Meet the IURC LAC cities working on mobility

Across Europe and Latin America, cities are joining forces to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable, inclusive and efficient urban mobility scheme. Through the IURC LAC programme, cities are collaborating within the Community of Practice on Mobility to exchange knowledge, share solutions, and address common urban challenges.

From reducing emissions and improving public transport to fostering active mobility and enhancing quality of life. These are the six cities of this CoP:

Madrid | Spain

🏙️ 3.5 m inhabitants | 🗺️ 606 km² of territory

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is part of the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, aiming to reduce emissions by over 65% by 2030. Through Madrid 360, the city integrates clean mobility, urban regeneration, green infrastructure and digital innovation. Initiatives include electric public transport, low-emission zones, large-scale urban forestry, circular economy solutions and participatory urban development projects such as Madrid Nuevo Norte.

Fortaleza | Brazil

🏙️ 2.7 m inhabitants | 🗺️ 313 km² of territory

Fortaleza is a regional reference in sustainable mobility and transport, prioritising active mobility, public transport and inclusive street design. The city integrates climate action, social equity and urban safety through people-centred mobility policies.

Umeå | Sweden

🏙️ 130 k inhabitants | 🗺️ 33 km² of territory

Umeå is a leading Nordic city in sustainable mobility and climate-neutral urban development. The city promotes active transport, high-quality public transit and compact urban form, aligned with ambitious climate targets. Umeå integrates innovation, citizen wellbeing and environmental sustainability, serving as a reference for medium-sized cities in cold-climate contexts.

Salvador (Bahía) | Brazil

🏙️ 2.9 m inhabitants | 🗺️ 693 km² of territory

Salvador focuses on social cohesion by combining urban regeneration, cultural heritage preservation and inclusive social policies. The city addresses inequality through historic centre revitalisation, public space enhancement and community-based development strategies.

Concepción | Chile

🏙️ 230 k inhabitants | 🗺️ 222 km² of territory

Concepción promotes sustainable mobility and climate adaptation of riverfront areas as part of a broader urban sustainability strategy. The city strengthens public transit, urban connectivity and citizen participation while supporting economic and institutional innovation towards social sustainability and resilience.

Mérida | México

🏙️ 1 m inhabitants | 🗺️ 858 km² of territory

Mérida is a fast-growing city that promotes urban innovation through digital public services, sustainable urban planning and resilience strategies. The city balances economic development and tourism with heritage preservation, environmental management and citizen-centred governance.

About IURC LAC

IURC Latin America and the Caribbean, part of the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme, connects cities and regions from Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe to co-create sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven solutions. Through peer-to-peer exchange and partnerships, the programme contributes to improving citizens’ quality of life while strengthening global cooperation.