Since 2017, the City of Cologne has offered an international exchange programme for LGBTI human rights activists from some of Cologne’s 22 sister cities. Each year during Cologne Pride, a group of international guests visit Cologne. Activists have come from Katowice/Poland, Cluj-Napoca/Romania, Volgograd/ Russia, Tunis/Tunisia, Istanbul/Turkey, Barcelona/Spain, Liverpool/UK, Cork/Ireland, Lille/France, Turku/Finland, Tel Aviv/Israel, Rio/Brazil, Beijing/China and Indianapolis/USA. Delegations from Cologne (including a Vice Mayor representing the Mayor of Cologne) visited Cluj Pride and Katowice Pride several times to show international solidarity and to establish sustainable relationships.
For example, the exchange has opened the door to start a dialogue between officials Cologne and Katowice about diversity management and minority issues. Twice official delegations from the City of Katowice (including a Vice Mayor) visited Cologne.

City Profile: Cologne