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More than 20 Communities of Practice drive concrete action on mobility, climate, innovation and regional transition
The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Asia and Australasia programme has entered a new phase in early 2026, as cities and regions across Europe, Asia and Australasia move from initial exchanges to structured cooperation and implementation. Between January and March 2026, the programme consolidated its activities around 21 Communities of Practice (CoPs)—bringing together 15 city-to-city and 6 region-to-region partnerships. These Communities form the backbone of IURC cooperation, enabling cities and regions to jointly address shared challenges through peer learning, action planning and pilot project development.
At the same time, the programme strengthened its global positioning. In January, more than 100 participants joined the Road to Singapore webinar, preparing cities and regions for engagement at the World Cities Summit 2026. During the webinar, the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) emphasised the importance of translating cooperation into concrete, on-the-ground results, while also positioning IURC cities and regions within global discussions on sustainable urban development.
This milestone reflects how IURC is not only building cooperation internally, but also projecting its Communities of Practice onto international stages, ensuring visibility, alignment with global agendas, and opportunities for scaling impact.
What are the Communities of Practice?
The Communities of Practice (CoPs) are the core working structure of the IURC Asia and Australasia programme. Building on the thematic clustering phase in 2025, they bring together groups of cities or regions that share common thematic challenges and priorities, enabling them to collaborate in a structured and results-oriented way. Each CoP is designed to:
- Facilitate peer learning and exchange of good practices between cities and regions across Europe, Asia and Australasia
- Co-develop Urban and Regional Cooperation Action Plans (UCAPs/RCAPs) that define joint priorities and concrete actions
- Prepare and implement pilot projects, translating knowledge exchange into tangible solutions on the ground
- Support study visits and technical cooperation, allowing partners to test and adapt solutions in different territorial contexts
What’s Next? Meanwhile the CoPs are preparing decentralised advanced cooperation missions (study visits), the IURC Asia and Australasia programme will take centre stage at the World Cities Summit 2026 in Singapore (14–16 June 2026), where it will organise the 2nd IURC Global Thematic Networking Workshop as a strategic partner of the Summit. Bringing together up to 100 delegates from participating cities and regions, the workshop will convene members of the IURC Communities of Practice who have reached advanced stages of cooperation. Building on the progress achieved since late 2025, the event will provide a platform for cities and regions to present results, exchange lessons learned, and refine pilot projects developed under their Urban and Regional Cooperation Action Plans (UCAPs/RCAPs).
What’s Next?
Meanwhile the CoPs are preparing decentralised advanced cooperation missions (study visits), the IURC Asia and Australasia programme will take centre stage at the World Cities Summit 2026 in Singapore (14–16 June 2026), where it will organise the 2nd IURC Global Thematic Networking Workshop as a strategic partner of the Summit. Bringing together up to 100 delegates from participating cities and regions, the workshop will convene members of the IURC Communities of Practice who have reached advanced stages of cooperation. Building on the progress achieved since late 2025, the event will provide a platform for cities and regions to present results, exchange lessons learned, and refine pilot projects developed under their Urban and Regional Cooperation Action Plans (UCAPs/RCAPs).
In addition to the workshop, IURC delegates will participate in the wider World Cities Summit programme, including thematic tracks on resilient cities, smart cities, financing for cities and future urban development, as well as site visits and networking sessions. This will provide opportunities to connect with global experts, access climate finance knowledge, and build partnerships with public and private stakeholders.
The event also plays a key role in enhancing the global visibility of EU-supported city and regional cooperation, highlighting the European Union’s leadership in international urban diplomacy. By linking IURC activities with one of the world’s leading urban platforms, the workshop will support cities and regions in scaling their pilot projects and positioning their cooperation within the global urban agenda.
Cities Working Together: From Shared Challenges to Joint Urban Solutions
FollowingCommunities of Practice (CoPs) are the currently involving EU and non-EU cities in the IURC activities:
Urban CoP 1 – Densification of the City through Innovation in Mobility
Members: Rotterdam, Torino, Coimbra (observer); Seoul, Christchurch (observer).
This CoP focuses on transforming dense urban environments through integrated, data-driven mobility solutions. In early 2026, IURC activities highlighted how partner cities are advancing AI-enabled traffic management, real-time mobility data integration and digital twin applications. A thematic webinar showcased practical experiences from Seoul and Rotterdam on cleaner and smarter mobility systems, including behavioural incentives and multimodal integration. This was further reinforced in March, when Rotterdam and Torino presented concrete solutions ranging from smart logistics to sustainable urban transport systems. Together, these activities demonstrate how cities are moving from strategic planning to testing and scaling mobility innovations in real urban contexts.
Urban CoP 2 – Future Modalities
Members: Torino, Rotterdam, Leuven (observer); Kitakyushu, Pimpri Chinchwad, Jeju Province (observer).
Building on the foundations of CoP 1, this CoP explores next-generation mobility systems and technologies, including electric mobility, urban logistics robotics and Cooperative, Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM). The launch of the Mobility and Transport cluster of Communities of Practice in February marked a key step in structuring global cooperation on innovative mobility. Cities are working on aligning infrastructure, governance and behavioural change strategies to support sustainable transport transitions. The collaboration between cities such as Torino and Shenyang illustrates how city-to-city partnerships are enabling concrete experimentation and knowledge transfer in emerging mobility solutions.
Urban CoP 3 – Sustainable Smart Tourism
Members: Prato, Coimbra; Gangtok, Seberang Perai, Jeonju, Melaka, Leh.
This CoP focuses on developing sustainable tourism models that balance economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation. In February, partners advanced their Urban Cooperation Action Plan during a coordination meeting, aligning priorities around heritage management, tourism flows and community-based tourism development. The cooperation emphasises the role of cities in integrating tourism into broader urban strategies, ensuring resilience and long-term sustainability. Planned deep-dive sessions and study visits will support the transition from planning to implementation, particularly in cities such as Seberang Perai and Prato.
Urban CoP 4 – Smart Circular Cities: Wastewater, Waste and Sustainable Development
Members: Debrecen, Sofia, Madrid, Granada; Iskandar Malaysia, Cuttack, Jabalpur, Pimpri Chinchwad.
This CoP is at the forefront of IURC’s transition from planning to implementation. Under the leadership of Debrecen, cities have demonstrated how cities can collaborate on integrated circular economy solutions, including waste management, water reuse and smart urban systems. February updates confirmed that the CoP has completed its UCAP and is now defining pilot projects on circular resource management and urban sustainability. The work of both teams reflects a strong emphasis on scaling practical solutions across different urban contexts, from European cities to rapidly growing Asian urban areas.
Urban CoP 5 – Circular Carbon Economy / Research Innovation
Members: Trier, Bremen; Chennai, Cuttack, Jabalpur.
This CoP connects cities working on industrial decarbonisation and circular carbon systems, including hydrogen and bioenergy solutions. February activities showed significant progress in developing UCAPs that integrate research, innovation and urban policy, positioning cities as key actors in the transition to climate-neutral economies. By linking European and Indian cities, the CoP highlights how international cooperation can accelerate technology deployment and knowledge exchange in emerging energy systems.
Urban CoP 6 – Food Policy and Circular Food Solutions
Members: Milan, Vicenza, Kosice; Seberang Perai, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur.
This CoP has become one of the most advanced and visible in the programme. Building on the Milan–Zhengzhou partnership, cities are working on reducing food loss and waste, strengthening urban food systems and improving governance frameworks. February and March updates highlighted the scaling of initiatives aligned with the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, including food redistribution systems and sustainable supply chains. The CoP also engages international organisations such as FAO and WFP, reinforcing its role as a global platform for urban food policy innovation.
Urban CoP 7 – Circular Economy in Urban Centres
Members: Bologna Metropolitan City, Sofia, Riga; Gangtok, New Taipei, Seberang Perai.
This CoP has made rapid progress toward implementation. Following the completion of UCAPs, cities are developing pilot projects such as repair hubs, reuse systems and circular economy centres. A March deep-dive session focused on repair hubs as scalable urban solutions, while the stocktaking mission in New Taipei City and Kaohsiung helped align strategies and strengthen cooperation. These activities demonstrate how cities are translating circular economy principles into practical, citizen-oriented initiatives.
Urban CoP 8 – Data-driven City and Digital Governance
Members: Barcelona Metropolitan Area, Hamburg, Espoo (observer), Cork (observer), Coimbra (observer), Tampere (observer); Osaka, Christchurch (observer), Incheon, Kaohsiung.
This CoP has emerged as a central pillar of digital transformation within IURC. Activities in February and March focused on data governance frameworks, AI applications and digital platforms, supported by webinars and deep-dive sessions. Cities are preparing study visits and pilot projects, while bilateral cooperation—such as between Espoo and Incheon—is already underway. The CoP demonstrates how cities can collaborate to overcome data silos and develop interoperable digital systems.
Urban CoP 9 – Multispecies Resilience AI Agent Cooperation (Planetary Intelligence)
Members: Tampere, Barcelona Metropolitan Area (observer), Central Denmark Region (observer); Christchurch (observer), Melbourne.
This forward-looking CoP explores the intersection of AI, urban systems and environmental sustainability. While still in an exploratory phase, it aligns with broader IURC initiatives such as the Europe–Asia Deep Tech Bridge and innovation-focused Communities. The CoP reflects a growing recognition that cities must integrate planetary boundaries and ecosystem considerations into urban innovation strategies.
Urban CoP 10 – International Human Smart Living Lab Network
Members: Coimbra, Cork; Adelaide, Jeonju, Christchurch.
This CoP has reached a major milestone with the approval of its Urban Cooperation Action Plan in March. Activities focus on living lab methodologies, citizen engagement and real-time experimentation, enabling cities to test innovative solutions in real environments. Earlier updates showed progress in structuring the network and defining its cooperation framework, positioning it as a key platform for user-centered urban innovation.
Urban CoP 11 – Economy in Cities: Startups, Innovation Ecosystems and Branding
Members: Grenoble Alpes Métropole, Espoo, Warsaw, Tallinn, Torino, Bielsko-Biala, Leuven, Cork (observer); Nagoya, Melbourne, Pimpri Chinchwad (observer).
This CoP plays a central role in linking cities through innovation ecosystems and deep-tech collaboration. Activities in early 2026 included participation in Grenoble TechFest, the launch of Urban Innovation Clusters, and the development of the Europe–Asia Deep Tech Bridge. These initiatives aim to connect startups, research institutions and public authorities, creating opportunities for investment, talent exchange and global innovation partnerships.
Urban CoP 12 – Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Climate Adaptation and Resilience
Members: Cluj-Napoca, Central Denmark Region/Klimatorium; Leh, Iskandar Malaysia, Christchurch (observer).
This CoP focuses on ecosystem-based approaches to climate adaptation, including river restoration, green corridors and biodiversity enhancement. February updates highlighted progress on nature-based river adaptation and metropolitan green belt solutions, demonstrating how cities can integrate environmental considerations into urban planning. The CoP supports the development of locally adapted, nature-based solutions across diverse geographical contexts.
Urban CoP 13 – Urban Climate Data, AI and Citizen Engagement for Resilience
Members: Valencia Region, Bologna, Sofia, Hamburg, Tampere; Pimpri Chinchwad, Kyoto, Kawasaki, Christchurch.
This CoP is among the most advanced in implementation. Activities include the development of climate data platforms, floodable parks, heat resilience strategies and early warning systems. February and March updates confirmed that the CoP has consolidated its roadmap and started implementation activities, demonstrating a strong shift toward operational climate resilience solutions.
Urban CoP 14 – Urban Planning, Affordable Housing and Social Cohesion
Members: Berlin, Bari, BuildInn Cluster Basque Country, Valencia Region; Melbourne, Adelaide (observer).
This CoP addresses inclusive urban transformation, focusing on housing, regeneration and social cohesion. March updates highlighted progress in reviewing cooperation plans for urban regeneration and social cohesion, linking physical urban development with social inclusion policies. Cities are exploring innovative approaches such as adaptive reuse, affordable housing and community-driven development.
Urban CoP 15 – Integrated Urban Planning: Connecting People, Economy and Infrastructure
Members: Madrid, Sofia, Rome, Kosice, Cluj-Napoca, Vienna; Brisbane, Jabalpur, Adelaide (observer).
This CoP promotes holistic urban planning approaches, integrating public space, mobility, energy systems and economic development. It aligns with broader IURC priorities such as the New European Bauhaus, supporting cities in designing sustainable, inclusive and future-oriented urban environments. Early activities focused on defining thematic priorities and identifying opportunities for integrated pilot projects across cities.
From Cities to Impact
Across all sixteen City-to-City Communities of Practice, a clear pattern is emerging:
- From thematic exchange to structured collaboration frameworks
- From individual city initiatives to interconnected urban partnerships
- From concept development to pilot-oriented implementation
Early 2026 activities show that cities are increasingly moving beyond dialogue to co-designing and testing solutions in real urban environments—from smart mobility and circular economy systems to digital governance and climate resilience. Through study visits, deep-dive sessions and joint action plans, cities are aligning their strategies while adapting solutions to their local contexts.
Together, these Communities of Practice demonstrate how cities are becoming drivers of innovation and implementation, using international cooperation not only to share knowledge, but to deliver tangible, scalable solutions to complex urban challenges.
Region-to-Region Cooperation: Addressing Territorial Challenges through 6 Strategic Communities
FollowingCommunities of Practice (CoPs) are the currently involving EU and non-EU regions in the IURC activities:
Regional CoP 1 – Agriculture and Innovation
Members:
Group 1: Catalonia, Val d’Oise, Île-de-France, Ljubljana, Central Denmark (observer), Rome (city invited – TBC); Kyoto Prefecture.
Group 2: Ljubljana Urban Region, Central Denmark Region; Manawatū, Taranaki.
This CoP has emerged as a flagship example of region-to-region cooperation in agri-food innovation. Early 2026 activities culminated in the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between European and New Zealand regions, strengthening long-term collaboration on sustainable agriculture and innovation ecosystems.
The cooperation focuses on advanced agricultural technologies, knowledge transfer, and personnel exchange, connecting European regions such as Catalonia and Île-de-France with partners in Japan and New Zealand. Additional developments—including collaboration between Slovenia and New Zealand and academic cooperation between Kyoto and Ljubljana—demonstrate how this CoP is expanding beyond policy exchange into research, training and institutional partnerships.
By linking innovation systems with territorial needs, this CoP is positioning regions as key actors in addressing food security, climate adaptation and rural development challenges at global scale.
Regional CoP 2 – Resilient Agri-food Industry and Forestry
Members: Val d’Oise, Mazovia, Western Greece, Central Macedonia, Central Denmark (observer), Trier/Rhineland-Palatinate (observer); South West Australia, Gippsland, Christchurch (observer).
This CoP has gained significant momentum in early 2026, evolving into a global platform for forestry and agri-food resilience. Initial discussions in January focused on precision agriculture, sustainable supply chains, forestry management and environmentally friendly production systems.
By March, the cooperation expanded further to include Chile, bringing in regions such as Concepción-Biobío and strengthening intercontinental collaboration. Discussions addressed shared challenges such as forest fires, water scarcity and land degradation, while also exploring opportunities for integrated landscape management and bioeconomy development.
A strong science-policy interface characterises this CoP, with contributions from research institutions and links to EU-funded programmes. The identification of priority areas—such as water-related ecosystem services, soil productivity and biodiversity—demonstrates a clear shift toward implementing nature-based and systemic solutions across regions.
Regional CoP 3 – Hydrogen Market and Industry
Members: Île-de-France, Catalonia, Central Denmark (observer); Osaka Prefecture, Jeju-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Taranaki, Christchurch.
This CoP focuses on building regional hydrogen ecosystems, aligning supply, demand and infrastructure across continents. Early 2026 discussions highlighted the importance of developing hydrogen markets as part of broader industrial transformation strategies, rather than as standalone energy initiatives.
Regions are working on market design, infrastructure development and policy frameworks, with particular attention to linking hydrogen production with industrial demand and mobility applications. The participation of regions such as Osaka, Jeju and Taranaki underscores the global relevance of this agenda.
By connecting European expertise with rapidly evolving hydrogen initiatives in Asia and Australasia, this CoP is helping regions position themselves within the emerging global hydrogen economy.
Regional CoP 4 – Just Transition and Low-carbon Technologies
Members: Łódzkie, Bremen; Jeollanam-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Gippsland.
This CoP addresses one of the most complex challenges facing regions: transitioning to low-carbon economies while ensuring social and economic inclusion. Early 2026 activities included dedicated knowledge exchange meetings, where regions shared experiences on industrial transformation, workforce reskilling and clean energy deployment.
Follow-up meetings in March strengthened cooperation and initiated planning for study visits, allowing regions to explore practical approaches to just transition. The participation of regions undergoing significant economic restructuring highlights the CoP’s role in supporting real-world transformation processes.
By combining policy exchange with practical implementation, this CoP contributes to ensuring that the green transition is not only environmentally sustainable, but also socially fair and economically viable.
Regional CoP 5 – Industrial Transformation with AI
Members: Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, Emilia-Romagna, Catalonia, Sisak-Moslavina, Western Greece; Aichi Prefecture, Hiroshima Prefecture.
This CoP focuses on the role of digitalisation and artificial intelligence in transforming regional industrial ecosystems. Early 2026 activities highlighted cooperation between European and Japanese regions on human-centric digitalisation, linking technology adoption with skills development and governance frameworks.
The CoP explores how regions can support innovation ecosystems, incubation facilities and advanced manufacturing, while ensuring that digital transformation benefits both businesses and communities. The strong involvement of regions such as Aichi and Hiroshima—major industrial hubs—adds significant depth to the cooperation.
By aligning industrial policy with digital innovation, this CoP is helping regions navigate the transition toward competitive, sustainable and future-ready economies.
Regional CoP 6 – Circular and Self-sufficient Carbon-neutral Small Ports, Nautical Tourism and Blue Biotechnology
Members: Bremen, Catalonia, Central Denmark (observer); Greater Hobart, Christchurch (observer).
This CoP addresses the blue economy and sustainable coastal development, focusing on small ports, maritime industries and ocean innovation. Early 2026 activities highlighted cooperation on port decarbonisation, digitalisation, circular water management and fisheries transition.
By March, the CoP had advanced its cooperation framework, identifying opportunities for pilot actions in sustainable ports and maritime ecosystems. The collaboration between European regions and partners such as Greater Hobart demonstrates the importance of interregional cooperation in addressing ocean-related challenges.
This CoP illustrates how regions can leverage the blue economy to support climate goals, economic development and innovation, while ensuring the sustainability of marine resources.
From Regions to Results
Across all six Region-to-Region Communities of Practice, a clear pattern is emerging:
- From knowledge exchange to structured cooperation frameworks
- From regional challenges to global partnerships
- From strategic dialogue to implementation-oriented action plans
Together, these CoPs demonstrate how regions—alongside cities—are becoming key actors in addressing climate change, industrial transformation, food systems and territorial resilience at a global scale.
EU funding training: helping CoPs move from ideas to implementation
Alongside thematic cooperation, the IURC team also invested in capacity building on European funding. On 3 February 2026, IURC Asia and Australasia hosted an online training session for around 50 participants from partner cities and regions, designed to help CoP members identify suitable funding pathways and better understand the lifecycle of European projects. The session covered programmes such as Horizon Europe, LIFE, Interreg and URBACT, and paid particular attention to how non-EU partners can participate through observers, pilots and knowledge exchange even where direct funding is limited. This training has been an important bridge between CoP planning and the next phase of implementation. (IURC)
Closing reflection
This short overview illustrates how IURC Communities of Practice are evolving into global platforms for tackling complex urban development and regional innovation challenges, connecting regions across continents to co-develop solutions that are both locally grounded and globally relevant.
Taken together, these 22 Communities of Practice show an IURC Asia and Australasia programme that is now operating at full thematic depth. Some CoPs are already highly mature, with approved or near-final action plans and study visits in preparation; others are still exploratory, but already connecting the right places, institutions and expertise. What unites them is a common shift visible across the January-March 2026 news cycle: from thematic discussion to structured, place-based cooperation with implementation in view. (IURC)