International Urban Regeneration Outstanding Practices
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At This Critical Urban Turning Point
International Urban Regeneration
Outstanding Practices Launch

Urbanization attracts populations with vitality and opportunities, yet intensifies challenges like environmental decline, economic strain, social divides, and security risks. Against this backdrop, the International Urban Regeneration Outstanding Practices is a joint effort between the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and Shanghai University (SHU) .UN-Habitat and Shanghai University are undertaking a joint project titled “Strengthening Urban-Rural Linkages through Regeneration，”the International Urban Regeneration Outstanding Practices (IUROP) Case Collection as one of its components. IUROP aligns with global development priorities by advancing the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and accelerating the localization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a strong focus on SDG 11. The initiative directly supports two key goals of the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2020–2025: a) reducing spatial inequality across the urban-rural continuum and b) enhancing the prosperity of city-regions. Additionally, it contributes to UN-Habitat’s Inclusive Communities – Thriving Cities Flagship Programme.

IUROP-Elements

Unlocking the Boundless Potential of "Stepping Forward"

By evaluating, researching, and disseminating practical cases, the initiative aims to build a global platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration in urban-rural regeneration. This platform aims to foster a shared understanding of sustainable regeneration practices, unlock new opportunities for cooperation, stimulate international interests on this topic. By bringing together interdisciplinary knowledge and real-world experiences, it will inspire more actors to pursue innovative regeneration approaches. Generally, our goal is to offer practical guidance and thought leadership—helping to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future across the urban-rural continuum.
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Theme

Regeneration in action: Towards a sustainable urban-rural future

Concept Guidance

The first cycle of the International Urban Regeneration Outstanding Practices is guided by three core concepts: “People-centered”, “Technologically Inclusive”, and “Safe & Sustainable”. It specifically recognizes initiatives demonstrating remarkable contributions in enhancing community well-being, integrating smart technologies with social inclusion, as well as building urban safety and climate resilience. We focus on human needs, driving innovation and inclusive development, ensuring that cities are equipped to address future challenges, and providing strong support and leadership for global sustainable urban development.

Focus Areas
IUROP-Elements

Building Urban Futures

Urban regeneration drives human progress by creating better living environments. While global innovations in this field have flourished, they remain fragmented without a unifying platform. The first cycle of International Urban Regeneration Outstanding Practices bridges this gap by connecting urban management agencies, industry enterprises, academic institutions, urban service organizations, and social groups as a global "practice nexus." This initiative gathers pioneers and practitioners worldwide to share transformative ideas.

We envision urban regeneration fostering sustainable, inclusive cities through collaborative innovation. By uniting global expertise, the initiative will advance livable, productive, and vibrant urban spaces for all.