Ex-Youth Mayors reflect on twin city trip ahead of anniversary celebrations

Two former Youth Mayors have shared memories of a trip to Osnabrück ahead of celebrations led by Derby City Council to mark 50 years of the twinning partnership between Derby and the German city.

Towards the end of last year, Muhammad Muntasir (Munti) and Harman Kaur, Derby’s former Youth and Deputy Youth Mayors from 2023 to 2024, visited Osnabrück to spend time learning about their youth parliament elections taking place at schools across the city.

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 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.

Munti said: “I was unsure of what to expect before visiting the ‘City of Peace’.

“It was a pleasure to experience the city’s beauty from its tall cathedrals to small yet bespoke cafés, a history of peace-making 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.”

Harman 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.”

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, city council leader 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.”

The council is currently working with cultural and community partners to develop a calendar of events to celebrate the milestone anniversary across 2026 and 2027.

A key event will take place on Saturday 6 June in various venues across the city.

The programme will feature Derby-inspired performances, showcasing the performing arts sector.