Jumelées

Jumelées is a French term that translates to "twinned" or "sister cities." It refers to a formal agreement between two towns or cities in different countries, or sometimes within the same country, to promote cultural, social, and economic ties. These partnerships are established with the aim of fostering mutual understanding, exchange, and cooperation between their populations.

The concept of city twinning originated in Europe after World War II as a way to promote peace and reconciliation. Today, it is practiced worldwide. The activities undertaken by twinned cities can vary widely, including student exchange programs, cultural festivals, joint business ventures, and sharing of best practices in areas like urban planning or environmental initiatives.

The relationship is typically formalized through a charter or agreement signed by the mayors or representatives of both cities. While the term "jumelées" is specifically French, the concept is universal and known by different names in other languages, such as "sister cities" in English, "Zwillingsstädte" in German, or "ciudades hermanas" in Spanish. The success of a twinning relationship often depends on the active participation of citizens, local organizations, and governments involved.