We are making both the United States and Germany safer, stronger, and more prosperous. A shining example of this work is our USA in NRW initiative which the U.S. Consulate General Düsseldorf launched this January. This program builds on the success of the NRW-USA year, focusing on finding ways to increase two-way investment, create more jobs on both sides of the Atlantic, and compete against our mutual adversaries by building our security.

Our first visit to the Ostwestfalen-Lippe (OWL) region took place on January 27-28, 2025 and it showcased the work we’re doing to meet these goals. This visit included stops in Bielefeld, Gütersloh, Versmold, and Warendorf and it highlighted the many opportunities we have to work on together in the fields of business innovation, educational exchange, and cultural ties. It laid the groundwork for future partnerships that will benefit both NRW and the United States, while advancing our national interest and prosperity.

A Journey Through the OWL Region: Strengthening Economic and Diplomatic Ties

The USA in NRW initiative is about so much more than it may appear on the surface. We didn’t go to Ostwestfalen-Lippe to sightsee, though the region is beautiful. It’s about building relationships that have long-lasting impacts on both sides of the Atlantic. Consul General Preeti Shah’s first stop on this trip was with the mayor of Bielefeld, Pit Clausen (and his lovely dog Scotty). By engaging with local leaders we reinforce the partnership between the U.S. and the OWL region, with a focus on areas such as economy, innovation, education, and cross-cultural understanding. We also have a chance to learn about what’s important to the people of this region.

The OWL region is known for its vibrant business community full of hidden champions. We had the opportunity to meet with some of the local industry leaders to explore new opportunities for economic collaboration during a working breakfast at the IHK in Gütersloh. These meetings give us a chance to advocate for investment in the United States and for a fair playing field for American companies abroad.

The Dr. Oetker company calls Bielefeld home and is a symbol of the diverse and strong economy of the OWL region. It also operated in the United States, employing hundreds of Americans and selling both frozen pizzas and cake decorating confections through their company Wilton Brands. During the tour of the Dr. Oetker plant in Bielefeld, Consul General Preeti V. Shah learned about their food innovation processes and had the chance to taste some of their most beloved products like puddings and pizzas.  Dr. Oetker’s successful collaboration with American companies exemplifies how promoting international partnerships can contribute to economic resilience.

Cultural Engagements: A Commitment to Interfaith Dialogue

Our Consulate team observed the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, with a visit to Julius-Hesse-Platz, located directly behind the stands in DSC Arminia Bielefeld’s stadium. This place honors the memory of Julius Hesse, a Jewish businessman and former president of the football club. This visit was a reminder of the importance of fostering a culture of remembrance and tolerance for future generations. By preserving history we continue to promote a diplomatic approach rooted in respect for shared values, which makes our societies safer.

Another key aspect of our visit was our commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue. In Bielefeld, Consul Chap Godbey met with Cihad Kefeli, the President of the Association of Islamic Communities in Bielefeld. This engaging conversation focused on countering extremism through community engagement. We discussed how local communities can work together to build stronger societies.

Strengthening Ties with Local Innovation

A visit to Gütersloh wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Bertelsmann Headquarters. The company’s foundation is renowned for their work on international partnerships and improving lives across the globe. The partnership between organizations like this and the United States are a critical part of our diplomatic efforts, where we aim to address global challenges through practical cooperation.

Building Transatlantic Educational Connections

Education and academic exchange are another cornerstone of our diplomatic efforts, and the OWL region proved to be a fantastic place to engage with the next generation of global leaders. Our Consul General, Preeti V. Shah, visited CJD Gymnasium in Versmold, where she had the opportunity to meet with high school students. This visit allowed us to discuss how young people can actively shape the U.S.-Germany relationship in exciting and new ways. Their enthusiasm was a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in the next generation, as they will be the ones who continue to build and strengthen these partnerships for years to come, ensuring a future aligned with our core national interests.

Bielefeld University was another highlight of our educational engagement, where Consul General Shah and the Consulate team participated in discussions with professors and students. The conversations with Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Dario Anselmetti and his team centered on how the U.S. and Germany can work together to enhance academic security.

Reflecting on our Journey to the OWL Region: A Hub for Opportunity and Cooperation

The USA in NRW program is about creating lasting impact through engagement, education, and collaboration. Our experiences in Bielefeld, Gütersloh, Versmold, and Warendorf were eye-opening, offering new insights into the opportunities for collaboration that exist across the OWL region. These experiences confirm that the OWL region holds vast potential for strengthening the transatlantic relationship between the U.S. and Germany. The future is bright for collaboration, and we look forward to returning to the region and continuing our efforts to build stronger, more resilient connections between our nations, all while focusing on creating mutually beneficial partnerships and prosperity.

Through the USA in NRW initiative, we aim to strengthen the bonds between the United States and NRW, one city and one community at a time. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey across NRW, building deeper relationships, one city at a time. And if you have any recommendations for future stops or partnerships, we’d love to hear from you!