Two former Youth Mayors have shared memories from a trip to Osnabrück that strengthened ties with Derby’s twin city ahead of a momentous year for the twinning partnership.
Late last year, Muhammad Muntasir (Munti) and Harman Kaur, Derby's former Youth and Deputy Youth Mayors from 2023 to 2024, visited Derby's twin city in Germany to spend time learning about their youth parliament elections taking place on schools across the city. The pair were also joined by two young representatives from Çanakkale, Osnabrück’s partner city in Türkiye.
The trip came at a crucial time ahead of the 50:50 celebrations, which begin later this year to mark Derby and Osnabrück’s 50-year twinning anniversary and Derby’s 50th anniversary of receiving city status.
The project was organised and spearheaded by Mathias Owerrin from Osnabrück City Council’s Youth Services team, and was supported by Sophie Bailey, Derby’s Ambassador in Osnabrück for 2025-26.
During the packed week, Munti and Harmann visited a number of schools to observe the voting process and exchanged ideas about youth participation with students they met. They also recorded a podcast for the local radio station, presented themselves formally at a meeting of the Council’s Culture Committee and met the Mayor of Osnabrück, Katharina Pötter - as well as finding time to squeeze in some sightseeing.
Reflecting on the experience, Munti said:
I was unsure of what to expect before visiting the City of Peace. Yet this past week has certainly been eye opening to say the least. It was a pleasure to experience the city's beauty from its tall cathedrals to small yet bespoke cafés, a history of peacemaking and unity between its twin cities and with a clear vision towards sustainability, opportunity and accessibility. Derby should be proud and honoured to be twinned with such a city.
Meanwhile, Harman shared that her highlight of the exchange was seeing the voting process of how it differs from Derby’s Voices in Action Youth Council.
She said:
I went to the city not knowing why we have a partnership and I think many people in Derby might relate to this. This visit was so insightful, but it is only step one in strengthening our ties with the twin city.
The official anniversary of Derby’s twinning with Osnabruck is on Tuesday 17 February. The date will be marked by the flying of the Osnabruck flag in the Sir Peter Hilton Memorial Gardens and the exchange of videos on social media between local political and civic dignitaries from both cities, reflecting on half a century of friendship.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy said:
Our twinning partnership with Osnabrück is such an important part of both Derby’s history and its future, which is why we are taking the time to properly mark and celebrate its 50th anniversary.
It’s fantastic to see our next generation of leaders as invested in strengthening our twinning links as we are, and I’m so grateful to Munti and Harman for their hard work to represent Derby internationally.
Keep your eyes peeled as we’ll be sharing details about our plans for the 50:50 celebrations very soon!
The Council is currently working with Derby’s diverse network of cultural and community partners to develop a calendar of events to celebrate the milestone anniversary across 2026 and 2027. The celebrations will unite communities both locally and internationally, and celebrate all that is great, innovative, and inclusive about our city.
A key event for 2026 will highlight the incredible talent within our city and celebrate our international connections. Taking place on Saturday 6 June in various venues across the city, the programme will feature Derby-inspired performances, showcase our performing arts sector and feature great food, with fun for the whole family.
Munti and Harman are planning to visit Derby’s Voices in Action Youth Council to share their trip highlights and present what they have learned. Details of the Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor can be found on the Council’s website, which also contains more information about Derby's twinning partnership.