February 20, 2026
Essen's Mayor Kufen embarks on a week of civic engagement and urban growth
Mayor Thomas Kufen offers a weekly glimpse into his schedule. Below is a selection of his public appointments:
Monday, February 23
Mayor Thomas Kufen begins the new week with a visit to the Kolping Vocational Training Center. The focus will be on discussions with executives, trainers, and young people in training. The center plays a vital role in the professional qualification and integration of young people with special support needs, making it a key partner for education and social inclusion in our city. Later, the mayor will attend the opening of the new Deichmann Campus in Essen. With this modern corporate site, Deichmann is sending a strong signal for Essen as a business hub. Additionally, a press conference on the opening of the urban planning workshop exhibition "Administrative Campus" is on the agenda. The workshop process developed concepts for the future consolidation and development of administrative sites. The exhibition presents the various designs and planning approaches, making them transparently accessible to citizens and inviting dialogue and feedback.
Tuesday, February 24
On Tuesday, Mayor Thomas Kufen starts with a meeting of the administrative board of our city portal. Together with the city leadership, current projects will be discussed, strategic initiatives coordinated, and key decisions prepared. Following this, the mayor will meet with Mustapha Ziri, the Tunisian Consul General, focusing on bilateral relations, integration issues, and the importance of international partnerships for a diverse and open urban society. Later, Kufen will hold talks with the Governor of Dohuk, fostering international exchange and deepening municipal ties and shared perspectives. In the afternoon, the mayor will preside over the city's sports awards ceremony, honoring outstanding athletic achievements by Essen's athletes while also recognizing the dedication of coaches and volunteers. The day concludes with his participation in "stadtgespraeche.ruhr", a discussion series addressing social, political, and economic topics.
Wednesday, February 25
Wednesday will feature internal and external meetings for coordination. Additionally, the mayor will attend the closing event of the women's initiative "Get Involved, Shape Local Politics." The project encourages women to engage actively in politics and help shape municipal decision-making. By participating, the mayor underscores the importance of civic engagement, equal opportunity, and democratic participation in local governance.
Thursday, February 26
Thursday
Mayor Thomas Kufen begins his day with a breakfast meeting with representatives of Essen's civil society to discuss the Olympics. The focus will be on opportunities for the Ruhr region, the importance of major sporting events for infrastructure and the economy, and the potential benefits for our city portal. This will be followed by a photo call for the Lions Club Kettwig's "Essener Osterei 2026" campaign, a traditional charity initiative supporting social projects in the city while adding a splash of color to public spaces.
Later, a press conference will introduce Essen's "1,000 Trees Program," accompanied by a tree-planting ceremony. The initiative aims to sustainably improve the urban climate, enhance biodiversity, and make an active contribution to climate protection.
At midday, the mayor will hold his regular open office hours, welcoming Essen residents with pre-registered concerns. Appointments for future sessions can still be booked at buergersprechstunde@ourwebsite.
In the evening, Kufen will host an iftar gathering, reinforcing interfaith dialogue and celebrating the city's diverse and respectful community. The day concludes with the opening of the "World's Best Communication Design 2025 and Highlights from NRW" exhibition at the Red Dot Design Museum.
Friday, February 27
The mayor's Friday starts with meetings and coordination at Essen City Hall, focusing on current projects, organizational matters, and preparations for upcoming engagements.
Later, Kufen will assume patronage of an Equal Pay Day event at Gustav-Heinemann-Gesamtschule, where students will raise awareness about the gender pay gap and advocate for fair wages and equal opportunities.
The day wraps up with a ceremony honoring Essen's volunteer fire brigade, recognizing their dedication and the vital role they play in ensuring public safety.
Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1
Over the weekend, the mayor has no official representational duties.
Read also:
- American teenagers taking up farming roles previously filled by immigrants, a concept revisited from 1965's labor market shift.
- Weekly affairs in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Landslide claims seven lives, injures six individuals while they work to restore a water channel in the northern region of Pakistan
- Escalating conflict in Sudan has prompted the United Nations to announce a critical gender crisis, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the ongoing violence on women and girls.
