Kazakhstan, Central Asia’s largest economy, is building an entirely new smart city designed around drones and flying transportation systems from day one. This week, California-based company A2Z Drone Delivery announced a partnership with Kazakhstan’s Alatau Advance Air Group as part of the country’s massive Alatau City project, a planned smart city that aims to integrate next-generation air mobility directly into daily life. The partnership officially launched during the opening ceremony of the UAM Test Center Eurasia in Alatau, where companies demonstrated technologies that could eventually support everything from drone deliveries to emergency response operations and even passenger air taxis. While drone demonstrations and futuristic transportation concepts have become increasingly common worldwide, Kazakhstan’s approach stands out because the country is attempting to design the infrastructure, regulations, and urban planning simultaneously, instead of retrofitting existing cities later. That’s a major difference. Alatau City is still under development, but planners envision it as a fully integrated smart city where low-altitude aircraft are built into transportation systems from the start. The project includes plans for vertiports, autonomous drone operations, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and digital infrastructure designed specifically for urban air mobility. Kazakhstan has also already adopted experimental air regulations to support these technologies, signaling that the government is willing to move faster than many countries still debating how drones and autonomous aircraft should operate in urban areas. According to project leaders, the goal is to spend the next two years developing infrastructure and testing systems ahead of a planned commercial launch in 2028. The project is also notable for the international collaboration behind it. Companies and organizations from the United States, China, Italy, and South Korea are participating in various stages of development and testing. Organizers say the initiative has so far been funded entirely through private investment. For A2Z
May 26, 2026 · via dronedj.com
Drone Delivery Inc today announced a partnership with Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd (AAAG), a company pioneering the future of air mobility in Central Asia. The partnership kicked off from the opening ceremony of the UAM Test Center Eurasia in the Golden District of Alatau City, the test bed for the country’s ambitious next-generation Urban Air Mobility (UAM) project, combining electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, air taxis, and unmanned logistics drones into what will soon be a regional network of vertiports. As one of the opening partners, A2Z Drone Delivery demonstrated how its A2Z AirDocks and Longtail multi-mission commercial aircraft will become key components in an integrated mixed-use unmanned aerial ecosystem. “UAM Test Center Eurasia is the base for all unmanned systems testing being conducted as part of the Alatau City Project, an entirely new city currently under planning,” according to a drone Delivery press release. “Alatau City has been designed from the outset as a smart city that integrates new types of transport, digital services, and recently adopted experimental air regulations allowing air mobility to be embedded directly into the city’s master plan. With the participation of international partners from China, South Korea, Italy, and the United States, all stages from research to the demonstration flights have been funded entirely by private investment.” “Alatau City is being designed from scratch, which provides a unique advantage, as air mobility can be integrated into the city’s master plan right from the start. Over the next two years, we will develop the infrastructure and prepare for a commercial launch by 2028,” said Sergey Khegay, Co-Founder and CEO of Alatau Advanced Air Group Ltd. A2Z Drone Delivery was selected for the project to provide its expertise and technological solutions related to autonomous and beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operations, dock-based charging systems, and
May 26, 2026 · via unmannedairspace.info
Abstract With the advancement of ubiquitous connectivity and autonomous intelligence, future urban transportation systems are expected to become increasingly integrated across modes and contexts, necessitating a scalable and generic city-wide urban traffic prediction framework for traffic management. However, most existing studies focus on traffic flow prediction for a specific transport mode under a single scenario or time granularity, limiting their ability to generalize across diverse transport modes and scenarios. To solve these challenges, we propose a large language model (LLM)-based scalable and generic city-wide urban traffic prediction framework (LLM-UTP) for short-term traffic flow prediction. It captures the generic trends and specific fluctuations across different transport modes and scenarios and consists of three parts: a trend data enhancement module, a spatiotemporal feature encoding module, and an LLM module. Extensive experiments conducted on 11 large-scale real-world traffic datasets from 29 cities/areas covering a wide range of transport modes, traffic scenarios, and time granularities to validate the proposed model’s complexity, scaling law, scalability, generality, and predictive performance, demonstrating its superiority. These results highlight the practical potential of LLM-UTP as a scalable and generic foundation model for intelligent traffic management and decision-making in future smart cities. Similar content being viewed by others Acknowledgements We thank Jinsong Ji and Yongjie Yang for their assistance with figure plotting. Funding J.L.Z., L.X.Y., and Z.Y.G. disclose support for this work. L.X.Y. and Z.Y.G. received support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 72288101]. J.L.Z. received support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant numbers 72431002 and 72201029] and the Beijing Natural Science Foundation [grant numbers 4252049 and L251030]. L.X.Y. also received support from the Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Disciplines Breakthrough Plan of the Ministry of Education of China [grant number JYB2025XDXM211]. All other authors declare no relevant funding. Author information Authors and Affiliations Corresponding
May 26, 2026 · via nature.com
Automotive RFID Tag Market Outlook: Automotive RFID Tag Market size was valued at USD 5.3 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 31.4 billion by the end of 2035, registering around 19.5% CAGR during the forecast period, i.e., 2026-2035. In 2026, the industry size of automotive RFID tag is estimated at USD 6.3 billion. The global automotive RFID tag market is being shaped by different foundational factors, such as chip manufacturing, standardization efforts, the growing adoption of cloud-based data management platforms, real-time analytics, an increase in electric vehicle production, and the availability of automotive parts. According to official statistics published by the IEA Organization in 2026, the electric car industry successfully reached new records, accounting for a growth by 20% from 2024 and surpassing 20 million sales. Additionally, the sales share of these vehicles in the overall car sector also surged to 25%, marking the 5th consecutive year with 3.5 million electric cars. Besides, as per the 2026 OEC data report, Germany is considered the top exporter of motor vehicle components, which is valued at USD 64 billion, while the U.S. is considered the largest importer with USD 90.8 billion in valuation, thereby positively impacting the market growth globally. Global Electric Car Sales Analysis (In Million), 2020-2026e | Year | China | Europe | U.S. | Rest of World | | 2020 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.2 | | 2021 | 3.3 | 2.3 | 0.6 | 0.3 | | 2022 | 6.0 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 0.6 | | 2023 | 8.1 | 3.2 | 1.4 | 1.0 | | 2024 | 11.2 | 3.2 | 1.5 | 1.4 | | 2025 | 13.2 | 4.2 | 1.5 | 2.0 | | 2026e | 14.3 | 5.0 | 1.2 | 2.9 | Source:
May 26, 2026 · via researchnester.com
The Future of African Cities: Beyond Complex Policies to Localized Policies and Action - Human Rights Research Center - 8 hours ago - 9 min read Author: Kudzaiishe Seti, MSc May 26, 2026 Picture of illegal dumpsite in a residential suburb in the city of Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng Province, South Africa. [Image credit: Kudzaiishe Seti] Introduction African urban and rural spaces face unprecedented pressures in the 21st century. Population growth and economic ambitions have brought development, but this development has come with multiple challenges to service delivery and decent human habitation. Each area has its own unique challenges in relation to its geography, population size, economic activities, and other anthropogenic and biophysical environments (biogeochemical processes). Urban and rural spaces have distinct problems even if they are part of the same country or region within a country. The incessant growth of these problems calls for varying approaches to the challenges these communities face. Development partners in the form of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have unearthed the backbone of the causes of these challenges. While some solutions have flourished, donor dependence syndrome and communities’ inability to continue best practices show that there is a need to do more beyond simple aid. Communities struggle to maintain intervention practices introduced by NGOs and are unable to achieve scalability or replicability. This lack does not diminish the work the NGO sector is doing, but rather calls for an inclusive approach to development by ensuring that public office bearers are equipped with best practices on addressing challenges affecting communities. The development sector, private sector, and central government can work within the same framework to ensure sustainable and lasting solutions to communities. The Problems African challenges in the 21st century need to move from overreliance on donor funds and interventions to learning and practice. There is a need for
May 26, 2026 · via humanrightsresearch.org
While most municipalities rely primarily on property taxes to pay for infrastructure, smaller cities have increasingly turned to local, cash-based funding rather than debt financing over the last four years, according to the National League of Cities’ 2026 infrastructure report. That financial strategy has left them well-positioned for the future, one expert says. From 2022 through 2026, 71% of the cities surveyed used both debt financing and cash-based funding to pay for capital infrastructure. Twenty percent relied exclusively on cash funding, and 9% relied solely on debt financing. But for smaller cities, “there’s a hidden story here,” the report’s lead author, Farhad Omeyr, NLC program director, research and data, told Smart Cities Dive. Omeyr said cities with populations below 50,000 often aren’t well-positioned to issue debt to pay for infrastructure, so they rely on their general fund — “meaning their piggy bank, basically.” Those piggy banks have been full over the last four years due to strong property tax revenues and American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, he said. Because they’ve had more cash on hand over the last four years, smaller cities have tended to rely on cash-based infrastructure payments rather than dealing with the bond market, Omeyr said. But that cash is drying up. Omeyr estimates cities’ ARPA and SLFRF money will be spent in “three years, tops. And if property taxes start to taper off, that’s another piece of the puzzle that smaller communities need to consider” when it comes to infrastructure funding. The good news is that the report found smaller communities rarely used their SLFRF funds for infrastructure maintenance, Omeyr said. Instead, they’ve earmarked that money for major projects like building bridges and roads and used their “piggy banks” for maintenance. Consequently, he believes many smaller cities will be well-positioned to
May 26, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
Dive Brief: - ClearGov launched an AI-powered platform last week designed to turn city budget data into easy-to-understand budget summaries with interactive visuals for constituents, it said in a news release. - The Financial Engagement platform also offers city finance teams AI insights into community values and budget expectations, as well as two-way feedback channels with the public that can include polls, surveys and open questions shared via web and text messaging. - Rochester Hills, Michigan; Cleveland; Placer County, California; and Southwest Public Libraries in Ohio participated in the platform’s early adopter program. Dive Insight: As more local governments embrace AI’s promise of increased efficiency, public sentiment around the technology has lagged. One survey last year found that half of U.S. residents are “uncomfortable” with the government’s AI use. In a ClearGov case study, Rochester Hills officials said they wanted to use the Financial Engagement platform to hear from a wider array of residents. “We do have those members from the public that seem to come to every single council meeting and have their opinions, but that’s really the vocal minority,” Rochester Hills CFO Joe Snyder said in the case study. “We really wanted to get a better sense of the silent majority of residents that are out there.” The city used an AI chatbot to field questions about its 300-page budget and received “hundreds” of resident comments within weeks of launch, spanning every major service area, including roads, public safety and parks, according to the case study. The city’s platform, which is available year-round, includes an interactive pie chart of its expenditures and lists infrastructure investments and capital improvement projects. The feedback channels helped the city identify residents’ desire for better pathways near schools, according to the case study, and enabled the city to turn its data into "a
May 26, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
33rd Convergence India & 11th Smart Future Cities India Expo Set to Accelerate AI, 6G, and Next-Generation Urban Innovation NewsVoir New Delhi [India], March 20: The 33rd Convergence India & 11th Smart Future Cities India Expo 2026, jointly organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and Exhibitions India Group (EIG), with support from IndiaAI Mission, Digital India and MeitY, is set to mark a defining milestone in India's digital and urban transformation journey. Scheduled for March 23-25, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, this three-day expo will bring together participants from 25 countries, featuring cutting-edge advancements and solutions in telecom, satcom, 6G, AI, big data, IoT, cybersecurity, smart governance, fintech, semiconductors, embedded tech, smart mobility, and more, to an audience exceeding 50,000. The event will feature global technology companies, such as Google, AWS, Microsoft, Zoom, Escort Sensors, Telit Cinterion, and more, alongside a distinguished lineup of speakers, including; Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI; Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & IT & CEO, IndiaAI Mission; A. Dhanalakshmi, Joint Secretary, Department of Science & Technology; Dr. J. B. V. Reddy, Head - Quantum Technology Cell, DST; Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow; H.E. Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain, amongst 200 leaders from government and industry. Sharing his views about the prestigious event, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union Minister for MSME said 'Convergence India has long been a champion of India's digital revolution, and Smart Cities India has played a crucial role in the country's ongoing modernisation development initiatives. By supporting the Government of India's vision of 'Digital India', 'Make in India', and 'Smart Cities Mission', this leading expo provides a kind of international forum to showcase 'Brand India' and focus on unlocking new opportunities in India's economic revolution.' Additionally, Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of
May 26, 2026 · via bignewsnetwork.com
About
Press
Copyright
Contact us
Creators
Advertise
Developers
Terms
Privacy
Policy & Safety
How YouTube works
Test new features
NFL Sunday Ticket
© 2026 Google LLC
May 26, 2026 · via youtube.com
As producers prepare to comply with California’s extended producer responsibility law, SB 54, the state is becoming a testing ground for reusable packaging collection and refill programs. CalRecycle issued a set of source reduction needs assessments earlier this year that gave an initial look at what this means for collection systems in the state. These reports — one focused on the actions and investments needed across the value chain, and another delved into opportunities and barriers — lay out the costs, benefits, and complexities of reuse and refill packaging systems. SB 54 requires producers to reduce plastic packaging materials by 10% by 2027, 20% by 2030 and 25% by 2032. At least 10% of that must come from source reduction – meaning actually eliminating some single-use packaging through strategies like reuse and refill. Research and consulting firms Eunomia and Perpetual contributed to the studies, which explore various reuse models and strategies. The assessments note that closed-loop reuse systems, where haulers are not needed if collection and cleaning is done onsite, are among the most attractive in the near term. The most effective examples included transitioning from single-use to reusable foodservice ware in schools or stadiums, expanding business-to-business reuse models and scaling business-to-consumer models that are based on “prefill” packaging. A prefill model relies on reverse logistics operations to collect and clean reusable packaging. In California, Straus Family Creamery uses returnable glass bottles for some of its milk products. Consumers pay a $3 deposit, which is refunded when they return the empty bottle to the store. According to Straus, customers return and reuse more than 3.5 million bottles annually. Elizabeth Balkan, a zero-waste policy and systems consultant who worked with Perpetual on the assessment, said prefill models reduce consumer burden while allowing the producer to reduce packaging waste. In a retail
May 26, 2026 · via wastedive.com
About
Press
Copyright
Contact us
Creators
Advertise
Developers
Terms
Privacy
Policy & Safety
How YouTube works
Test new features
NFL Sunday Ticket
© 2026 Google LLC
May 26, 2026 · via youtube.com
About
Press
Copyright
Contact us
Creators
Advertise
Developers
Terms
Privacy
Policy & Safety
How YouTube works
Test new features
NFL Sunday Ticket
© 2026 Google LLC
May 26, 2026 · via youtube.com
News Item Turkmenistan’s energy experts discuss best practices in strengthening energy security during an OSCE-organized study visit to Spain - Issued on: - Issued by: - OSCE Centre in Ashgabat - Fields of work: - Environmental activities Best practices in promoting energy security and resilience of renewable energy sector were shared during an OSCE-organized study visit to Barcelona, Spain, that is taking place on 26 and 27 May 2026. Representatives of the Ministry of Energy and the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan visited the Research Centre of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (CITCEA- UPC) where they gained insights into security policy, integration of renewable energy sources, grid stability, and energy transition planning. Their discussions with counterparts from Spain centred on smart grids, decentralized generation, demand management and risk resilience in energy systems. “This study visit aims to enhance the professional capacity of representatives of the State Energy Institute and the Ministry of Energy in the areas of energy security, renewable energy resilience, and innovation-based energy solutions, as well as to strengthen institutional and academic capacity by sharing practical OSCE experiences,” said Olivera Zurovac-Kuzman, Economic and Environmental Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. The delegation will also meet with experts from the Specialized Hydrogen Research Center of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and exchange views on such topical issues as urban energy sustainability, local energy communities, energy management in smart cities and energy supply continuity. They will also explore innovative approaches to energy, power systems, electronics, and power supply.
May 26, 2026 · via osce.org
El Paso, Texas is proud of its business-friendly atmosphere and ability to attract and sustain world-class companies. In fact, El Paso has been actively working to grow its advanced manufacturing sector and ranks fifth in North America for manufacturing hubs with the highest employment. Partnering with energy technology partner Schneider Electric is one part of El Paso’s long-term vision to develop a community where both local companies and residents flourish. A legacy of successful public-private partnership El Paso has the skilled workforce needed to build specialized products, partly thanks to its top-notch engineering schools. That has attracted major companies to El Paso County, including Schneider Electric, which has been part of the El Paso community since 2001. The company’s El Paso manufacturing campus is Schneider Electric’s largest manufacturing footprint in the U.S., with more than 2,500 employees. A fifth plant currently under construction will create 300 new jobs as part of Schneider Electric’s push to modernize and expand its electric equipment manufacturing facilities. Expanding the company’s existing campus in El Paso to keep up with growing demand for switchgear and power distribution products is a key component of that investment. Municipal infrastructure modernization initiative In January 2025, El Paso County and Schneider Electric launched a sweeping municipal infrastructure modernization initiative across 30 county facilities. Under the leadership of Chief Administrator Betsy Keller, a 2026 Smart Cities Dive Public Service Award winner, these improvements are slated to deliver increased energy and cost efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and improve the lives of El Paso County's residents. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027. This multi-phase project will begin by addressing critical infrastructure needs, including: - Upgrades to the mechanical plant at the Courthouse - Enhancements to the building automation system at the Courthouse - Water efficiency improvements at the Jail Annex
May 26, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
26 May 2026 On 20 May 2026, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) hosted a World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13) Urban Library event titled “Co-producing Adequate Housing Monitoring: Smart Inclusive Transitions towards Equitable Cities (SIT)”. In collaboration with UN-Habitat’s Knowledge and Innovation Branch, Suwon Research Institute, Suwon Special City, and Seoul National University, the event marked the launch of “Smart Inclusive Transitions (SIT) for an Equitable Urban Future in Suwon”, a milestone publication documenting the first full application of the SIT Framework in Suwon Special City, South Korea. Led by XJTLU and Seoul National University, the report shows how cities can assess whether smart urban transformation is improving quality of life, regardless of age, gender, and location, and how the SIT monitoring framework can move beyond assessment to inform governance, budgeting, policy coordination, and service delivery. Dr Robert Ndugwa, Head of Data and Analytics at UN-Habitat highlighted: “A key contribution of the report is proof of the methodology which allows cities to bring together key data sets from the Global Urban Monitoring Framework with data from citizens and the local policy level, to understand the complex interconnections that make up cities.” Dr Jaemin Song from Seoul National University said that digital innovation like this can power co-production and collaborative governance in cities. “However, strong digital innovation does not by itself guarantee equity, because it may not reach the most vulnerable populations. As high overall scores of the cities can hide critical vulnerabilities, effective urban analysis must be able to zoom out for the big picture while drilling down into the specific details,” she added. The following discussion, chaired by Dr Juhyun Lee from XJTLU’s Department of Urban Planning and Design, highlighted the potential of the SIT Framework to support future city-to-city learning and international cooperation. Hakeem Badejo, President of the Association of
May 26, 2026 · via xjtlu.edu.cn
What was once a stream corridor prone to dangerous flooding has been transformed into a thriving ecological park. Urban and Regional Planner Dr. Melek Karahasan explains how Istanbul’s Ayamama Life Valley became one of the city’s most beloved public spaces. Grey to green As one of the world’s most densely populated cities, access to nature in Istanbul is not always guaranteed. The city is home to 16 million residents with tourists bumping that number up to 20 million. Per person, Istanbul has around eight square meters of green space, roughly the size of a parking space – well below European averages. As a flagship of Istanbul’s Green Strategy, the project is transforming a 800,000 m² degraded stream corridor into a resilient ecological park using nature-based solutions. The corridor had long been a symbol of urban neglect. It was an industrially polluted stream bed surrounded by uncontrolled development, dumping sites, and chronic flooding. The urban heat island effect, caused by intensive concrete surfaces, compounded the problem. It was a space to be avoided rather than enjoyed. The project set out to change that through innovative ecological engineering. Techniques like hydroseeding, which rapidly establishes vegetation by spraying seeds and nutrients across the land, alongside native planting and permeable surfaces, helped restore ecological balance while reducing flood risk and heat.Over the past five years, 6,000 mature trees have been planted, sequestering 132 tonnes of CO₂ annually. The stream corridor that people once avoided has now become an active urban living space. As Melek puts it, “The stream corridor that people once avoided has now become an active urban living space.” High stakes, high ambition The combination of a rapidly growing population, unplanned urbanisation, industrial activity, and insufficient drainage infrastructure had turned the Ayamama stream into a disaster waiting to happen. The corridor had
May 26, 2026 · via eurocities.eu
Review: The future of nature-based recreation in warming tropical cities. Image Credit: taka1022 / Shutterstock A recent review article published in the journal npj Urban Sustainability reviewed evidence on outdoor recreation and humid heat stress in tropical cities. Cities worldwide are shifting toward urban greening to harness nature's benefits. Nature-based recreation in cities can promote physical and mental health, enhance community resilience, and strengthen social cohesion. However, outdoor recreation in tropical cities often means exposure to hot, humid conditions that are thermally uncomfortable, which, in extreme cases, can even be unsafe for humans. Public health recommendations may be perceived as conflicting because they encourage outdoor recreation while also warning against heat exposure. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the appropriate outdoor exposure levels in hot environments to differentiate between harmful heat stress and safe exposure. In the present review, researchers summarized evidence on outdoor recreation and humid heat stress in tropical cities and outlined adaptation strategies. Rise in urban heat in tropical regions Extreme temperatures have increased in intensity and frequency worldwide due to elevated greenhouse gas emissions, with urban warming further amplifying these trends. Increased heat from air conditioning use or transportation, construction materials that retain more heat, surface sealing that reduces evapotranspiration and infiltration, and altered surface geometry all drive urban warming. High temperature and humidity in tropical cities can lead to adverse health outcomes. While the contribution of humidity to heat-related health outcomes is debatable, there is consensus that increased heat stress may deteriorate population health. Many tropical cities are projected to undergo rapid urbanization over the coming decades, with climate change expected to worsen heat hazards in humid, hot regions. Tropical urban populations face heat health vulnerability The increase in heat stress means tropical urban populations are often exposed to adverse climates. While the physiological limits
May 26, 2026 · via news-medical.net
| Delegates discuss landscape design, architecture, and technologies at the Green – Smart – Sustainable Living forum held in HCM City on May 25. —VNS Photo Thu Hằng | HCM CITY — The green economy is projected to contribute more than 10 per cent of Việt Nam’s GDP by 2030 and create hundreds of thousands of jobs, experts said at a forum in HCM City. The Green – Smart – Sustainable Living forum was organised by the HCM City Startup and Innovation Hub, HCM City University of Architecture and Gallery Architecture & Materials on Monday. Nguyễn Thu Phong, vice president of the Việt Nam Association of Architects and founder of Gallery Architecture & Materials, said: “In the context of rapid urbanisation in Việt Nam, the need for green, healthy, and health-friendly living spaces is becoming increasingly urgent.” The combination of landscape design, architecture, and technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, smart homes, and smart landscapes is opening up a completely new approach to urban living spaces – smaller, smarter, while still ensuring ecological balance and a quality living experience, Phong said. The rise of offshore wind power and various smart city initiatives across Việt Nam is unlocking huge opportunities for clean energy, sustainable materials, and IoT solutions. With more than 40 smart city projects underway nationwide, there is significant demand for IoT solutions in urban landscape management, lighting, and operations, he said. It is projected that by 2030, the green economy could contribute over 10 per cent to GDP, he said. To showcase cutting-edge products and technologies, the Smart Landscape & Healthy Living Expo is scheduled to take place in HCM City from July 17–19. The event will bring together more than 50 businesses and startups spanning six key fields: smart home and smart landscape, materials
May 26, 2026 · via vietnamnews.vn
Today, the Turkmen capital saw the conclusion of the two-day high-level international forum dedicated to sustainable urban development, infrastructure, industry, energy, and investment cooperation. Held under the theme “Architecture. Innovation. Sustainable Development,” this event has become an effective platform for discussing the most critical aspects of modern urbanisation in the region and globally. The international exhibition and conference, organized to mark this significant milestone, brought together government members, heads of international organizations and diplomatic missions, representatives of major financial institutions, investment companies, as well as leading global construction, architectural, and technology enterprises from dozens of countries worldwide. Over the course of two days, a comprehensive and extensive programme was organized for the participants, featuring the official opening ceremony, an international exhibition, a High-Level United Nations Roundtable, the Strategic Plenary Session “Ashgabat – 2045,” as well as productive bilateral B2B and B2G meetings. The High-Level UN Roundtable titled “From Global Dialogue to Local Action: Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive, and Smart Cities,” held within the framework of the forum, carried particular significance. This meeting focused on integrating global experience in building sustainable cities with the national programmes being implemented in Turkmenistan. The Strategic Plenary Session “Ashgabat – 2045” highlighted the key vectors of the capital’s long-term development strategy as a resilient, environmentally friendly, and fully digitalized multi-profile city. On the second day of the conference, experiences were exchanged on concrete areas, including financial and investment conditions for future cities, construction ecosystems, innovations, and the modernization of energy systems. Speaking on the outcomes of the international forum, the Mayor of Ashgabat, Rahym Gandymov, noted: “The glorious XXV ‘White City Ashgabat’ international forum has once again proven to be a prestigious international platform for defining future directions of cooperation. Our country brought together representatives from more than 50 nations to discuss the architecture of the
May 26, 2026 · via turkmenistan.gov.tm
The Nairobi River Basin Ecological Restoration Project has secured a key infrastructure boost following the signing of an early-phase pump supply agreement between Wilo Group’s East Africa division and Guangxi Hydroelectric Construction Bureau Kenya Limited. - Nairobi River Basin restoration gains momentum - A shift toward integrated urban water solutions - Wastewater infrastructure remains a critical gap - Economic case for water investment - Pump technology central to urban resilience - Regional infrastructure partnerships expanding - Growing demand for sustainable urban infrastructure - Outlook for African cities The agreement supports early-stage implementation of one of Kenya’s most ambitious integrated urban water and ecological restoration initiatives. The project focuses on improving wastewater infrastructure, strengthening flood management capacity, and restoring degraded ecological systems along the Nairobi River Basin. According to Belete A. Matebe, the initiative reflects the growing urgency to address urban water stress across Africa. Nairobi River Basin restoration gains momentum The Nairobi River Basin Ecological Restoration Project is expected to play a central role in improving sanitation systems, reducing flood risks, and restoring ecological balance along Nairobi’s river corridors. The Nairobi River has for years been affected by: - Untreated wastewater discharge - Industrial effluent inflows - Solid waste accumulation Matebe emphasized that these challenges are not unique to Kenya but reflect a broader continental issue affecting rapidly urbanizing cities. “Across Africa, over 80% of wastewater is discharged untreated, while rapid urbanization expected to double by 2050 continues to intensify pressure on urban rivers,” said Matebe. He added that polluted waterways, recurring flooding, and associated economic losses are increasingly making river restoration projects critical infrastructure investments rather than optional environmental interventions. A shift toward integrated urban water solutions Matebe described the Nairobi River Basin project as part of a wider continental transition toward resilient and integrated water infrastructure systems. “I
May 26, 2026 · via pumps-africa.com