The numbers in the Dáil vote on the Critical Infrastructure Bill last week were what shocked me the most: 132 voted in favour of it and only 15 against. This is the complete opposite of the level of support for the climate law back in 2022 – and for a Bill that can be seen only as a serious attempt to weaken that climate law. The Bill was passed with undue haste and no pre-legislative scrutiny, which explains why it went under the public radar. Although we do need to speed up Ireland’s planning and legal systems, the massive planning law agreed two years ago already provides a way to do just that. The purpose of this new Bill is instead to weaken environmental rights and remove any climate impediment to building new infrastructure, especially the roads that this Government wants to build. Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers was clear in the Dáil debate about wanting to undermine the recent Supreme Court decision in the Coolglass case, which recognised the importance of section 15 of the climate law, requiring a climate assessment of major projects. He was no doubt also mindful of a similar Belfast high court judgment last year, which effectively stalled the A5 Road project. This Bill is designed to work around those two decisions – and thus dilute the climate imperative within our legal code. Chambers said he wanted to avoid endless legal wrangling but he may have created a worse mess. His approach leaves a contradiction in place. The climate law had both belt-and-braces protections in place to ensure future governments stick to the task. Section 15 of the law was the belt but it was backed up with braces, in the form of a requirement for Ministers to account to the Oireachtas for how
May 19, 2026 · via irishtimes.com
Ammon News - By: Abdulhamid Hamid Al-Kba- Across the plains north of Almaty, Kazakhstan is developing a new smart city with an estimated cost of around $25 billion, as part of an ambitious urban project that some local observers describe as an attempt to create the “Singapore of Central Asia.” The city carries the name “Alatau,” a Kazakh word associated with the country’s famous southern mountain ranges and often translated as “multicolored mountains,” reflecting the seasonal changes in the landscape. Yet the new Alatau is being presented not merely as an urban expansion project, but as a distinct economic and legal model designed to redefine the relationship between technology, investment, and urban development in Central Asia. The project is strategically located along the transport corridor linking Western Europe and Western China, giving it significance that goes far beyond traditional urban planning and placing it within Kazakhstan’s broader vision of becoming a regional logistics and digital hub across Eurasia. Since the former village of Zhetigen was granted the status of a city of regional importance in early 2024, Alatau has gradually evolved into a national flagship project receiving direct political attention. That momentum later accelerated when the city was granted a special legal framework providing regulatory and administrative powers different from those of other Kazakh cities. Alatau extends across nearly 96,500 hectares, making it one of the largest new-city projects in Central Asia, with an area roughly twice the size of nearby Almaty. Under the master plan, the city is designed as a multi-centered urban hub that includes: a financial and commercial district, educational and medical clusters, industrial and logistics zones, as well as tourism and leisure projects along the Kapchagay reservoir. According to long-term official plans, Alatau could eventually accommodate around 1.9 million residents and generate nearly one million jobs
May 19, 2026 · via en.ammonnews.net
Outdoor LED Lighting Market Surges as Smart Cities and Energy Efficiency Drive Global Demand Governments, businesses, and urban planners are rapidly adopting outdoor LED lighting systems to reduce energy costs, improve public safety, and modernize infrastructure worldwide. Outdoor LED Lighting Is Reshaping Modern Cities Cities around the world are changing rapidly. Urban populations are growing, infrastructure is expanding, and governments are under increasing pressure to create safer, more sustainable, and energy-efficient environments. In this transformation, outdoor LED lighting has become one of the most important technologies powering modern urban development. According to Renub Research, the global Outdoor LED Lighting Market is expected to grow from US$ 28.14 billion in 2025 to US$ 80.71 billion by 2034, registering an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.42% between 2026 and 2034. The market’s strong momentum is being driven by rising demand for energy-saving technologies, smart city development, and the growing need for durable and low-maintenance lighting systems. From highways and public parks to commercial complexes and stadiums, LED lighting is steadily replacing traditional lighting systems across the globe. The shift is not only about illumination anymore. It is also about sustainability, operational efficiency, digital connectivity, and long-term infrastructure modernization. Why LED Lighting Is Becoming the Preferred Choice Outdoor LED lighting systems use light-emitting diode technology to deliver high brightness while consuming significantly less electricity than conventional incandescent or fluorescent lighting systems. This energy efficiency is one of the biggest reasons for their rapid global adoption. Traditional lighting systems require more power, generate higher heat, and often demand frequent maintenance or replacement. LEDs, on the other hand, provide longer operational lifespans, reduced maintenance costs, and lower electricity consumption. For governments and municipalities responsible for lighting thousands of streets and public spaces, these advantages translate into substantial long-term savings. In many cities, outdoor
May 19, 2026 · via vocal.media
Minister of Municipality H E Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah with Qatar’s delegation participating in the forum. Doha, Qatar: Minister of Municipality H E Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah headed the State of Qatar’s delegation participating in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), hosted by Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan from May 17 to 22, 2026, under the theme “Global Housing: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.” The forum is organised by United Nations Human Settlements Programme, with the participation of officials, decision-makers, and experts concerned with urban development and housing from around the world. Minister of Municipality participated in the opening ceremony of the forum and the accompanying exhibition, attended by Ilham Aliyev, along with a number of senior international officials and decision-makers. The Minister also took part in the ministerial meeting held alongside the forum, which discussed key issues related to the future of cities, including sustainable urban expansion, housing policies, enhancing cities’ resilience to climate challenges, and supporting innovation and digital transformation in urban planning. During his speech, the Minister of Municipality affirmed that the State of Qatar, guided by the Qatar National Vision 2030, adopts an integrated planning approach that links sustainable urban development, modern transportation networks, and environmental sustainability, contributing to improving quality of life and enhancing resource efficiency. He stated: “Building sustainable cities is no longer an option, but a strategic necessity to ensure quality of life and strengthen communities’ ability to face future challenges, including climate change and rapid economic and technological transformations.” He also highlighted the pivotal role played by the public transportation system, particularly the Doha Metro network, in supporting balanced urban development, reducing emissions, and enhancing connectivity between different urban areas. Furthermore, the Minister reviewed Qatar’s experience in developing pioneering urban projects, notably Lusail City and Msheireb
May 19, 2026 · via thepeninsulaqatar.com
[category] [title] Wider pavements, underground cables and a central barrier that may help Nimman’s traffic… or make it worse Chiang Mai’s busiest neighbourhood is about to get a significant upgrade – or is it about to get even more congested? On May 14, a public consultation forum was held at Chiang Mai University to gather input on the Smart Nimman project – an infrastructure overhaul of Nimmanhaemin Road that forms part of the broader Chiang Mai Smart City initiative. In work since 2019, plans have finally emerged, giving us a first look at what Nimman may look like in not too many years from now. And while most of the changes look very positive, some people think the new, single-lane road will only bring more traffic to the already congested district. Here’s what’s changing: The catch – and there is always a catch – is that construction will most certainly affect traffic in the interim. And with two new, thinner road layouts in the works, things could be equally busy even after construction is complete. A middle barrier is reportedly part of the plan – one of the two proposed designs effectively reducing Nimmanhaemin to one lane of traffic in each direction. Access to shops and businesses will also be affected, but the new designs certainly bring a splash of new life to the district – making it more friendly to pedestrians and beautifying the area quite significantly. No confirmed start date has been announced yet. Watch this space – and maybe make plans to find an alternative route to your favourite café, just in case. Discover Time Out original video
May 19, 2026 · via timeout.com
Terra Innovatum Secures Water-Independent Cooling Solution for SOLO™ Reactor Through Supply Agreement with SPG Dry Cooling Advances water-independent heat rejection capability and strengthens scalable balance-of-plant supply chain Supports global deployment across water-constrained and remote environments Water-independent cooling represents a key enabler of global deployment, addressing a primary siting constraint for energy infrastructure and expanding the addressable market for the SOLO™ platform. NEW YORK, May 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terra Innovatum Global N.V. (NASDAQ: NKLR) (“Terra” or the “Company”), developer of the SOLO™ Micro-Modular Reactor, today announced that its wholly owned affiliate, Terra Innovatum S.r.L. has signed an agreement with SPG Dry Cooling for the supply of an Air-Cooled Condenser (ACC) to support the first-of-a-kind (FOAK) deployment of the SOLO™ microreactor. The Air-Cooled Condenser is a critical component of the power conversion system, enabling efficient heat rejection without reliance on water-based cooling. This capability significantly expands deployment flexibility across water-constrained and remote environments, while supporting the scalability of the SOLO™ platform. This agreement paves the way for potential future collaboration for the Supply of SPG Dry Cooling`s standardized BoxAir solution to enable efficient fleet scale deployment. “This agreement reflects the realities of deploying advanced energy systems at scale,” said Alessandro Petruzzi, Co-Founder, and Chief Executive Officer of Terra Innovatum. “By eliminating dependence on water-based cooling, the SOLO™ platform can be deployed across a significantly broader set of environments, unlocking global demand. At the same time, we are aligning with proven industrial partners to build a supply chain designed for standardization, and repeatable deployment.” Torsten Andersch, Executive Vice-President of SPG Dry Cooling, added, “As a global leader in air-cooled condenser systems, we leverage decades of expertise in delivering water-free heat rejection solutions across the most demanding environments. We are proud to support Terra Innovatum in the FOAK deployment of the SOLO™
May 19, 2026 · via energydigital.com
Architecting a Livable Future: How AI is Redefining Smart Cities 70 Pasir Panjang Rd #03 71 Mapletree Business City II Singapore 117371 Join Google for “Architecting a Livable Future: How AI is Redefining Smart Cities”, an exclusive, invitation-only workshop held on the margins of the World Cities Summit 2026. This high-level, closed-door event provides a forum for mayors and urban leaders to engage in open dialogue regarding the impact of Artificial Intelligence on modern environments. The session focuses on moving beyond theory to demonstrate how technology can be used to build safer, healthier, and more resilient urban communities. The workshop is designed as a collaborative space where local policymakers can exchange firsthand experiences and practical strategies for delivering more efficient public services. By highlighting real-world applications in areas such as smart mobility and infrastructure optimization, the event showcases how partnership between technology and local leadership can address the unique challenges of global cities. Speakers - Cris Turner, Vice President, Government Affairs & Public Policy Knowledge & Information Products, Google - Yolyn Ang, Vice President, Knowledge & Information Partnerships APAC, Google Our goal is to empower leaders with the tools and insights necessary to drive growth and improve the quality of life for all residents. We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of insightful discussion focused on creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for cities worldwide. Register now here: https://rsvp.withgoogle.com/events/wcs-local-leaders
May 18, 2026 · via cities-today.com
Greensboro has leaned hard into the idea that better digital tools mean better government. Online permit portals, community dashboards, and texting services, the Triad’s largest city has embraced the smart-city playbook with genuine enthusiasm. The problem is that the playbook doesn’t address the actual source of residents’ frustration. The gap between a slick interface and real accountability is wide. Technology can streamline how information moves, but it can’t restructure who holds power or how officials answer for their decisions. That’s a political problem, and no app has ever solved one of those. Why Civic Apps Don’t Replace Real Accountability Nationally, smart city adoption data shows that 90% of smart cities now use digital tools to engage residents. Greensboro isn’t behind the curve on adoption. It’s behind on the part that actually matters. Platforms communicate information; they don’t enforce consequences. When an elected official avoids a hard vote, no dashboard flags it. When a city department slow-walks a community concern, no texting service escalates it automatically. These are failures of political accountability, and they require political solutions, tougher oversight, stronger civic organizing, and officials who face real electoral pressure. Where Residents Actually Turn for Answers Here’s where the civic-tech narrative starts to unravel. Residents who need real answers about zoning decisions, infrastructure spending, or contract awards don’t open a city app. They file public records requests, attend council meetings, or call a journalist. Those channels are analog, slow, and often frustrating, but they’re the ones that produce actual accountability. It’s worth noting that some residents have found better luck exploring entirely different platforms for civic engagement and information. Even people browsing options like the best offshore casinos online have access to transparent interfaces as a baseline. Users can typically track transactions, monitor account activity in real time, and access support systems
May 18, 2026 · via triad-city-beat.com
JERUSALEM, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Israeli technology and innovation experts said on Monday at a smart mobility summit in Tel Aviv that they see growing opportunities for cooperation with China in areas including electric vehicles (EVs), drones and intelligent transportation systems. The ninth Samson International Smart Mobility Summit, held from May 17 to 18, brought together representatives from Israeli government agencies, global companies, investment firms, research institutions and startups. The event focused on artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, urban air mobility, smart cities, cybersecurity and big data. The summit featured more than 100 mobility startups, along with keynote speeches, panel discussions and business matchmaking sessions. Jonathan Menuhin, CEO of the Israel Innovation Institute, said some of the world's most significant mobility innovations are now coming from China, which has developed a distinctive innovation ecosystem and achieved rapid progress in the sector. Chinese technologies and products drew strong interest at the exhibition, with several companies already working with Chinese partners to introduce intelligent transportation and drone products into the Israeli market. David Cohen, manager of Uniqor, highlighted China's strengths in EVs, batteries, and supply chains, while noting Israeli companies excel in software and tailored system solutions. Exhibitors said that smart mobility technologies are rapidly expanding into autonomous driving, vehicle sensing, and urban traffic management. Many participants noted that China offers a large market, robust manufacturing, and diverse application scenarios, while Israel brings advantages in sensors, cybersecurity, and traffic safety technologies. Participants said the shift toward electrified, connected, and intelligent transportation is expected to create new opportunities for scientific and technological cooperation between China and Israel. ■
May 18, 2026 · via english.news.cn
Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner continued to decry housing-first policies and “wasteful spending” as he defended billions of dollars in cuts to the agency’s proposed budget for fiscal 2027. Turner on Thursday testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee, fielding bipartisan scrutiny and at times heated exchanges from legislators as he sought to secure support for the budget proposal. “Taxpayer dollars are finite. Our responsibility is not,” Turner said in a prepared statement before the committee. The agency’s budget proposal “reins in wasteful spending, stops the ballooning of federal welfare programs, and continues HUD’s focus on serving the American people,” he said. HUD is seeking $73.5 billion in funding, down 13% from fiscal 2026, in a budget that eliminates some longstanding housing and homeless programs for local governments, such as the Community Development Block Grant and Continuum of Care programs. The agency is shifting away from housing-first policies and instead prioritizing supportive services and more “pathways to self-sufficiency,” Turner said. The agency also said it is introducing 20-hour-a-week work requirements and five-year time limits for “able-bodied Americans” receiving federal rental assistance. “Housing-first advocates fed a homeless industrial complex that simply warehoused the homeless and called it a day,” Turner said, arguing that increased funding from the prior administration coincided with higher rates of homelessness. Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, D-N.Y., asked Turner for data such as updated national point-in-time homeless counts, a report that has been delayed since December. “I get it to say, ‘We don’t want to fund programs if they’re not working well enough’ … but I’d like to see the results,” she said. “Where is the homelessness data report? … That would give us the data to see if your theory about how to address homelessness actually works.” Turner blamed the prolonged government shutdown last year
May 18, 2026 · via multifamilydive.com
360iResearch lists the smart waste management market at USD 2.81 billion in 2025, USD 3.12 billion in 2026, and USD 5.95 billion by 2032, with an 11.30% CAGR. AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, May 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The global smart waste management market reached $3.12 billion in 2026, up from $2.81 billion in 2025, according to a new 360iResearch forecast. The market is projected to reach $5.95 billion by 2032, with an astounding 11.30% compound annual growth rate. The report points to stronger adoption of IoT sensors, route optimization tools, analytics dashboards, fleet management systems, and cloud-based deployments. Municipal teams and private haulers now face heavier service demands, tighter compliance requirements, and higher pressure to control collection costs. This mix has pushed more organizations to compare an online waste management platform against older systems built around fixed routes, paper logs, and scattered spreadsheets. Old methods can work for a bit, but it is rapidly falling behind and becoming obsolete. Both vendors and municipalities are shifting to software like Routeware, which provides one of the best all-in-one platforms for routing, dispatch, customer service, billing,, compliance, and fleet operations. As waste management technology keeps moving into the field, the strongest platforms will help crews see routes, service issues, review assets, and manage customer communication in one place. Software has become a more serious part of daily waste operations. The 360iResearch forecast names product categories like software, services, hardware, GPS modules, RFID tags, environmental sensors, and waste analytics dashboards. As the market grows, waste organizations with connected systems will be better positioned to control costs, strengthen service reliability, reduce field headaches, and keep daily operations moving with fewer surprises. John Weisner Waste Management Software Updates email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind.
May 18, 2026 · via knoxnews.com
Cities around the world are searching for better ways to respond to climate change, rapid urban expansion, and growing infrastructure demands. Traditional planning methods often struggle to process the massive amounts of environmental and geographic data needed to make informed decisions. Now, researchers have introduced a smart city AI solution that could reshape how urban areas prepare for future climate risks. Why Cities Need Smarter Climate Planning Tools Urban areas face multiple environmental pressures at the same time. Rising temperatures, flooding, pollution, traffic congestion, and population growth continue to stretch city resources and infrastructure. The new platform, called Ontoraster, was developed by researcher Dr. Arka Ghosh at Umeå University. According to a recent report from Phys.org, the system is designed to help planners and researchers analyze environmental and urban data more efficiently using artificial intelligence, semantic technologies, and geospatial mapping. Climate-resilient urban planning focuses on helping cities prepare for these risks before they become emergencies. However, urban planners often deal with fragmented datasets stored across different systems, making analysis slow and difficult. This is one reason why artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly valuable in city planning. AI systems can organize and analyze huge volumes of information much faster than traditional methods. Some of the main challenges cities currently face include: - Increasing heatwaves and urban heat islands - Flooding caused by extreme weather events - Poor air quality and rising emissions - Overcrowded transportation systems - Pressure on energy and water resources - Expanding infrastructure demands A smart city AI solution can help planners connect these issues and identify patterns that may not be obvious through manual analysis alone. How the New AI System Works Ontoraster was developed to simplify the way environmental and urban data are processed. Instead of handling datasets separately, the system links multiple forms of information
May 18, 2026 · via natureworldnews.com
Can artificial intelligence build smarter and more inclusive cities? Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how modern cities function. From traffic management and public transportation to policing, healthcare, energy systems and urban planning, AI is becoming deeply integrated into urban life. Governments around the world increasingly view smart technologies as essential tools for solving some of the biggest challenges facing rapidly growing cities. RECOMMENDED STORIES At the same time, the expansion of AI powered urban systems is raising major concerns about privacy, inequality, surveillance and digital control. Critics warn that while AI can improve efficiency and sustainability, it may also deepen social divisions if access to technology remains unequal or if governments rely excessively on automated decision making. These debates have become one of the central discussions at World Urban Forum 13, where policymakers, urban planners, technology companies and researchers are examining how artificial intelligence may shape the cities of the future. The core question is increasingly clear: can AI help create cities that are not only smarter, but also more inclusive, sustainable and humane? Why are cities turning to artificial intelligence? Urban populations are growing at an unprecedented pace. According to United Nations estimates, nearly 70 percent of the world’s population could live in urban areas by 2050. This rapid urbanization is placing enormous pressure on transportation networks, housing systems, public utilities, healthcare infrastructure and environmental sustainability. Traditional governance systems often struggle to manage such complexity in real time. AI offers governments a way to process massive amounts of data quickly and automate many urban management functions. Modern cities generate enormous volumes of information every day through: - Traffic cameras - Public transport systems - Energy grids - Mobile devices - Smart sensors - Weather monitoring systems - Surveillance networks - Digital public services Artificial intelligence can analyze this data
May 18, 2026 · via news.az
photo: dunyo As global attention turns to the 13th session of the World Urban Forum 13 in Azerbaijan's capital Baku, Uzbek media are highlighting the country’s rapid urban transformation and growing role in shaping the future of sustainable cities. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is set to address the Leaders Summit at the UN-backed forum, which is being held under the theme “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities”, The Caspian Post reports via UzDaily. The major international gathering is organized by the UN-Habitat together with Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture. The forum’s agenda focuses on tackling the global housing crisis, improving urban resilience and building smarter, more sustainable communities. Uzbek media emphasized that urbanization has become one of the country’s top national priorities under Mirziyoyev’s leadership. Over the past eight years, more than 120 million square meters of housing - including over 600,000 homes and apartments - have been built across Uzbekistan. Authorities also provided preferential mortgages and subsidies worth 103 trillion sums to more than 541,000 citizens. As a result, Uzbekistan’s urbanization level has risen from 40.3% in 1991 to 51% today, with nearly 20 million people now living in cities. The report also highlighted sweeping reforms in the construction sector. Nearly 10,000 construction companies have launched operations over the last nine years, while building permit procedures have been dramatically simplified. More than 140 new urban planning standards have also been introduced. The United Nations sees cities as a key battleground in addressing climate change, infrastructure pressures and migration challenges. Discussions at WUF13 are expected to focus heavily on affordable housing, smart cities, transport systems, waste management and climate-resilient urban infrastructure. The forum’s final document - the anticipated “Baku Call to Action” - is expected to outline practical global measures to tackle the worsening
May 18, 2026 · via caspianpost.com
ABU DHABI, UAE, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Neurovia AI, an AI data processing and visual infrastructure provider, and a subsidiary of Robo.ai Inc. (NASDAQ: AIIO), today announced its inaugural appearance in the 9th International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR 2026) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. ISNR Abu Dhabi is the region's most trusted platform to bring together international officials, technology partners and stakeholders from public and private sectors. Neurovia's participation at the ISNR 2026 marks a pivotal milestone in its international expansion and technological validation. During the exhibition, Neurovia AI will present its core technology platform, NeuroStream™. Utilizing a bitmap vectorization algorithm, the platform is engineered for scenarios requiring strict data accuracy, including national security, smart city infrastructure, and unmanned systems. By maintaining data fidelity while minimizing bandwidth and power consumption, Neurovia is addressing the critical bottlenecks in physical AI deployment. ISNR 2026, themed "Securing Tomorrow Today," focuses on advancing innovative technologies to address emerging global security challenges, with a strong emphasis on AI, surveillance, and critical infrastructure protection. "Neurovia's solutions address the growing demand for sovereign AI infrastructure," stated Mansoor Ali Khan, Chief Technology Officer of Neurovia AI. "ISNR 2026 provides an ideal platform for Neurovia to work closely with government entities, security communities, and industry partners to alleviate the infrastructure and data burden, and to unleash the full AI potential." The company intends to engage with government agencies and system integrators in the region to discuss potential collaborations. These discussions will focus on the commercial deployment of low-latency, high-security AI data infrastructure in public and private sectors. About Neurovia AI Limited Neurovia AI , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed Robo.ai Inc. (NASDAQ: AIIO), provides AI data processing and visual infrastructure through its NeuroStream™ platform. Dedicated to transitioning visual data from human viewing to machine understanding, the
May 18, 2026 · via prnewswire.co.uk
Azerbaijan's $10bn reconstruction drive finds global stage at WUF13 Azerbaijan is once again at the center of the global agenda, hosting the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). Held under the motto "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities," this forum will feature some of the leading urban planning experts, governmental officials, international organizations, and representatives of academia and civil society to address the key problems in relation to the issues of urbanization that the world faces today. Gathering some of the best professionals in the field of urban planning in Baku, this high-profile forum is another proof of the rising importance of Azerbaijan's institutions on an international level after the success of COP29. And having just passed its first day, it looks like Baku will do just fine. The current 13th World Urban Forum, co-organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of Azerbaijan, has already attracted an unprecedented number of 32,225 people from 180 nations across the globe. This forum is being held at the Baku Olympic Stadium, and importantly, the WUF13 falls during the halfway review of the New Urban Agenda, which means that the findings will have a direct influence on the UN Secretary-General’s 2026 report on urbanization. The scale of the event reflects Azerbaijan's growing institutional ambitions. President Ilham Aliyev has declared 2026 the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture" in Azerbaijan, a declaration framing this as a bold, hopeful part of a broader national urban transformation strategy. On its first day, the forum saw Azerbaijan host a ministerial discussion on the New Urban Agenda, taking place halfway into the 20-year implementation period for the agenda, to take stock of its achievements and determine what lies ahead. Another landmark moment is
May 18, 2026 · via azernews.az
Naver Cloud is accelerating its penetration of the Japanese local government market by showcasing its AI welfare call service, 'Naver CareCall,' at Japan's largest public digital transformation (DX) exhibition. NAVER Cloud announced that it participated in 'Government & Public Sector Week Japan 2026,' held in Tokyo, Japan from the 13th to the 15th, and introduced its AI-based care service, 'NAVER CareCall.' 'Local Government & Public Week' is a representative exhibition in the field of public digital transformation sponsored by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. It operates with a focus on technologies and services related to smart cities and public DX, and last year, approximately 554 local governments and over 21,000 officials participated. Naver Cloud operated a CareCall experience zone at the event, allowing on-site visitors to directly receive AI calls and experience the service. Visitors experienced the service by engaging in natural conversations with the AI via their smartphones regarding their health status or daily well-being. The company explained that officials from major Japanese municipalities, in particular, showed keen interest in CareCall's natural Japanese conversation capabilities and interactive features. It was reported that consultations regarding the feasibility of actual implementation and operational methods also took place on-site. “Solving the Care Workforce Shortage”… Attention Focused on Izumo City Case During the exhibition, Naver Cloud expanded its nationwide business touchpoints by holding consultations with numerous Japanese local governments considering the adoption of CareCall. In particular, the fact that it has already secured local implementation cases in Japan has attracted attention. Naver CareCall has been in operation in Izumo City, one of Japan's super-aged cities, since June of last year. Locally, it is being evaluated as playing the role of an AI-based care infrastructure that reduces repetitive tasks for welfare staff and minimizes care gaps. At this event, Naver Cloud also
May 18, 2026 · via venturesquare.net
Iveda Solutions stock (US46583A1043): Investors await the next catalyst 17.05.2026 - 21:10:23 | ad-hoc-news.deIveda Solutions has drawn renewed attention from retail investors after market-data pages recently highlighted the stock and analyst commentary around its valuation. The company, which markets AI-enabled video surveillance and smart-city software, remains a small-cap U.S. technology name with direct exposure to enterprise security spending and municipal digital infrastructure. As of 17.05.2026 By the editorial team – specialized in equity coverage. At a glance - Name: Iveda Solutions Inc - Sector/industry: Technology / AI video surveillance and smart-city software - Headquarters/country: United States - Core markets: U.S. commercial security, municipalities, and international digital-infrastructure projects - Home exchange/listing venue: Nasdaq Capital Market (ticker: IVDA) - Trading currency: USD Iveda Solutions: core business model Iveda Solutions develops software and devices for video surveillance, cloud-based monitoring, and connected infrastructure. The company’s business model is centered on selling technology that helps customers manage cameras, analyze video feeds, and connect physical assets to digital platforms. For U.S. investors, that places the stock in a niche that can move with enterprise IT spending, public-sector procurement, and broader demand for security tools. The company’s website describes its focus on AI-enabled solutions and smart-city applications, which can include remote monitoring, analytics, and connected-device management. That mix makes Iveda relevant to investors who track small-cap software names with a hardware-adjacent angle, especially when city governments, schools, industrial sites, or property managers increase spending on surveillance and automation. Main revenue and product drivers for Iveda Solutions Iveda’s results are typically tied to its ability to win contracts, expand deployments, and convert product interest into recurring software and service revenue. Because the company operates at the intersection of security and cloud software, investors often watch for order announcements, partnerships, or customer wins that can signal whether adoption is
May 18, 2026 · via ad-hoc-news.de
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has approved an outline for the City’s General Planning for the 2025–2050 period, with a strategic vision extending 100 years into the future. The planning covers the city’s entire administrative boundary of approximately 6,772.59 sq.km, encompassing 168 administrative units, including 113 wards, 54 communes, and the Con Dao special zone. The plan also accounts for potential sea reclamation areas to accommodate economic development needs. Furthermore, the scope of research extends beyond administrative borders to include neighboring localities such as Dong Nai city and the provinces of Tay Ninh, Dong Thap, and Lam Dong, along with relevant maritime spaces. Strategically, the city aims to become a sustainable, innovative, and leading liveable megacity in the Asia-Pacific region. The development framework focuses on harmonizing economic growth with environmental protection, social equity, and the preservation of cultural values. By 2050, the city targets becoming one of the world's top 100 cities for quality of life and serving as a premier regional hub for finance, commerce, services, logistics, tourism, education, healthcare, science, and innovation. The city is also positioned as an international trade gateway and a vital maritime link for the region and the nation. Serving as the country's primary economic engine, HCMC is expected to drive widespread development through the North-South and East-West economic corridors. To achieve this, the city will transition to a multi-centric megacity model supported by modern, synchronized infrastructure, smart governance, and enhanced climate resilience. The plan places a high priority on elevating the living standards and income levels of residents to rank among the leaders in the Southeast Asia, ensuring a safe, humane, and culturally rich environment. Regarding economic performance, the city targets an average GRDP growth rate of at least 10% per year during the 2025–2050 period. Under the most favorable domestic
May 17, 2026 · via en.vneconomy.vn
Anders Lendager is contemplating the practicalities of a new 20-story skyscraper in Aarhus, Denmark. And this one is all about practicality. It's not just any skyscraper. This one, built last year in the port district of Sydhavnen, is made of wood and recycled material. In fact, it is Denmark's tallest wooden building. TRÆ is Lendager's creation, inspired by the climate crisis and years of pushing the limits of what you can, and can't, reuse in a building. "We wanted to show what is possible," says Lendager, who runs his eponymous Danish-Icelandic architecture firm. Lendager's creation — and indeed, Aarhus itself — is a powerful reminder that the world we live in is a finite resource. Denmark's second city has moved beyond aspirational climate goals. It has internalized the Nordic sensibility that security, safety, and high quality of life are inseparable from environmental integrity. How Aarhus is becoming a sustainable tourist destination Here are some of the city's sustainability highlights: Climate target: The overriding objective of the climate plan is achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Energy transition: The city phased out coal energy a decade ago and is switching to geothermal heating. Waste as a resource: Waste is integrated into the city's energy supply, with the municipal incinerator facility burning around 42 percent of collected waste to produce electricity and warm water, supplying 16 percent of the heat consumed by the district heating system. Only about 2 percent of waste ends up as landfill. Green shipping incentives: The Port of Aarhus established Denmark's first shore power facility for cruise ships in 2023, allowing docked ships to connect to green electricity from Danish wind turbines. But to really see how sustainable Aarhus has become, you have to visit. This region offers everything from climate-change-proof streets to back-to-nature accommodations. And its sustainability leaders
May 17, 2026 · via forbes.com