China Built Giant ROBOTIC Trees! ⛱️ (<b>Smart Cities</b> 2026) #shorts
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Smart Cities
<b>Cities</b> leverage America250 celebrations to boost tourism, civic pride and unity
As the U.S. celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, cities across the country are creating their own unique ways to mark the occasion. “Local celebrations are essential to the semiquincentennial,” Rosie Rios, chair of America250, the nonpartisan organization Congress established in 2016 to oversee planning and coordination of the celebrations, told Smart Cities Dive in an email. “If the 250th anniversary is going to resonate across the country, it must be shaped by the people and communities who make up the American story. That is why the role of cities, towns and local communities is so important to the success of this historic milestone.” The law establishing America250 designated Boston, Charleston, South Carolina, New York City and Philadelphia as “leading cities” for event planning because of their roles in the nation’s founding. But the nonprofit arm of the commission has provided guidance for any and all communities to host celebrations. “Whether it is a citywide festival, a neighborhood gathering, a volunteer project, a student program or a community storytelling initiative, local celebrations help ensure that Americans can participate in ways that feel personal and meaningful,” Rios said. From concerts and museum exhibits to reenactments and neighborhood block parties, cities are highlighting their place in the nation’s story. Musical tributes Many communities are using music to tell their story. In Chicago, the Park District’s America 250: Chicago’s Parks, America’s Stage features performances such as “America: Songs of Protest and Freedom.” Additionally, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s “America 250: A Musical Journey,” including a tribute to composer John Williams and filmmaker Steven Spielberg’s collaborations, is running throughout this month. “When you think of Chicago, music plays a big role in who we are and the influence on American culture and music culture across the world,” said
Why the Energy Harvesting Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 11.7%?
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Lyft charting a path toward more walkable, connected cities | <b>Smart Cities</b> Dive
The transportation mix in many U.S. urban areas now includes bike-share, shared scooters, ride-hailing services and robotaxis. Lyft, which began ride-hailing operations in 2012 in San Francisco, now operates globally and provides many of those services. Smart Cities Dive spoke with Lyft Chief Policy Officer Jerry Golden to learn how the company interacts with city and state leaders and how he sees the future of multimodal urban transportation. Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. SMART CITIES DIVE: How does Lyft interact with city and state officials? JERRY GOLDEN: We have a lot of folks at Lyft that, because of the nature of our work, are located in different state capitals throughout the country. On my team, they are there to deal with mayors, governors, members of the assembly, city council or state senate. What concerns are you hearing from city leaders? Lately, as you can imagine, we've had a lot of affordability questions. We have cities asking questions about how we're helping our drivers meet rising fuel costs. We do have incentive programs where we try to make it a lower-cost opportunity for drivers to stay on the road. Another thing we deal with a lot is pick-up and drop-off curbside opportunities. [We] have to make sure that [we] are monitoring and enforcing that drivers are obeying the rules of the road and that we're showing up the right way for the riders. There's definitely excitement about how to broaden utilization of bike-share. In general, autonomous vehicles are a hot topic right now. Even in cities where we don't yet have arrangements, there are a lot of questions about how we're thinking about them. Lyft will soon begin operating robotaxis in Nashville, Tennessee, in collaboration with Waymo. How are you working with city officials who
Why are Hong Kong IPOs even more frenzied than those in the ...
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Abu Dhabi to host the Forbes Middle East Building the <b>Future</b> Summit 2026
Abu Dhabi to host the Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit 2026 Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) is overseeing one of the largest government development programs in the UAE, managing a capital investment portfolio worth more than Dh200 billion ($54.5 billion). The portfolio includes over 600 ongoing projects spanning housing, transportation, healthcare, education, tourism and community infrastructure. The extensive pipeline reflects Abu Dhabi's long-term strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil, improve quality of life for residents and position the emirate as a global hub for business, tourism and innovation. ADPIC coordinates the planning, delivery and oversight of major public infrastructure projects, ensuring they align with the UAE's broader economic and urban development goals. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here. Among its flagship initiatives are new residential communities, road and transport networks, hospitals, schools, cultural attractions and public amenities designed to support the emirate's growing population while advancing sustainable urban development. This was highlighted as the second edition of the Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit 2026 kicks off in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday (June 23, 2026) under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, bringing together about 3,000 policymakers, business executives and industry experts to examine the future of sustainable urban development across the Middle East and North Africa. Held over two days, June 23-24, the summit is organised by Forbes Middle East in partnership with One Development and will focus on the intersection of infrastructure, smart cities, clean energy, mobility and artificial intelligence. Participants are expected to discuss strategies for building more sustainable and resilient cities, integrating digital technologies into urban planning, and attracting investment into next-generation infrastructure projects as countries across the region pursue ambitious economic diversification
The <b>future</b> lies in India's old <b>cities</b> and their renewal
The idea of Tier I to VI cities was originally developed by the government to calculate employee benefits such as house rent, dearness allowance based on the population size of settlements. Though this classification is no longer officially used, the categories continue in real estate and development circles, where they are defined by land value and population. The seven metropolitan cities remain Tier I, while many smaller state capitals and towns are classified as Tier II, reflecting their investment and land-value potential. Housing markets are a key driver of this hierarchical categorisation, which has since extended into development finance and real estate planning. In its present form, the category of Tier II cities is largely defined by exclusion, emerging from a hierarchy anchored in metropolitan centres. Land markets, investment recovery potential and flexible negotiation environments characterise Tier II and Tier III cities. When land markets become saturated in big cities, investment shifts towards Tier II cities, driving infrastructure growth through wider road networks, metro systems, and new investments in hospitals, hotels and housing. Growth is driven not by the needs of these cities but by external capital pressures, including global financial flows. Local administrations are often ill-equipped to manage these pressures, while the political class is eager to facilitate land-use changes and land transactions. The master planning process has been practised in India for decades and is ideally based on extensive local surveys, public hearings and people’s participation. Needs are assessed through planning standards and regional plan provisions. Tier-based hierarchies are never a criterion in plan preparation. Plans are not driven by financial considerations and typically follow similar physical patterns from city to city, with ring roads, designated industrial land use and broadly density-driven housing. In most cases, external pressures for housing and infrastructure fall outside the planning framework, resulting
Forbes Middle East Summit 2026: Abu Dhabi's Dh255b infrastructure bet in focus
Abu Dhabi summit to spotlight smart, sustainable infrastructure for a future-ready MENA The second edition of the Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit 2026 will take place in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, June 23, and Wednesday, June 24, under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. The summit will bring together approximately 3,000 decision-makers, business leaders, and experts to discuss the future of urban development and sustainable infrastructure across the Middle East and North Africa. Organised in partnership with One Development, the summit will showcase the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of infrastructure and urban development, with a particular focus on smart cities, sustainable planning, and emerging investment opportunities across the region. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here. It will also highlight the role of infrastructure in supporting economic growth and sustainability, while exploring the integration of energy, mobility, housing, water, artificial intelligence, and data centers within a comprehensive ecosystem that supports long-term development. Summit sessions will address a wide range of topics related to the future of infrastructure, including project financing, smart technologies, futuristic architectural designs, and the development of inclusive, people-centered communities. Discussions will also focus on enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness and strengthening its global position in this vital sector, as well as fostering strategic collaboration between government entities and private-sector organizations to accelerate infrastructure development. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “The future of energy and infrastructure will be shaped by the integration of sustainability, innovation, and advanced technologies. The UAE continues to adopt a forward-looking approach that combines clean energy, digital transformation, and resilient infrastructure to support economic growth and enhance quality of life.” He added: “Through collaboration between
Robo.ai To Acquire QC Capital In $60 Million Stock Deal
Robo.ai announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the equity interests of QC Capital Limited. The proposed transaction values QC Capital at $60 million, payable in newly issued Class B ordinary shares of Robo.ai. The consideration shares will be subject to a vesting and release schedule of up to eight years. Robo.ai said the transaction is expected to close within 30 business days, subject to customary closing conditions and other applicable requirements. QC Capital is an AI-driven technology holding and venture-building platform focused on artificial intelligence, robotics, digital infrastructure, smart cities, autonomous driving, and the next-generation digital economy. The proposed acquisition is intended to support Robo.ai’s development of a global artificial intelligence robotics network platform. Robo.ai said the transaction would strengthen its capabilities in technology company sourcing, capital allocation, venture incubation, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, post-investment operations, and global commercialization. The company also noted that the proposed integration builds on its previous experience acquiring Neurovia, an AI visual data processing and compression technology company. QC Capital’s operating model focuses on AI agents, vertical AI applications, and industrial technology enablement across sectors, including industry, transportation, embodied robotics, and intelligent manufacturing. The company expects to accumulate AI data, operating data from portfolio companies, post-investment operating data, and market feedback data. These resources are expected to support its AI Investment Engine and QC Alpha system for industry analysis, project screening, due diligence, risk management, post-investment management, M&A screening, and portfolio optimization. QC Capital’s business system includes four core areas: venture building, strategic investment, M&A platform development, and AI investment technology. Its focus areas include AI infrastructure, smart cities, robotics and AI agents, autonomous driving and intelligent logistics, AI fintech, enterprise AI platforms, and the next-generation digital economy. Under the acquisition agreement, the release of consideration shares will be
Forbes Middle East Building the <b>Future</b> Summit 2026 to Gather Leaders in Abu Dhabi
Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit 2026 to Gather Leaders in Abu Dhabi Senior decision-makers, corporate executives, and construction specialists will convene in Abu Dhabi for the Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit 2026, a major gathering addressing urban development and sustainable infrastructure throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Taking place from June 23 to 24 in collaboration with ONE Development, the summit will highlight emerging trends and technologies influencing infrastructure and urban growth, concentrating on smart cities, environmentally conscious planning, and new investment prospects across the region. Organizers noted that the event will emphasize how integrated infrastructure contributes to economic expansion and sustainability. Discussions will examine how fields such as energy, transportation, housing, water, artificial intelligence, and data centers can function within an interconnected framework supporting long-term progress. More than 3,000 attendees are anticipated, comprising government officials, industry leaders, international investors, and pioneers from essential sectors, along with delegates from ministries, sovereign funds, developers, and infrastructure organizations. The roster of speakers features Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority; Eng. Sharif Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; Eng. Mohamed Al Mansoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs; Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Finance; Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Belajer Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, CEO of the Registration Authority at Abu Dhabi Global Market; Eng. Eisa Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Infrastructure Development Directorate at the Department of Municipalities and Transport; Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government; Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi, Director General of the Urban Planning and Permits Centre at the
proptech keynote speakers & real estate futurist experts for events
21 Jun PROPTECH KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & REAL ESTATE FUTURIST EXPERTS FOR EVENTS Proptech keynote speakers are subject-matter experts who present at conferences, industry summits, corporate events, and investor forums about the intersection of real estate and technology. And per the field’s most popular and best proptech keynote speakers, the term refers to digital innovations that transform how property is bought, sold, managed, designed, and financed. Experts typically come from backgrounds in real estate development, venture capital, SaaS, construction technology, or smart building systems. Thought leaders interpret technological shifts and turn them into strategic insights for real estate professionals, investors, developers, and policymakers. Top proptech keynote speakers might discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping property valuation, how blockchain is streamlining transactions, or how IoT sensors are optimizing building energy efficiency. Futurist consultants and influencers also highlight disruption trends such as co-living platforms, digital mortgage systems, and virtual property tours. Apart from trends, celebrity proptech keynote speakers provide frameworks for digital transformation in real estate firms. Content creators help audiences understand how to adopt new tools, reduce operational inefficiencies, and improve tenant experience. In investor settings, KOLs may analyze funding trends in startups and identify high-growth segments like smart cities or green buildings. Global proptech keynote speakers link traditional real estate and rapidly evolving technology ecosystems, helping stakeholders stay competitive in a data-driven property market. 100 products and services they cover: - Property listing platforms - Real estate CRM systems - Virtual tour software - 3D building modeling tools - BIM (Building Information Modeling) software - Smart locks - Digital mortgage platforms - Real estate marketplaces - Tenant management systems - Lease automation software - Property management SaaS - Smart building sensors - IoT energy systems - Predictive maintenance tools - AI valuation models - Drone surveying services - Digital escrow services
Columbus <b>Smart City</b> challenge, what program did for transportation tech
TECHNOLOGY Remember Smart Columbus? How the city's transit vision evolved In pursuit of a multimillion-dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Columbus said it would become the epicenter of smart transit technology. Does that ambition remain? Emma Wozniak Columbus Dispatch June 21, 2026, 6:01 a.m. ET A decade ago, Columbus pitched itself as the future of transportation. Self-driving shuttles would traverse the streets of Easton Town Center. Street lights would double as wireless Internet hubs. A first-of-its-kind autonomous vehicle corridor would be built. It was that vision, paired with what would become hundreds of millions of dollars in private-sector commitments, that helped Columbus beat more than 70 competing cities to win a $40 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant in 2016 and become the country's "Smart City."
The 8 projects at the core of <b>Smart</b> Columbus
The 8 projects at the core of Smart Columbus Columbus set out to test more than a dozen ideas when it won the Smart Cities challenge in 2016. But not all of those ideas made it to the finish line. Over the course of the program, the city scaled back, revised or altogether dropped projects as various challenges emerged, ultimately focusing on eight core initiatives detailed in a June 2021 report to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Here's a look at those eight projects that came to define the Smart Columbus program, according to its summary report. A data backbone The Smart Columbus Operating System (SCOS) was designed as a centralized platform to collect, manage and share transportation data across city systems. Built using open-source code, it aimed to give agencies, researchers and developers a way to analyze real-time information related to transit. The system ultimately aggregated more than 2,000 datasets and enabled a data-sharing platform Columbus previously lacked. Cars that can communicate The Connected Vehicle Environment (CVE) project was a pilot program that used wireless technology to allow vehicles and traffic infrastructure to "talk" to each other. The goal was to improve safety and traffic flow by sending alerts about hazards like red lights or sudden braking, while also enabling signals to prioritize emergency responders. The system was deployed at 85 intersections and in more than 1,000 vehicles. More than 300 people participated in the pilot project along North High Street, Morse Road and Cleveland Avenue. An app for trip-planning The Pivot app was meant to bring Columbus' transportation offerings – buses, scooters, ride-hailing and more – into a single platform where users could plan, book and pay for trips based on their preferences. Smart Columbus' former executive director, Jordan Davis, told The Dispatch in July 2023 that the
Windhoek <b>Smart City</b> Plan Puts Commuter Rail at Centre
Why it Matters Windhoek’s rapid population growth is placing increasing pressure on the city’s existing transport infrastructure, making integrated public transport a strategic urban priority rather than a standalone mobility issue. The proposed commuter rail link between Windhoek, Katutura and Rehoboth signals a shift towards corridor-based planning, improved accessibility and more structured metropolitan transport development. By positioning rail alongside bus services, non-motorised transport and transit-oriented development, the strategy links mobility directly to inclusion, resilience and economic connectivity. Its success will depend on sustained coordination between the city, national government, development partners and private-sector participants. Namibia’s capital city, City of Windhoek, has identified commuter rail, integrated public transport and sustainable urban mobility as key pillars of its 10-year smart city strategy, with plans to work alongside the national government and development partners to modernise the capital’s transport network. Known as People-Centred Smart City Strategy 2026–2036, the plan is aimed at improving mobility and would be central to the city’s transformation into a more inclusive, resilient and digitally connected urban centre, according to Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona. The 2023 census showed that Windhoek has a population of over 486,000 people, an increase of almost 50% since 2011. This rapid expansion has heavily strained existing transport infrastructure and increased travel times into the city. Among the flagship transport initiatives outlined in the strategy is the proposed introduction of commuter rail services linking Windhoek, the township of Katutura and Rehoboth, situated south of the city. The Ministry of Works and Transport has estimated that the project cost N$2.8 billion. Last year, the ministry undertook a feasibility study of commuter rails to assess if there are potential market players who are willing to develop and operate such transport services under the Public-Private Partnership format. The rail network is envisaged to operate as part of an
Commits 5 Lakh Plus Trees to Support Dholera's <b>Sustainable</b> Growth
SmartHomes Launches 'Green SmartHomes. Green Dholera.' CSR Initiative; Commits 5 Lakh Plus Trees to Support Dholera's Sustainable Growth BusinessWire India Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 20: As Dholera Smart City transitions from vision to implementation and emerges as one of India's most ambitious urban development projects, SmartHomes Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. has announced a landmark environmental commitment under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Through its flagship initiative, 'Green SmartHomes. Green Dholera.,' the company has committed to facilitating the plantation of 5 lakh plus trees across Dholera and its surrounding region over the coming years, contributing towards the creation of a greener, healthier, and more environmentally resilient urban ecosystem. Dholera is being developed as India's first Greenfield Smart City and is rapidly emerging as a next-generation economic and industrial ecosystem driven by renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor investments, intelligent urban infrastructure, sustainable mobility, and world-class urban planning. With transformative projects such as the Dholera International Airport, Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), Lothal, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, renewable energy parks, industrial zones, educational institutions, healthcare infrastructure, residential communities, hospitality projects, and commercial developments taking shape, Dholera Smart City is steadily evolving into one of India's most important economic, industrial, and innovation ecosystems. However, SmartHomes believes that true sustainability extends beyond infrastructure and technology. As this ecosystem continues to expand through large-scale industrialisation, infrastructure creation, urbanisation, logistics networks, manufacturing clusters, and commercial activity, the region's environmental footprint will naturally grow. Maintaining ecological balance alongside economic growth will therefore require a parallel commitment towards afforestation, biodiversity enhancement, carbon sequestration, and the creation of sustainable green assets. Recognising this responsibility, SmartHomes has chosen to initiate action at an early stage of Dholera's growth journey. As an early step under this initiative, SmartHomes recently submitted details of its ongoing plantation efforts under the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle
DEPA, Polish firm ink Phuket <b>Smart City</b> transport MoU
The agreement was signed on Tuesday (June 16) with support from the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), and was accompanied by a forum bringing together government and industry representatives to discuss priorities for Phuket’s smart city development. The MoU was signed by DEPA Acting Director-General Dr Supakorn Sittichai and Piotr Hołubowicz, President of the Management Board of Seedia Sp. z o.o. The ceremony was witnessed by Norbert Bak, Head of PAIH’s Bangkok Office, and DEPA Southern Region Director Pracha Asawathira. Dr Supakorn said smart city development remains one of DEPA’s core missions, with the agency working alongside government bodies, local authorities, educational institutions and the private sector to promote the use of digital technology and innovation in urban management. He explained that the Thailand Smart City Office is coordinating nationwide efforts to improve government services, enhance residents’ quality of life and support sustainable economic growth. DEPA is promoting smart city development across seven key areas: Smart Environment, Smart Mobility, Smart Living, Smart People, Smart Energy, Smart Economy and Smart Governance, he said. Mr Hołubowicz said the partnership aims to encourage the application of technology and innovation in Phuket, particularly in the fields of smart mobility and smart environment, in line with the province’s Smart City development plan. He added that the cooperation will also support project development and create opportunities for participation in international funding programmes. Following the signing ceremony, DEPA hosted a discussion forum on best practices and development priorities for Phuket’s smart city initiatives, with particular emphasis on transport and mobility. Panellists included DEPA Southern Region Director Pracha Asawathira, Phuket Provincial Transport Officer Atcha Buachanth, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation Deputy Mayor Anupap Wechwanichsanong, and Phuket City Development Co Ltd Chairman Waithat Upattisring. The participants exchanged views on the challenges facing Phuket’s transport system and explored how digital
UAE showcases its <b>future cities</b> model at BRICS Urban Forum in India
The UAE highlighted its pioneering experience in developing sustainable, resilient, and people-centered cities that leverage advanced technologies and data-driven approaches to support urban planning and decision-making at the 13th BRICS Urban Forum, hosted in New Delhi, India. The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), took part in the forum held under the theme ‘Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures.’ The delegation was headed by Sheikh Nasser bin Majed Al Qassimi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Regulation at MoEI and also included Eng. Saif Al Qaidi, Director of the Urban Planning Department and Eng Mohammed Fikri, Director of the Land Transport Affairs Department. During the forum, Sheikh Al Qassimi said the country had successfully established an integrated urban development model that balances economic growth, sustainability, and quality of life. This achievement is underpinned by proactive planning, digital transformation, and innovation, enhancing the readiness of cities to adapt to future challenges while supporting the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision. He highlighted the UAE’s continued efforts to advance a sophisticated urban planning ecosystem driven by data and emerging technologies. "This includes the development of national urban frameworks, the National Urban Observatory, and digital planning platforms, alongside the use of geospatial technologies and artificial intelligence to support decision-making and anticipate future community needs," he stated. Al Qaidi during his first panel discussion, titled “Building Inclusive Pathways for Resilient and Equitable Cities," presented the UAE’s experience in promoting inclusive urban growth through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and urban indicators to assess the distribution of services and community facilities, identify development needs, and enhance equitable access to infrastructure and public services. He also highlighted the contribution of the National Urban Observatory and digital planning platforms in enabling evidence-based planning, improving
Interview: China's governance model offers lessons for Global South, says former Egyptian PM
CAIRO, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China's governance model represents a development path that combines modernization, cultural preservation, and people-centered policies, offering valuable lessons for countries across the Global South, former Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf said in a recent interview with Xinhua. Sharaf, who has visited China many times since 2005, said the country's transformation over recent decades has been reflected in rapid economic growth, upgraded infrastructure, and improved living standards. He noted that China has evolved from a developing country facing enormous challenges into the world's second-largest economy, equipped with advanced infrastructure, including high-speed railways, modern ports, smart cities, and growing technological capabilities. "What really matters is how this transformation affected people's lives," he added, pointing to China lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, improving healthcare and education, and raising living standards. The former prime minister, who is also a member of the Advisory Council of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, said many countries now view China's rise not merely as an economic success story, but as a broader model that balances modernization with the preservation of national identity and civilization. During his visits to China, Sharaf said he witnessed firsthand the country's rapid development and the people's strong sense of trust in the government. The Chinese people trust their government and their party and are willing to work hard for their country's future, he said. In Sharaf's view, Chinese-style modernization has fueled growing interest among developing countries because it preserves cultural roots while pursuing economic progress. China has advanced its modernization drive without losing its cultural identity or civilization characteristics, he said, noting that this approach carries important lessons for Arab countries and the wider Global South. He also highlighted China's emphasis on a people-centered approach to governance, saying that this philosophy
How Environment, Sport and Skills Are Shaping Young Change-Makers in
Wrapped in her school jacket against the mountain chill, Nikita Sharma stood with an easy confidence. A student at Government Senior Secondary School in Narag, Sirmaur, she spoke about something most would overlook. In the hills of Himachal Pradesh, she explained, the Chir Pine is not just a tree but a source of living knowledge – its needles once woven into simple food baskets for carrying lunch to school. For UNESCO, the visit was meant to be routine: an assessment of Eco Clubs under Mission LiFE, alongside a quiz taken by more than 8,000 students to gauge awareness of environmental issues. But conversations like this quickly shifted the lens. What emerged was not a gap in knowledge, but a different way of seeing – where students, drawing on local knowledge, understood both problems and solutions in ways that formal education often misses. “In the past, Chir Pine lunch boxes were a sustainable way to carry food,” Nikita said. "Today, plastic has replaced them – even as we are learning how harmful microplastics can be, not just for the environment, but for our own bodies." A few hours away in Mandi, the pattern repeated itself. Another student, echoing Nikita’s clarity, spoke of a different reality – one shaped by a growing cycle of disasters that have struck Himachal Pradesh with increasing intensity. Landslides, flash floods and erratic weather have left deep marks on everyday life, but they have also, unexpectedly, brought communities closer. “Disasters have directly affected us,” the student said, “but they are also bringing people together – not just to talk about climate change, but to act.” What begins in the Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE, she explained, does not stay in the classroom. Students carry these conversations home, where families and communities are starting to rethink everything –
China's governance model offers lessons for Global South, says former Egyptian PM
CAIRO, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China's governance model represents a development path that combines modernization, cultural preservation, and people-centered policies, offering valuable lessons for countries across the Global South, former Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf said in a recent interview with Xinhua. Sharaf, who has visited China many times since 2005, said the country's transformation over recent decades has been reflected in rapid economic growth, upgraded infrastructure, and improved living standards. He noted that China has evolved from a developing country facing enormous challenges into the world's second-largest economy, equipped with advanced infrastructure, including high-speed railways, modern ports, smart cities, and growing technological capabilities. "What really matters is how this transformation affected people's lives," he added, pointing to China lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, improving healthcare and education, and raising living standards. The former prime minister, who is also a member of the Advisory Council of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, said many countries now view China's rise not merely as an economic success story, but as a broader model that balances modernization with the preservation of national identity and civilization. During his visits to China, Sharaf said he witnessed firsthand the country's rapid development and the people's strong sense of trust in the government. The Chinese people trust their government and their party and are willing to work hard for their country's future, he said. In Sharaf's view, Chinese-style modernization has fueled growing interest among developing countries because it preserves cultural roots while pursuing economic progress. China has advanced its modernization drive without losing its cultural identity or civilization characteristics, he said, noting that this approach carries important lessons for Arab countries and the wider Global South. He also highlighted China's emphasis on a people-centered approach to governance, saying that this philosophy