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Category: News from Asia & Australasia

Strategy Driving Digitalisation, Not the Other Way Around

A recurring message during Melbourne’s IURC study visit to Tampere has been clear: digitalisation should support city strategy, not become an end in itself. In Tampere, that means using data and digital tools to improve quality of life while advancing climate adaptation and biodiversity goals. The City of Tampere has developed a strong reputation for the progress it has made...

Melbourne and Tampere Explore How AI Can Work for People in the City

How can cities ensure that digitalisation serves people rather than becoming an end in itself? During Melbourne’s study visit to Tampere, representatives from the two cities explored this question through discussions on artificial intelligence, the “Citiverse” and the governance of increasingly digital urban environments. The City of Tampere has been addressing this challenge for more than a decade, developing approaches...

Digital Resources Help Citizens Participate in Urban Planning

Melbourne and Tampere are continuing their exchange through IURC Community of Practice (CoP) 10, exploring how data, digital tools and artificial intelligence can support more effective citizen participation and sustainable urban development. Building on their discussions during Melbourne’s study visit to Tampere, representatives from the two cities have explored in greater depth how digital resources can help residents engage with...

Exploring How Digitalisation Can Support Sustainable Urban Development

Representatives from Melbourne, Australia, travelled to Tampere, Finland, for their first IURC study visit, exploring how digital tools can support sustainable urban development, strengthen citizen participation and contribute to major urban regeneration projects. Melbourne representatives visited Tampere this week to gain a deeper understanding of the Finnish city’s approach to sustainable urban development, with particular attention to its creative and...

IURC Highlights the Role of City-to-City Partnerships in Disaster Recovery

What is the best way for city-to-city partnerships to contribute to humanitarian and recovery efforts after a city experiences a major natural or human-made disaster? This was the question at the heart of a panel discussion at the Global Cities New Zealand conference, hosted by Christchurch City on 4 September 2026. The date held particular significance, marking the sixteenth anniversary...

IURC Mission to Christchurch, New Zealand, Strengthens Cooperation on Hydrogen, Urban Innovation and Cleantech

An IURC Asia & Australasia team mission to Christchurch, New Zealand, from 24–26 August 2026 strengthened cooperation with key local partners and identified new opportunities for collaboration with European cities, regions, universities and businesses. Meetings with Christchurch City Council (CCC) leadership and the ChristchurchNZ team confirmed strong interest in using the IURC to deepen international cooperation across hydrogen, smart and...

IURC Study Visit to Melbourne and Gippsland Connects European and Australian Regions on the New Energy Transition

An IURC delegation from Europe and Australia has completed an intensive five-day study visit to Melbourne and Gippsland, Victoria, exploring how international regional cooperation can support the transition from traditional energy industries towards renewable energy, new economic opportunities and a socially inclusive net-zero future. Taking place from 17–21 August 2026, the visit was organised in the framework of the International...

India: Gangtok inaugurates dedicated E-Waste Collection Facility, building on IURC circular economy cooperation

Gangtok, India – 14 August 2026: Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) inaugurated a dedicated E-Waste Collection Facility at the Martam Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility, marking an important step towards advancing circular economy and responsible resource management in India. The facility was inaugurated by Mayor Tshering Palden Bhutia, in the presence of Deputy Mayor Sara Lama, municipal representatives and partners. It...

Regions and Industry Leaders Exchange Insights on the Future of Wind Energy

Representatives from Bremen (Germany), Gippsland (Australia), Łódzkie (Poland), and Jeollanam-do (Republic of Korea) gathered online on 5 August 2026 for the latest IURC Community of Practice 4 Business Mixer Session, bringing together 49 participants from regional governments, wind energy companies, research institutions, and international partners. The session brought together six wind energy companies — Ørsted, Star of the South, WindTAK,...

Economies in Cities COP (Startups, Innovation & Branding) — 3-Subgroup First Plenary: Shared Direction, Fact Sheets & Study Visits

The meeting recapped strong feedback from the Singapore COP event, where the group was recognized as the most innovative among those present, and then reviewed a broad agenda covering fact-sheet drafts, subgroup progress, the Nagoya study visit, and a pilot startup mission proposal. Draft fact sheets summarized city strategies across three subgroups: attracting early-stage investors (e.g., Grenoble’s “pull” events vs....