Managing our International relationships

Dublin City Council is one of the many key stakeholders and agencies who have a role to play in international linkages.  The International Relations Unit in Dublin City Council leads, facilitates and promotes international links and relations that benefit the city, its economy, its education and research capacity and its communities.

The International Relations Unit manage existing international bi-lateral city to city relationships by strengthening ties with sister cities through mutually beneficial initiatives, cultural, educational and economic development exchanges (formal Twinnings with Beijing, San Jose, Liverpool and Barcelona and also 10 less formal Friendship / Co-operation Agreements).   It gives focus to international relations where there are clear benefits and practical actions or objectives, where the Council has a distinct role and it is beneficial to partner with local, regional, national and international organisations to promote Dublin internationally and enhance its reputation and capacity to attract business investment, tourists and students.

Multi-lateral relationships with organisations of common purpose help develop and enhance relationships with other international cities.  Dublin is a member of EUROCITIES a network of elected local and municipal governments of many major European cities, whose business is conducted through thematic forums: Culture, Environment, Economic Development, Knowledge Society, Mobility and Social Affairs.   Membership of such an organisation provides valuable city-to-city peer learning opportunities for shared learning and international best practice and provides a high profile international platform, which enables cities to showcase their achievements to peers as well as to influential stakeholders.