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Category: Urban Innovation

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...

2nd Business Talk Webinar: Exploring How the GDS Index Helps Destinations Turn Sustainability Ambitions into Action

The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Programme hosted a Knowledge Transfer Webinar on 3 June 2026 titled “Deconstructing Sustainability: How the GDS Index Can Help You Transform Your Destination.” The event brought together representatives from cities, regions, tourism organizations, and sustainability practitioners to explore how destinations can measure, benchmark, and improve their sustainability performance using the Global Destination Sustainability...

IURC CoP 4 Regions Exchange Lessons on Just Transition Governance and Workforce Transformation

On 21 May 2026, regional partners under the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme’s Community of Practice 4 (CoP 4) on Just Transition and Low-Carbon Technologies gathered for the first deep-dive session focused on stakeholder governance, engagement, and workforce transition in the context of just transition.  The session brought together representatives from Bremen (Germany), Chungcheongnam-do (Republic of Korea), Chungnam...

1st City-Business Talk Webinar: Shimla City Showcases Smart Parking Success

The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme hosted the First City-Business Talk webinar highlighting Shimla City's innovative smart parking initiative as a practical example of how this Asian City uses digital solutions which can be transferred to cities growing urban mobility challenges. The session brought together municipal representatives, technology experts, and urban practitioners from India and Europe to exchange...

C2C CoP 12: Economy in cities – StartUps, Innovation Ecosystems, Branding

“Green transition” refers to an economy-wide shift away from high-impact, resource-intensive activities toward practices that remain within planetary boundaries and support long-term sustainability, resilience, and well-being (OECD, 2025). Its aim is to reduce—and keep—the cumulative impacts of human activity within Earth’s ecological limits (OECD, 2025). Deep technologies—advanced, emerging technological solutions to major societal challenges—are one pathway to accelerate this transition....

Meet the IURC LAC regions working on smart-agri food

Across Europe and Latin America, regions are working together to advance more sustainable, resilient and innovative agri-food systems. Through the IURC Latin America and the Caribbean programme, these territories collaborate within the Community of Practice on Smart Agri-Food to exchange knowledge, address shared challenges and explore solutions linked to bioeconomy, food security, sustainable agriculture and territorial development. These are the...

EU Ambassador Highlights IURC Partnerships on Christchurch Visit

During his recent visit to Christchurch City, the European Union Ambassador to New Zealand, H E Lawrence Meredith, met with Mayor of Christchurch Phil Mauger to discuss the city’s growing cooperation with the European Union and its active participation in the EU-funded IURC Asia and Australasia programme. H E Lawrence Meredith, EU Ambassador to New Zealand, with Mayor of Christchurch...

Meet the IURC LAC cities working on mobility

Across Europe and Latin America, cities are joining forces to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable, inclusive and efficient urban mobility scheme. Through the IURC LAC programme, cities are collaborating within the Community of Practice on Mobility to exchange knowledge, share solutions, and address common urban challenges. From reducing emissions and improving public transport to fostering active mobility and enhancing...