Category: News from Asia & Australasia

IURC AA Cities Advance Urban Regeneration and Social Cohesion in Second Deep Dive Session

On 23 October 2025, the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Asia & Australasia programme held its second deep dive session under the Urban Regeneration & Social Cohesion thematic cluster, bringing together cities from Europe and Asia to exchange practical approaches to revitalising neighbourhoods, supporting community-driven development, and strengthening social inclusion. The session gathered participants from Bari (Italy), Melaka (Malaysia)...

Regions: IURC Asia & Australasia Second Thematic Cluster Breakout Session

The fifth session of Region-to-Regional Cooperation brought together 50+ participants from various regions including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, and Japan to discuss cooperation in industrial transition, agribusiness, blue economy, and clean energy. The meeting featured a presentation from the Region of Valencia on their Blue Economy Strategy and included breakout sessions for participants to discuss specific thematic areas. The...

Chinese Cities Deepen Cooperation with European Cities in IURC session

In a significant step to strengthen international ties, the latest IURC Asia & Australasia online session brought together Chinese pilot cities, European Union officials, and regional leaders to explore how smart city innovation, green energy, and sustainable industrial collaboration can drive long-term growth. Part of the long-standing International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme, the meeting served as a platform for Chinese cities to present achievements...

IURC AA Cities Exchange Approaches to Social Housing, Regeneration and Inclusive Neighbourhoods in Cluster 6 Deep Dive

On 20 October 2025, the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme launched its Urban Regeneration & Social Cohesion (Cluster 6) deep-dive series with an online session gathering 59 participants from 14 cities across Europe, India, Singapore and Australia. The meeting provided a comparative look at how cities are addressing growing pressures around affordable housing, population change, spatial inequality and...

IURC Cities Lead on Climate Adaptation through Innovation and Partnerships

16 October 2025 – Online Deep Dive Session The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Asia & Australasia Thematic Network held its third Global Deep Dive on Climate Adaptation, connecting city representatives from Kawasaki (Japan), Seberang Perai (Malaysia), and Kyoto (Japan). The discussion highlighted how cities are transforming climate challenges into opportunities for governance reform, technological innovation, and citizen-led resilience. From Industrial Transition to...

IURC Webinar Explores Horizon Europe Opportunities for Global City and Regional Cooperation

The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme hosted a successful webinar on Horizon Europe – Opportunities for IURC Pilot Cities and Regions, bringing together around 50 participants from Europe, Asia, and Australasia. The session explored how local and regional governments can engage in the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme to foster global partnerships and sustainable urban development. The...

IURC Cities Advance Climate Action through Nature-Based and Community-Driven Solutions

13 October 2025 – Online Deep Dive Session The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Asia & Australasia Thematic Network held its second Global Deep Dive on Climate Adaptation, focusing on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), Financing Strategies, and Community Involvement. The session gathered experts and representatives from Adelaide (Australia), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and the Cluj Metropolitan Area (Romania) to exchange practical experiences and inspire cross-regional learning. From Strategy to Implementation Opening...

IURC Cities from India, Malaysia and Italy Collaborate on Climate-Resilient Futures

9 October 2025 – Online Deep Dive Session The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Asia & Australasia Thematic Network hosted its first Global Deep Dive Session on Climate Adaptation, connecting experts and city leaders from India, Malaysia, and Italy to share experiences and practical solutions for strengthening urban resilience. The event marked another milestone in advancing city-to-city cooperation on climate action within the IURC...

IURC Asia & Australasia Cities Advance Climate Adaptation Efforts

7 October 2025 – Online session The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Asia & Australasia Thematic Network hosted an engaging session on Climate Adaptation in Urban Areas, showcasing initiatives from pilot cities Chennai (India), Sofia (Bulgaria), and Pimpri Chinchwad (India). The meeting brought together city practitioners, experts, and IURC partners to exchange experiences on building urban resilience through integrated adaptation measures. Adapting Cities for a...

Regions: IURC Asia & Australasia Launches First Thematic Cluster Breakout Session

More than 50 regional development experts joined the Region-to-Region Cooperation on Innovation webinar on 1 October 2025, marking the start of the IURC Asia & Australasia Thematic Network breakout sessions. Divided into four clusters—Industrial Modernisation, Agri-Food, Clean Energy, and Blue Economy—participants exchanged ideas on pilot actions, key stakeholders, and implementation methods to advance regional cooperation and innovation. Moderated by Pablo Gándara, Bruce Wilson, Paul Dalziel and Eva Vila, the session...