element of water, creates resonance within the landscape — and ideally also with the viewer,” the District Administrator hopes.
The dam wall of the Aggertalsperre serves as the canvas for the artwork. Dr. Uwe Moshage, Board Member of the Agger Association, also expressed enthusiasm for the artwork and is pleased that the Aggertalsperre was chosen as the site for “ECHO.” “As an association, we depend on careful management of the landscape — so a temporary installation that artistically centers our resources is absolutely fitting,” said Moshage.
The letters of “ECHO” are up to 34 meters wide and 6.5 meters high. In total, the lettering stretches over 137 meters along the dam wall. The installation was executed by proud to print GmbH using a special foil technique applied to a dam wall for the first time in Germany. The foil is completely removable — dismantling is scheduled for spring 2026.
A REGIONALE thrives on making unusual things possible. “With the artwork ‘ECHO,’ we are staging the Aggertalsperre in a spectacular way. We want people in the region to develop their own connections with the term,” said Dr. Reimar Molitor, Managing Director of the REGIONALE 2025 Agency. REGIONALE 2025 invites people to engage with the topic of resource use amid an impressive landscape.
The opening was musically accompanied by jazz musicians Julian and Roman Wasserfuhr from Hückeswagen. With excerpts from their album “ECHOES – Sound of Home,” composed especially for REGIONALE 2025, they created an acoustic reflection of the visual artwork.
More information about ECHO at: www.regionale2025.de/echo
The Cologne/Bonn Region Visits Bergisches RheinLand
What regional cohesion can look like in practice was impressively demonstrated on Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the “Long Day of the Region” in Gummersbach. Just in time for the official start of summer, around 500 guests from across the Cologne/Bonn region gathered under sunny skies and summer temperatures at Halle 32 on the former Steinmüller industrial site. Together, they discussed current challenges and potential for regional development.
Organized by Region Köln/Bonn e.V., this year’s “Long Day”—held annually on June 21 and rotating through different parts of the region—was hosted in close cooperation with the Oberberg district, the REGIONALE 2025 Bergisches RheinLand initiative, the city of Gummersbach, VfL Gummersbach, and the local savings banks of Oberberg, who also brought along their impressive Sparkassen truck to provide activities for both children and adults.
The day began with a diverse excursion program, which this year focused not only on the Agglomeration Program of the Cologne/Bonn region but especially on the state-funded structural development program REGIONALE 2025. Ten thematic tours led participants through the Oberberg district, the Rheinisch-Bergisch district, and the eastern Rhein-Sieg district. Policymakers, administrators, academics, and business representatives were given exclusive insights into model projects and innovative sites of regional development.
Participants experienced firsthand the REGIONALE’s focus areas—such as repurposing and innovation, circular economy, mobility, civic engagement, culture, and recreation—through inspiring examples: in Hückeswagen, the historic castle is being transformed into an inclusive “Castle for All”; in Lindlar, circular and resource-efficient construction methods are pioneering sustainable urban development. The regional business community also presented itself as forward-looking and innovative—with companies like bicycle tire manufacturer Schwalbe, ALHO Systembau GmbH, and ABUS Crane Systems showcasing sustainable and technological responses to current challenges.
Another key focus was civic engagement, which the state program is specifically designed to promote—highlighted by initiatives like the bioenergy village Lieberhausen, the Genuss-Werkstatt, and the Dorfservice Oberberg, all of which show how people are actively shaping a “good life” in the Bergisches RheinLand.
The long-term and positive effects of REGIONALE initiatives were also evident through completed projects from REGIONALE 2010, such as Schloss Homburg, the revitalized Ohler Wiesen in Wipperfürth, and the transformation of the Steinmüller site in Gummersbach.
This year’s venue for the regional networking event stands as a model of successful project implementation: the 18-hectare area in the heart of Gummersbach has been transformed into a vibrant city district featuring jobs and high quality of life. The former industrial wasteland has become a driver of economic, scientific, recreational, and service development far beyond the city and district—thanks to strategic planning, wise investments, bold political decisions, and substantial private investment. In his welcome speech, Gummersbach’s mayor Frank Helmenstein emphasized the catalytic power of initial funding paired with sound planning.
In addition to a large shopping center, the area is now home to the Gummersbach campus of TH Köln, global IT and engineering service provider FERCHAU, the REGIONALE 2025 project “Innovation Hub Bergisches RheinLand” serving as a networking and innovation hub between science and business, and the Halle 32 event space. The site also hosts the Schwalbe Arena, home to the VfL Gummersbach handball team.
Jochen Hagt, District Administrator of the Oberberg district and Chair of the Steering Committee for REGIONALE 2025 Bergisches RheinLand, emphasized the enormous significance of the model projects showcased annually during the “Long Day of the Region.” Their success, he stressed, is largely thanks to the continued support from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the commitment of regional actors—from politicians and public administrators to engaged citizens. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation beyond district borders, which is expected to continue beyond the program’s timeline. Ongoing collaboration within Region Köln/Bonn e.V. ensures this continuity.
The powerful impact that emerges from strategic support, solidarity, and community engagement was also underlined by Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs, and Media in North Rhine-Westphalia and Head of the State Chancellery:
“What I particularly appreciate about the REGIONALE as a structural program: it’s not a top-down, state-mandated initiative—it is a program by and with a region. It thrives on participation, local expertise, engaged municipalities, creative changemakers, and, most importantly, citizens willing to take responsibility.” This, he said, is not something to be taken for granted—but it is the true recipe for success. At a time when polarization and fragmentation are increasing, the Cologne/Bonn region shows what is possible through collaboration—“across district boundaries, legislative terms, and party lines.”
The region’s strong spirit of cooperation was also reflected in the formal transition of the chair of Region Köln/Bonn e.V. After two successful years, Cologne’s Mayor Henriette Reker symbolically passed the baton to Sebastian Schuster, District Administrator of the Rhein-Sieg district, who will now lead the association for the next two years.
Following the official reception, guests continued their conversations about the region’s future in the Steinmüller site’s city park, enjoying the beautiful summer weather.
On December 17, 2024, the Regional Forum on Multiple Inner Development took place at the Zeughaus Neuss. More than 120 experts from politics, administration, business, and planning came together to address the pressing questions of urban development in the Cologne/Bonn region. The focus was on the four central dimensions of Multiple Inner Development: density and diversity of use, sustainable mobility, blue-green infrastructures, and sustainable energy supply.
Impulses and Workshops with Experts
Following introductory impulses from experts such as Patricia Kraus, transport planner from the city of Bochum, and Peter Küsters from GREENPASS GmbH, participants engaged in interactive workshops. These provided practical insights both through the experts and collegial exchange among participants. Together, concrete questions were tackled, for example: “How can diversity of use be implemented conflict-free in dense urban neighborhoods?” or “Can the ongoing housing demand in the region be a driver for Multiple Inner Development?”
The goal of the workshops was to develop solutions, recommendations, and examples for the challenges of implementing Multiple Inner Development. The content focus was on one of the four dimensions – density and diversity of use, sustainable mobility, blue-green infrastructures, and sustainable energy supply – while also highlighting connections to the other thematic fields. The discussions related to specific neighborhoods, locations, and projects, whereas overarching citywide and regional approaches were reserved for the panel discussions. Different spatial situations, from urban centers to rural areas, were addressed to consider the diverse demands and opportunities of Multiple Inner Development.
Panel Discussions: Implementation Strategies and Perspectives
After the workshops concluded, the panel discussions offered an opportunity to reflect and synthesize the results. Professor Bernd Scholl, who acted as an observer moving between groups during the workshop phase, presented the central findings and placed them in a regional context. Strategic approaches, support needs at various levels (from the whole city to the state level), as well as instruments and funding opportunities were illuminated.
The first panel focused on implementation on site, discussing potentials, limits, and solution approaches. Participants such as Claudia Wieja (Mayor of Lohmar) and Frank Herhaus (Oberbergischer Kreis) brought practical perspectives.
The second panel concentrated on practical experiences, instruments, and strategies at the higher levels of municipality, region, and state. Contributions by Brigitte Scholz (City of Cologne), Regina Rosenstock (Rhein-Sieg District), Christoph van Gemmeren (Ministry for Homeland, Municipal Affairs, Building and Digitization of the State of NRW), and Wilhelm Natrup (former Canton Planner Zurich) particularly addressed questions of quality assurance, funding, as well as communication and acceptance strategies.
The discussions focused on core questions such as: Who sets quality standards? What added values arise from renovating existing structures? How can Multiple Inner Development be effectively communicated to promote transparency and acceptance? The contributions not only provided valuable impulses but also conclusions for local work, which are now to be incorporated into future planning and projects.
Outlook on Next Steps
The event ended with an optimistic outlook on the next steps: Regional and collegial exchange is to be intensified further to learn from one another and develop joint solutions. The development of regional guidelines, which can serve as orientation for the implementation of Multiple Inner Development, as well as the creation of new offers for expert input on specific topics, are planned.
Supporting the concrete implementation of projects remains a central focus. The Regional Forum impressively demonstrated how valuable interdisciplinary dialogue and cooperation among various actors are for shaping future-proof urban development. The practical impulses and open discussion were consistently positively received by participants and opened new perspectives for sustainable and diverse regional development.
The event was an inspiring example of successful knowledge transfer and inter-municipal cooperation. The dialogue will continue to successfully pursue the jointly chosen path.
Source: Köln/Bonn e.V.