Category: News from LA

IURC Referenced in European Commission’s “EU Agenda for Cities” Communication

The European Commission has released the Communication “An EU Agenda for Cities: Driving Growth and Prosperity”, presenting a comprehensive framework for sustainable and integrated urban development across Europe. The document outlines how the EU intends to support cities of all sizes in addressing shared challenges and preparing for long-term competitiveness, resilience and social well-being. In its section on international cooperation, the...

EU Commission’s Panorama Magazine Highlights IURC’s Global Impact

The European Commission’s flagship regional-policy magazine Panorama has featured the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme in its latest online edition. The article showcases how IURC connects cities and regions across continents to collaborate on sustainable urban development, innovation, and regional transformation. The Panorama feature highlights IURC’s growing network of more than 130 participating cities and regions worldwide and underscores the programme’s role...

Two Highlight Videos Showcase IURC Cities and Regions Advancing Global Cooperation in Barcelona

IURC pilot cities and regions from Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, Asia & Australasia, and North America gathered in Barcelona from 4–6 November 2025. They met during the Smart Cities Expo World Congress to advance the EU-funded International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme.More than 240 IURC delegates met to discuss potential pilot projects, deepen thematic collaboration, and prepare...

Driving Innovation and Sustainability: IURC Global Thematic Networking Event @ #SCEWC 2025 in Barcelona

Barcelona, 4–6 November 2025 The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme wrapped up its inspiring Global Thematic Networking Event during the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC25) in Barcelona, bringing together more than 240 delegates from 130+ pilot cities and regions across Europe, Asia, Australasia, and the Americas. Over four days, the event showcased how city-to-city and region-to-region partnerships drive innovation, sustainability, and resilience worldwide. The event, the...

IURC brings 240+ global city leaders to Barcelona for its Global Thematic Networking Event

Barcelona, 4–6 November 2025 The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Programme will gather over 240 delegates from 132 cities and regions across Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Americas for its Global Thematic Networking Event alongside Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) 2025. The three-day workshop is the largest IURC convening since the programme’s launch and focuses on accelerating climate action, innovation and international partnerships.  ...

IURC LAC – Cities Advance Climate Adaptation Collaboration

8 October 2025 | Online The IURC Latin America and Caribbean region hosted its seventh cities webinar, focusing on Climate Adaptation and the importance of city-to-city collaboration in tackling environmental challenges. Representatives from Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Piraeus (Greece), and Fortaleza (Brazil) presented innovative strategies to enhance urban resilience, mitigate heat, manage coasts, and integrate green infrastructure. Flavio Rosa, Climate Adaptation Cluster Manager from the IURC team emphasized...

IURC Cities Share Strategies on Affordable Housing and Urban Regeneration

8 October 2025 – Thematic Cluster on Urban Regeneration & Social Cohesion The sixth webinar of the IURC Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) programme explored Affordable Housingwithin the Thematic Cluster on Urban Regeneration & Social Cohesion. The event brought together city representatives from Cartagena (Colombia), Bologna (Italy), and Concepción (Chile), highlighting strategies to address housing shortages, promote environmental resilience, and foster community inclusion. Connecting Housing and Environmental...

IURC LAC Thematic Cluster Session Advances Regional Cooperation

On 1 October 2025, the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Latin America & Caribbean programme hosted its third session of the Regional Thematic Cluster series, gathering 41 participants from more than 30 regions. The meeting focused on fostering regional partnerships in areas such as clean energy, blue economy, industrial modernisation, and agri-food, and served as a stepping stone toward the development of Regional Cooperation...

IURC LAC Webinar Showcases Urban Innovation in Mobility and Transport

The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Latin America programme held its fourth thematic webinar on 30 September 2025, bringing together city representatives from Europe and Latin America to exchange best practices in sustainable urban mobility and transport. The session attracted over 20 registrants and featured presentations from Madrid (Spain), Umeå (Sweden), Fortaleza (Brazil), Concepción (Chile), and Mérida (Mexico). Building Transatlantic Partnerships for...

IURC LAC Webinar Explores Urban Regeneration and Social Cohesion

On 30 September 2025, the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Latin America programme held its fifth thematic webinar, bringing together city leaders and experts to discuss strategies for urban regeneration and social cohesion. The event attracted close to 30 registrants and featured presentations from Buenos Aires (Argentina), Famalicão (Portugal), Salvador da Bahia (Brazil), and Barcelona (Spain). Framing the Debate: Urban Regeneration in...