Latest news with #UrbanTransformation
National Post
04-08-2025
- Business
- National Post
Lowell, Massachusetts, Recognized as the First U.S. "Frontrunner City" in Urban Transformation
LOWELL, Mass. — Lowell, Massachusetts has been officially designated the first 'Frontrunner City' on Urban Transformation in the United States under the Global Frontrunner Cities Initiative led by the Urban Economy Forum (UEF), making a transformative milestone in sustainable, inclusive, equitable, and innovation-driven urban development. Article content The announcement and signing ceremony were formally made on February 7, 2025, at the World Urban Pavilion in Regent Park Powered by Daniels, in the presence of high-level dignitaries. Among the keynote guests was the Honorable Bob Rae, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), who endorsed the initiative as a model for advancing integrated urban policy and sustainable development. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between UEF and the City of Lowell, establishing a strategic partnership to operationalize this recognition. Article content Article content To activate the Initiative on the ground and operationalize this milestone, a high-level delegation from the UEF conducted an official mission to Lowell. This visit included meetings with the Lowell Mayor Daniel P. Rourke, members of the Lowell City Council, City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr., and senior municipal staff, focusing on planning, implementation, and financing mechanisms for the Frontrunner City Program. Article content As part of the mission, the UEF delegation also held a high-impact meeting with University of Massachusetts Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, who accepted the invitation to position UMass Lowell as a core academic partner of the initiative. The Chancellor confirmed the university's commitment to hosting ' UNIVER-city Labs ' – transdisciplinary urban innovation hubs that will support research, monitoring, and applied urban solutions. Article content During a special session of the Lowell City Council, Reza Pourvaziry, Chair of the Urban Economy Forum, delivered the following message: Article content 'Lowell, your city—and now our city—is officially now on the global map of urban transformation. This is not just a symbolic recognition; it is a strategic commitment to action. True transformation is only possible when driven by the people who live, work, and build their lives here. Together, we are launching a model for cities around the world –where community vision, local leadership, innovation, and sustainability intersect. Article content This is a strategic and highly action-oriented program, designed to generate measurable impact, long-term benefits, and co-ownership among all those who choose to engage with it—whether they are public authorities, knowledge institutions, private sector actors, or community organizations.' Article content The UEF Delegation, including Dr. Eduardo López Moreno (Co-Director, World Urban Pavilion in Regent Park Powered by Daniels), Kamran Espili (Executive Director of UEF), and Saman Motamedi (Head of the Chair's Office and Senior Advisor at UEF), held bilateral dialogue with U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan, the U.S. representative for Massachusetts's 3 rd congressional district, reaffirming the need for multilevel governance and federal alignment to support the initiative's implementation. Article content 'Lowell's recognition as the first Frontrunner City in the United States is a testament to the innovation, resilience, and collaboration that define our community,' said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. 'This honor reflects the tireless work being done across the Mill City to build a more sustainable and inclusive economy. I'm proud to be born and raised in, and now represent, a community that leads by example, and I'm grateful to the Urban Economy Forum for shining a global spotlight on Lowell's progress.' Article content Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts Kim Driscoll Article content expressed full support for the Frontrunner initiative, affirming that Massachusetts welcomes this effort and is prepared to help deploy the necessary conditions for its success. Her remarks reinforced the Commonwealth's role as an enabling partner for sustainable urban innovation and development. Article content Mayor Rourke stated: 'This milestone represents the culmination of relationship-building, shared goals, and a deep belief in Lowell's potential. The Frontrunner City designation is not just a title – it's a testament to the work already happening across our neighborhoods, our institutions, and at City Hall. It signals to the world what we already know: Lowell is a place where inclusive ideas take root, where innovation is embraced, and where communities lead the way in shaping a stronger, more equitable future.' Article content City Manager Golden added: 'Lowell is a city of opportunity – where ambition meets action, and where every resident, business, and institution has a role in shaping our future. This designation as the first U.S. Frontrunner City amplifies that promise, bringing global partnerships that translate into real growth. We're ready to roll up our sleeves with our community, universities, and industry to ensure sustainable transformation benefits every corner of our city.' Article content Community engagement was a core component of the mission. L ocal NGOs, grassroots organizations, and civil society actors participated in dedicated roundtables to ensure that equity, access, local interests, and lived experiences are central to the frontrunner model. This participatory approach underscores a key tenet of the initiative: sustainable transformation must be co-created with those most affected by it. Article content Additional stakeholder meetings were held with real estate developers and private sector partners to explore joint investment opportunities and knowledge-based urban demonstrative projects. Article content Looking Ahead: A Global Platform for Innovation and Partnership Article content The official public launch of Lowell's Frontrunner City initiative will be announced soon. Meanwhile, UEF and the City of Lowell jointly encourage global partners to engage, invest, and co-create this bold endeavor. Article content They extend an open invitation to international companies, frontrunner technologists, and solution-driven innovators to contribute their ideas and expertise. Lowell presents a unique opportunity for investment in futuristic urban pilots where inclusive governance, public readiness, and innovation intersect.
Hans India
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Andhra to become waste-free by Dec 2025, says Municipal Minister Narayana
Andhra Pradesh Municipal Minister P Narayana on Monday said that the state will become waste-free by December 2025. Nearly 20 lakh tonne of newly accumulated waste and 85 lakh tonne left by the previous government will be cleared by October and December respectively, he said while addressing a press conference. Instructing the Municipal commissioners to prioritise solid and liquid waste management, he said clean city goals require public awareness and cooperation. At present, the daily waste is transported to Visakhapatnam and Guntur waste-to-energy plants, with new plants coming up in Kadapa, Kurnool, Nellore, Rajahmundry and Tirupati, the minister said. Sewage treatment plants will be completed within two years, and drinking water pipelines under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme will also be expedited, Narayana said. The minister blamed the previous YSRCP government for allegedly halting Amaravati development plans.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ITPO and Fairfest Media Sign MoU to Co-Organize Municipalika 2026
India's Premier International Conference and Exhibition on Safe, Smart, and Sustainable City Solutions returns to Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 16 to 18 February 2026 NEW DELHI, July 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landmark collaboration, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and Fairfest Media Ltd., the organisers of Municipalika, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to co-organise Municipalika 2026, the 18th edition of India's premier international conference and exhibition on Safe, Smart, and Sustainable City Solutions. The prestigious event is scheduled to take place from 16th to 18th February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India's iconic convention and exhibition venue. This marks a proud homecoming, as Municipalika returns to Bharat Mandapam, where it began its journey in 2003. The milestone MoU also opens up wonderful opportunities for deeper collaboration between ITPO and Fairfest Media in the years to come. Municipalika is much more than just an exhibition — it is India's most influential national platform for urban transformation, where the country's top minds and changemakers converge. It features an expansive international exhibition, a power-packed multi-track conference, high-impact B2B meetings, prestigious awards celebrating innovation and excellence in urban development, the much-anticipated visionary address by leading policymakers, and the exclusive City Leaders Conclave uniting mayors, municipal commissioners, and civic leaders from across India and the globe. Municipalika has been a pioneering force in the sustainable urban development space for over two decades, having hosted 17 successful editions in major cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. Over the years, it has brought together more than 2,000 exhibitors, over 50,000 urban development stakeholders, delegates from 25 states and 10+ countries, and 1,000+ cities and towns, including mayors, municipal commissioners, smart city CEOs, and thousands of municipal officials and urban experts. The platform has continuously catalysed dialogue, innovation, and action in areas like sustainable urban infrastructure development, housing, sanitation, solid waste, water and wastewater, e-governance, urban mobility, etc. Its track record makes it one of the most impactful and trusted events in India's urban transformation journey. The MoU was signed by the Officer on Special Duty (Admn.)/General Manager (Fair Service Division-II) from ITPO and Fairfest Media in the presence of representatives from both organisations. This collaboration marks a significant step towards furthering the Government of India's mission of Viksit Bharat by promoting sustainable urban development, innovation in municipal services, and inclusive urban planning. Speaking on the occasion, representatives from ITPO and Fairfest Media expressed their joint commitment to making Municipalika 2026 the largest and most impactful edition yet. With ITPO onboard as a co-organiser, the event is expected to witness enhanced national and international participation, extensive government and industry collaboration, and greater visibility across urban development sectors. Municipalika 2026 will be co-located with three major concurrent events: CAPEX – Construction, Architecture, Planning, and Engineering Expo, focused on showcasing cutting-edge construction technologies, infrastructure innovations, and smart engineering solutions. Public Works Expo, focusing on roads, highways, public infrastructure, utilities, and civic services delivered by Public Works Departments across India. Bharat Rural Expo, dedicated to rural transformation, innovations in infrastructure, sanitation, housing, clean energy, and digital services in India's villages and small towns. Together, these co-located events will create a comprehensive platform to address urban, rural, and rurban development challenges, foster public-private partnerships, and showcase India's progress toward building sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready cities and communities. Municipalika 2026 will bring together key decision-makers from central and state governments, municipal bodies, urban local governments, urban planners, architects, engineers, innovators, technology providers, diplomats, and global thought leaders to deliberate on integrated urban solutions. About Fairfest Media Limited: Founded in 1989, Fairfest Media Ltd. is the leading travel trade show organiser. Fairfest's events are attended by business professionals from over 80 countries, and its clientele includes governments of over 60 countries and all Indian states. Through its impactful events, Fairfest Media continues to provide effective platforms for doing business in one of the fastest-growing markets in the world — India. About ITPO: India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the premier trade promotion enterprise of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, is committed to showcasing excellence achieved by the country in diverse fields, especially trade and commerce. Its mission is to promote, facilitate, encourage, and coordinate various activities and programs to enhance India's share of exports. ITPO provides a wide spectrum of services to trade and industry and acts as a catalyst for the growth of India's trade and commerce. Significantly, grown with every business event in stature and dimension, Bharat Mandapam, the headquarters of the ITPO, is considered a symbol of the 'Modern Fair Culture' in the South Asia region. ITPO manages India's world-class exhibition complex, which is constantly upgraded to keep it in a high standard of readiness. Website link: Photo: View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Centre to provide Delhi 800cr for sewers
New Delhi: To give a push to Delhi's efforts to provide sewage connections to every household in the capital, central govt will provide Rs 800 crore to the city under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme 2.0. Officials said the money will be spent on strengthening the sewage network in the city's unauthorised colonies. They added that Delhi govt has planned to install around 2.5 lakh sewer connections in unauthorised colonies and other residential areas. The money will also be spent on other initiatives such as recycling and reusing 50 million litres of water per day and increasing sewage treatment capacity. The proposal aims to curb the flow of untreated water into the Yamuna coming from over 410 unauthorised colonies and over 100 urban villages across seven assembly constituencies in the capital, benefiting approximately 35 lakh residents. "While the Centre will provide Rs 804 crore under the scheme, the rest of the funds for the project will have to be arranged by DJB from its own funds," an official said. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Increasing the overall sewage treatment capacity to prevent untreated discharge falling into the Yamuna is one of the major plans of the Rekha Gupta-led BJP govt. Officials said the expenditure finance committee under the Union ministry of finance recently approved DJB's proposal for the construction of 40 decentralised sewage treatment plants and the extension of sewer lines in Outer Delhi at an estimated cost of Rs 3,105 crore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Franklin India NFO Investment Franklin Templeton India AMC Learn More Undo Officials said the Centre has asked Delhi govt to conduct audits of sewage treatment plants to ensure optimum utilisation. "Delhi was also advised to work holistically for Yamuna rejuvenation and septage management, and to have a clear sludge processing strategy to work out its reuse and processing," the official said. Delhi govt has allocated Rs 9,000 crore in the 2025-26 budget to the water and sewerage sector. Another Rs 500 crore has been set aside for the repair of STPs. There are 37 STPs under DJB, of which 18 are under degradation for increasing the overall treatment capacity of sewerage treatment. A senior Delhi govt official said DJB has also been working on the Interceptor Sewer Project, which is aimed at trapping all the drains and diverting the wastewater to the closest STP. There are several drains that have not been trapped yet, resulting in a large amount of sewage entering the Yamuna directly.
Al Bawaba
30-06-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Azizi Developments wins ‘Master Developer of the Year' at the 2025 Pillars of Real Estate Awards
Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, has been honored with the distinguished 'Master Developer of the Year' award at BNC Publishing's 2025 Pillars of Real Estate Awards, held at the Habtoor Palace Dubai. The award was received by Mr. Tizian H. G. Raab, Head of Public Relations & Communications and Advisor to the Group CEO. The accolade highlights Azizi's outstanding contributions to Dubai's urban transformation through master planned communities such as Azizi Riviera – its French Mediterranean-inspired, 16,000-home project in MBR City; Azizi Venice – its AED 30 billion master-planned waterfront community in Dubai South, built entirely on one of the world's largest crystal lagoons; and Azizi Milan - its AED 75 billion landmark project on Mohammed bin Zayed Road guided by the principles of sustainability, nature, and the cultured refinement of Italian fashion. Commenting on the award, Mr. Tizian H. G. Raab said: 'We are honored to be recognized as 'Master Developer of the Year', with this accolade serving as a powerful testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as all of our diligent stakeholders—each of whom contributes to the realization of our vision. Being bestowed with this prestigious award motivates us to go above and beyond, reinforcing our pursuit of delivering real estate excellence through the most thoughtfully master-planned communities—developments that truly enrich lives, offer unparalleled capital appreciation and rental yields, and help shape the future of urban living in Dubai.' Azizi Venice will comprise more than 36,000 residential units across 100+ apartment complexes and over 109 ultra-luxury mansions. Azizi Developments is taking on the role of master developer, in charge of constructing the buildings, roads, and all the infrastructure. Centered around a vast, crystal-blue lagoon that encircles its condominiums, villas, and mansions, Azizi Venice provides a picturesque setting for leisure, retail, and commercial spaces. The turquoise, desalinated waters are bordered by sandy beaches, an 8 km-long cycling and jogging track, yoga and sports facilities, and a vibrant promenade featuring a variety of artisan eateries and boutiques. The area is enhanced by leafy, dense, and beautifully manicured greenery, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere throughout. A major attraction to be developed within Azizi Venice is The Cultural District in Dubai South, which will incorporate a collection of iconic facilities, including an opera house, theatre, exhibition hall, and performing arts academy. Built to mirror Dubai's dynamic and diverse cultural scene, the project is poised to attract creatives from around the globe. Seamlessly merging art and culture, the upcoming district will be a lively hub, enhancing the lives of Dubai South residents and visitors through a range of engaging activities and experiences. Azizi Venice's stunning array of venues is set to elevate the emirate's arts landscape. At its core is a 2,500-seat opera house showcasing an innovative, futuristic structure by Zaha Hadid Architects with advanced acoustic and visual technology to guarantee an unparalleled artistic experience. A more intimate 400-seat theatre provides a versatile space for drama, comedy, art workshops, and smaller performances. Further enriching the district's offerings is a spacious exhibition hall that can accommodate up to 2,000 people. Intended to present a range of local and international exhibitions, this flexible area is ideal for everything from paintings and sculptures to cutting-edge digital art. Recognizing the importance of nurturing future talent, the district will also house a dedicated performing arts academy, which will play a vital role in refining the skills of the next generation of artists ready to leave their mark on the UAE's exciting cultural scene. This opulent development will also integrate a pedestrian-friendly space that remains open-air in the winter and transforms into a glass-covered, temperature-controlled area during the summer, ensuring year-round comfort. Lined with three-storey buildings, it will host leading global retailers, nightlife, entertainment options, and a broad selection of international culinary options, establishing itself as a unique destination on Dubai's map of outstanding sights. A prime tourist attraction and high-end local hotspot, Azizi Venice is set to welcome over 30,000 visitors each day. It will feature two Azizi-owned and operated five-star hotels at its main entrances, along with a boutique hotel situated on an island in the center of the lagoon. An ample number of underground parking spaces will be built to ensure convenient access to Azizi Boulevard and Azizi Opera for all guests. Azizi Venice will have its own full-service hospital, kindergarten, schools for grades 1 to high school, and a 4 km-long aesthetically designed and landscaped main road that will be flanked by additional dining and shopping options. Moreover, the development will have a strong focus on children, with a wide range of amenities specifically for them, and numerous safe areas where they can roam and play freely. The site will boast several stunning lighting features on building façades and beyond, as well as musical and dancing water fountains that will add a festive night-time feel to the lagoon, the boulevard, and the opera. Further to this, Azizi Boulevard and the neighborhood as a whole will be extravagantly decorated in theme for each season, holiday, and festivity of the year, adding to its popularity as one of the most interesting points of interest in the UAE. Azizi Developments' Sales Gallery can be visited on the 13th floor of the Conrad Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road.
