The International Urban Regeneration Outstanding Practices (originally known as World Urban Regeneration Best Practices, abbreviated as WURBP), 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, it addresses pressing global challenges and aims to shape a more sustainable and inclusive urban future.
In October 2025, a defining moment for global urban regeneration is about to unfold!
After a rigorous recommendation process, outstanding practices from cities around the world will rise to the forefront.
The International Urban Regeneration Outstanding Practices initiative aims to recognize outstanding efforts from around the world that have made meaningful contributions to urban-rural regeneration. Its goal is to showcase, exchange, and disseminate outstanding practices and innovative solutions in global urban-rural regeneration.
By evaluating, researching, and disseminating practical cases, the initiative aims to build a global platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration in urban-rural regeneration. 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.
The initiative drives global urban regeneration collaboration, integrating research with practice. We invite scholars and practitioners worldwide to advance case studies and theoretical applications.
The initiative extracts and refines urban regeneration strategies to help stakeholders understand complexities, address challenges, and drive innovative governance solutions.
The initiative promotes interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration, encouraging global professionals to develop innovative urban regeneration solutions and sustainable partnerships.
The initiative gathers young talents in urban regeneration, providing a global exchange platform to foster their growth and development, enabling them shine brightly in this transformative era.
In November 2024, the First Cycle of the International Urban Regeneration Outstanding Practices officially launched at the twelfth session of the World Urban Forum, the most influential event in the field of global habitat.
The launch ceremony was witnessed by representatives from the China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Shanghai Municipal Government, UN-Habitat ,as well as experts and scholars from around the world.
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