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Category: Social Cohesion

IURC Featured in DG REGIO’s Panorama: Showcasing the Global Dimension of EU Cohesion Policy

The IURC programme is proud to be featured in the latest edition of DG REGIO's flagship publication, Inforegio Panorama, in an article highlighting how EU Cohesion Policy is strengthening international cooperation and delivering tangible global impact. The feature places a particular spotlight on the IURC Asia & Australasia (IURC AA) activities at the 2026 World Cities Summit in Singapore, where...

Regeneration, heritage and community: Field notes from the Advanced Cooperation Mission in Santo Domingo   

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic | 6–8 July 2026   The IURC programme held its Advanced Cooperation Mission in Santo Domingo as part of the Community of Practice on urban regeneration and social cohesion, hosted by the National District City Council. The mission centred on one of the most historically significant urban cores in the Americas — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — to explore how...

Melbourne and Berlin strengthen affordable & social housing partnership through study visit in Berlin

Building a shared understanding of urban governance Shared housing challenges and opportunities Despite operating within different policy and governance frameworks, Berlin and Melbourne are facing remarkably similar urban challenges. Both cities are experiencing sustained population growth and increasing pressure to deliver affordable, high-quality housing while ensuring that new neighbourhoods remain inclusive, climate-resilient and well-connected. Throughout the study visit, participants explored...

Moving through Madrid: Field notes from the Advanced Cooperation Mission in Madrid 

Madrid, Spain | 23–25 June 2026  The IURC programme held its Advanced Cooperation Mission in Madrid as part of the Community of Practice on sustainable mobility and urban transformation, bringing together representatives from Fortaleza (Brazil) and Umeå (Sweden) to explore how Madrid is rethinking its streets, corridors and transport infrastructure as part of a wider strategy for a more liveable, connected and green city.  Over...

Meet the IURC LAC cities working on night-time economy

Across Europe and Latin America, cities are working together to unlock the potential of the night-time economy as a driver of more vibrant, inclusive and resilient urban environments. Through the IURC Latin America and the Caribbean programme, these cities collaborate within the Community of Practice on Night-time Economy to exchange knowledge, address shared challenges and explore innovative approaches to public...

The city after dark in Buenos Aires: Field notes from the Advanced Cooperation Mission

Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 26 – 28 May The IURC programme held its Advanced Cooperation Mission in Buenos Aires as part of the Community of Practice on nighttime economy, bringing together representatives from Braga (Portugal) and Genoa (Italy) as European partners, and Salvador de Bahia (Brazil) from Latin America, hosted by the Government of the City of Buenos Aires. Over...

From Rome to Bologna on citizen participation: Field notes from the Advanced Cooperation Mission

Rome and Bologna (Italy) | 25— 28 May The IURC–LAC Community of Practice on citizen participation methodologies and nature-based solutions reunited in Italy for an intensive stretch of exchange between Latin American and European cities. Over the course of two visits — first in Rome and then in Bologna — delegations from Salvador de Bahia (Brazil) and Buenos Aires (Argentina),...

Affordable housing up close in Barcelona: Field notes from the Advanced Cooperation Mission

Barcelona (Spain) | 26 – 28 May The IURC programme held its Advanced Cooperation Mission in Barcelona, bringing together representatives from Cartagena (Colombia), Concepción (Chile), and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) to explore how Barcelona approaches the affordable housing crisis — from regulatory frameworks and land management to neighbourhood rehabilitation and large-scale urban development. Over three days, participants combined workshops, site...

Exploring smart city platforms in Famalicão: Field notes from the Advanced Cooperation Mission

Famalicão, Portugal | 19 – 21 May The IURC programme held its Advanced Cooperation Mission in Famalicão, bringing together representatives from Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Guadalajara (Mexico), and Piraeus (Greece) to explore how urban data and smart city platforms can strengthen local governance and support risk management. Over three days, participants explored how Famalicão has built its smart city ecosystem...

Melbourne and Berlin Deepen Exchange on Affordable Housing and Social Cohesion

Representatives from the cities of Melbourne and Berlin met through the IURC Affordable Housing & Social Cohesion Community of Practice (COP) for two interactive exchange sessions focused on housing affordability, urban inclusion, and community wellbeing. The meetings, held on 30 April and 8 May 2026, created a valuable platform for both cities to compare policy approaches, share local experiences, and...