Author: Franziska Walther

The end of the beginning – leaders gather for IURC final event

“World peace,” “progress,” “unity” and “working together.” These may seem like lofty notions, even naïve ambitions these days. However, at the final event of the European Commission’s International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme, these audience sentiments about the meaning of the three-years of international exchange seemed of a piece with the more pragmatic “learning,” “collaboration,” and “partnerships”  that the...

IURC at the European Week of Regions and Cities

The evolving landscape of city and regional projects increasingly underscores the value of international cooperation. As the industrial era shifts, cities and regions confront novel challenges requiring innovative solutions. In recognising this, the IURC programme, during its session at the 21st EU Regions Week in Brussels, emphasised the immense transformative potential of international partnerships. This article delves into the key...

WRI Prize for Cities

This cycle of the WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities, “Accelerating Momentum for Climate-Ready Communities,” invites submissions from initiatives building resilience, reducing risks and leveraging new opportunities, especially for our most vulnerable communities. Submissions close on September 26, and we do not want you to miss the opportunity to apply and have your work elevated! US$350,000 in unrestricted funds are...

Portico, the new gateway to urban learning in the EU

Portico, the new knowledge sharing and community platform for sustainable urban development in the EU, is set for official launch on 10 October mid-day during the 2023 European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels. This hub will also host all of the resources produced by IURC. The new platform is being launched by the European Urban Initiative (EUI) in...

Enhancing Sustainable Urban Development: two calls to join EUI Peer Reviews in Autumn 2023

Participating in EUI peer reviews provides cities with a unique chance to enhance their Sustainable Urban Development strategies, learn from peers, and collaborate on building sustainable and resilient cities. Apply now to be part of this transformative programme. Become a City under Review or a Peer to City under Review by applying to the two calls now open. Call for...

Asia & Australasia: Webinar on Tactical Urbanism – Part 2

Over the past decade, the concept of tactical urbanism (also known as “urban prototyping”) has gained a strong pace in many cities around the globe. Pedestrian plazas, pop-up bike lanes, pop-up parks and innovative playgrounds are just some of the examples developed by city authorities and civil society to improve the liveability of their cities. Actions are piloted in the...

Water for the future

As the effects of climate change are felt across the world, it is becoming clear that water will be a key topic in the coming decades - from flooding to drought, from providing clean drinking water to dealing with wastewater. The UN 2023 Water Conference brought players from across the world to address their ideas and concerns regarding this vital...

Asia & Australasia: Webinar on Tactical Urbanism

The IURC Asia and Australasia (AA) team organised a webinar within the IURC thematic network n°2 “Urban and Regional Renewal”. The event focused on Tactical Urbanism in Public Spaces, an area that has gained strong relevance in cities around the globe. Pedestrian plazas, pop-up bike lanes, pop-up parks and innovative playgrounds are just some of the examples developed by city...

Climate opportunity for cities

As part of continuing efforts to deepen technical support provided to cities, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) is launching a new initiative to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among signatory cities from all regions of the alliance. Apply here if you want to learn from and share the experience with other GCoM...