Sheffield’s ambitious plan to strengthen its global partnership, attract international investment and create new opportunities for local people has officially been given the green light.

The Sheffield International Strategy 2025-28, as approved by Sheffield City Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee on 15 October 2025, sets out a bold vision to make the city more globally connected and inclusive over the nex three years.

The plan aims to build stronger links with partner cities, bring new cultural and educational opportunities to residents and ensure that Sheffield’s international reputation delivers benefits for communities and businesses across the city.

Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of the council and Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, said: “Sheffield is global, green and growing. As a major international city, our strengths are known around the world – from our manufacturing expertise, to our universities, sport and music. “

Sheffield is recognised as a city with deep international roots, maintaining more than 25 global partnerships, including a 75 year twinning relationship with Bochum in Germany.

Lisa Methling, Rrepresentative for European and International Affairs for the City of Bochum, said: “For more than seventy years, the partnership between Bochum and Sheffield has been a living bridge and has connected not just our cities, but our people.”

“What began as a gesture of reconciliation – with the aim of teaching young people to ‘learn brotherly love’ again – has developed into a source of friendship, creativity and shared learning.”

On the other hand, Sheffield’s universities will continue to play a key role in the city’s global identity.

According to the council, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University collectively attract thousands of students from around the world every year, contributing £770 million to the local economy and supporting jobs across the city.

Dr Dora Chan, Associate Head for Internationalisation at Sheffield Business School, said Sheffield’s educational institutions are critical to the city’s global reputation and future growth.

She said: “Sheffield is no stranger to the international stage with its rich industrial heritage and the vast networks of international connections. What is perhaps less widely recognised is Sheffield’s pivotal role as an educator and a hub for research and innovation. “

The new international strategy will support Sheffield’s ambitions to create jobs and business growth through trade and global collaboration, strengthen research and innovation, attract more international festivals and cultural exchange, and celebrate the city’s diverse communities.

In the next phase, a dedicated team will oversee the delivery of the plan, working with local, regional and international partners.

Progress will be reported annually to the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee to ensure transparency and accountability.