Beyon signs Kuwait fixed network deal - Details - Category: Optical & Fixed Networks - 1016 views Bahrain-headquartered global technology group Beyon has announced the signing of a public private partnership (PPP) commitment agreement with the Ministry of Communications in Kuwait and the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP). The agreement formalises Beyon's selection (announced earlier this year) as the winning investor for the Fixed Telecommunications Network Development Project in Kuwait, a project considered one of the largest digital infrastructure initiatives in that country, with expected investments exceeding KWD825 million (about US$2.673 billion) over a 50-year partnership term. The project aims to develop, design, finance, build, operate and maintain a fixed telecommunications network through a modern operating model based on the establishment of a specialised company to manage and operate wholesale infrastructure in line with international standards. This presumably means comprehensive upgrades to the existing network. Indeed, Beyon explains that the project will involve a comprehensive re-engineering of Kuwait’s national telecommunications network, including the development of the last-mile access network, modernisation of transport and backhaul networks, development of next generation network (NGN) systems, and the gradual decommissioning of the legacy copper network, paving the way for a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable digital infrastructure. As Eng. Mishal Al-Zaid, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications, explains, the project represents a comprehensive re-engineering of Kuwait’s fixed telecommunications network and transitioning it toward a modern operating model based on an independent and professional infrastructure capable of supporting the requirements of digital growth over the coming decades. The project also includes a commitment by the project company to provide high-speed fibre connectivity to 90% of plots within the first five years of the project, supported by technical capabilities enabling symmetrical speeds of up to 10Gbps. This will enhance Kuwait’s ability to support cloud
May 24, 2026 · via developingtelecoms.com
Gauteng municipalities are beginning to show measurable improvements under the province’s Local Government Turnaround Strategy (LGTAS), though debt, water losses and infrastructure failures continue to weigh heavily on service delivery. Gauteng co-operative governance & traditional affairs and infrastructure development MEC Jacob Mamabolo on Sunday provided a progress report on the implementation of the strategy, alongside members of mayoral committees from municipalities across the province. The briefing, held under the theme “Building Gauteng as a Smart City Region through Integration, Innovation and Digital Solutions”, focused on progress made since the October 2024 Local Government Turnaround Summit. Mamabolo said the strategy was aimed at strengthening municipal capacity, improving accountability and using integrated planning to address persistent service delivery failures. “As directed by the president, we must build sustainable capacity not only within local government, but across the province, to effectively respond to the service delivery challenges affecting our communities,” Mamabolo said. “We need to ensure that organs of state have the necessary institutional capacity to address these issues in a sustainable manner.” The province also introduced the Gauteng Smart City Performance Monitor, a real-time dashboard designed to track key performance indicators across all 11 municipalities. The dashboard will monitor areas including governance, financial management, infrastructure delivery, climate resilience, disaster preparedness and service delivery. The province says it will also allow residents to access municipal performance data and track progress in their own communities. Integrated technology platforms, including CCTV networks, the LIMIT land invasion monitoring system and smart water management dashboards, form part of the province’s broader digital transformation programme. Mamabolo said the use of intergovernmental relations structures was intended to improve co-ordination between national, provincial and local government. “What we are doing through our intergovernmental relations structures is precisely to ensure greater integration and co-ordination so that when we commit to resolving
May 24, 2026 · via businessday.co.za
On 24 May, the capital of Turkmenistan — Ashgabat — will host the opening of the XXV International Exhibition and Conference White City Ashgabat 2026, held in celebration of the 145th anniversary of the white-marble capital of independent and permanently neutral Turkmenistan. Held under the theme “Architecture. Innovation. Sustainable Development”, the forum will serve as a major international platform for discussing modern approaches to urban development, architecture, construction, industry, energy and infrastructure. White City Ashgabat 2026 is expected to bring together more than 800 delegates from 55 countries, including representatives of government institutions, international organisations, financial institutions, architecture and engineering companies, investors, technology leaders and the wider business community. As part of the international exhibition, more than 180 companies will showcase products, technologies and modern solutions across construction, industry, energy, urban development, technology and services. The exhibition will create broad opportunities for business engagement, B2B meetings, presentations, exchange of expertise and the establishment of new partnerships. The forum is being held in the year of a significant milestone — the 145th anniversary of Ashgabat — giving this year’s event particular symbolic importance. In recent years, the Turkmen capital has gained broad international recognition as a modern city distinguished by its unique architectural identity, developed infrastructure and consistent implementation of contemporary urban planning solutions. The programme covers a wide range of issues related to the future of modern cities. Discussions will focus on sustainable urban development, modern construction technologies, industrial production, urban energy systems, digital infrastructure, investment and international cooperation. A particularly significant part of the programme will be the United Nations High-Level Roundtable “From Global Dialogue to Local Action: Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive and Smart Cities”, which will add an important international institutional dimension to the forum. At a time when sustainable urbanisation, infrastructure development and environmental priorities are playing an
May 24, 2026 · via turkmenistan.gov.tm
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram Former chief financial officer (CFO) of Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL), Nalini Malik, who is lodged in Model Jail, Burail, in connection with the alleged Rs 116.84-crore funds misappropriation case, has moved an application before the Special CBI Court seeking participation in the inquiry of the case. Special CBI Judge Bhawna Jain has issued notice to the CBI for May 27, the date already fixed in the matter. The application, dated May 14, was forwarded to the court by the Deputy Superintendent, Model Jail, Chandigarh, through jail warder Vijay. As per the court order, the application has been moved on behalf of accused-applicant Nalini Malik “seeking participation in the inquiry of the instant case” for “effective inquiry”. The case, earlier registered as FIR No. 2 dated March 9, is now being investigated by the CBI. The court ordered that the application be registered as an interlocutory application. “Notice of the above said application be issued to the CBI for May 27, 2026, the date already fixed,” the court said. Malik was arrested after her alleged role surfaced in the Smart City funds case. The matter pertains to alleged misappropriation of funds of CSCL, which were deposited with IDFC First Bank. The case was initially investigated by Chandigarh Police before being transferred to the CBI on the orders of the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to the allegations in the case, funds lying in the bank accounts of Chandigarh Smart City Limited were to be transferred to the Municipal Corporation (MC) after the Smart City project ended. However, it has been alleged that bank officials, in conspiracy with others, diverted the funds through shell companies and invested the money in real estate. The investigation had earlier alleged that
May 24, 2026 · via indianexpress.com
The “Hue – Plastic Smart City in Central Viet Nam” project, after five years, has helped prevent 933.6 tonnes of plastic waste from leaking into the natural environment, with household solid waste sorting-at-source rolled out across all wards and communes of Hue city. The results were highlighted at a seminar reviewing the project’s implementation during the 2021–2026 period, jointly organised on May 23 by the municipal People’s Committee and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Viet Nam. Launched in 2021 with funding from the Norwegian people through WWF-Norway and WWF-Viet Nam, the project aims to help Hue protect rivers, wetlands and coastal ecosystems from plastic pollution while building the city into a model plastic-reduced urban area in central Viet Nam. The project followed a roadmap built around five key objectives: improving policies and strengthening stakeholder engagement; reducing plastic waste generation; minimising waste leakage during collection and transportation; increasing collection and recycling rates; and improving waste treatment and disposal. Through waste sorting-at-source programmes and intervention activities, more than 750 tonnes of organic waste were collected and turned into compost, while over 4,401 tonnes of waste, including nearly 823 tonnes of plastic waste, were collected from river basins. In education, the plastic-waste-free school model was implemented at 190 schools across Hue, helping spread green living messages to hundreds of thousands of students, teachers and parents. The project also strongly promoted plastic reduction in tourism, with hundreds of tourism and service businesses committing to cutting plastic use. Plastic-free tours and community-based tourism destinations were developed, while waiting stations combined with free drinking water refill points were installed to encourage residents and visitors to limit single-use plastics. At the same time, the project mobilised the participation of more than 100 organisations and associations, along with 331 businesses, in implementing plastic reduction initiatives. Hundreds
May 24, 2026 · via en.nhandan.vn
Hanoi is expected to unveil its Capital Master Plan with a 100-year vision in late June 2026, coinciding with the 2026 Hanoi Investment Promotion Conference. The announcement will be carried out through all statutory methods, including a major exhibition at the Hanoi Museum featuring 4D planning models, thematic imagery, and documentary screenings. According to the Hanoi People’s Committee, the city previously developed two parallel planning systems governed by different frameworks: the Capital Plan under the 2017 Law on Planning and the General Capital Plan under the 2024 Law on Urban and Rural Planning. This duality led to overlaps and a lack of synchronization between socio-economic development strategies and spatial organization. It also hindered the effective resolution of chronic bottlenecks such as traffic congestion, flooding, and environmental pollution, while failing to establish clear development models and causing a waste of resources. In response to the shift toward a two-tier local government model and the global trends of smart cities and international connectivity, the city identified the creation of a sustainable 100-year Master Plan as an urgent necessity. This unified plan is intended to establish a consistent legal foundation and generate breakthrough momentum for the capital during the "era of the nation's rise." On December 11, 2025, the National Assembly passed Resolution No. 258/2025/QH15, which introduced pilot specific mechanisms and policies for major projects in the capital city. Article 6 of this resolution authorized the city to consolidate national and regional planning with the integrated contents of both the Capital Plan and the General Capital Plan into a single, unified Capital Master Plan. Following a comprehensive process of drafting, public consultation, and official review, the Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee issued Decision No. 2512/QD-UBND on May 13, 2026, officially approving the Hanoi Capital Master Plan with a 100-year vision.
May 24, 2026 · via en.vneconomy.vn
Arriving in a new country is rarely straightforward, but for many migrant women in Stockholm, it can mean isolation, uncertainty, and navigating unfamiliar systems. Stockholm’s Neighbourhood Mothers initiative is changing that. Coordinator Ann-Kristin Rydén and International Affairs Officer Annika Rosbring explain how the project is opening doors to employment, education, healthcare and social services for newly arrived women in the city. Starting from scratch in Stockholm Arriving in Sweden as a newcomer brings a particular set of challenges. “Imagine if someone arrives during winter. It’s dark, it’s cold, and people in the city tend to stay home instead of going out,” says Annika. “It can be a very isolating experience. It’s not easy to navigate society.” For women who don’t yet speak the language, that isolation can quickly deepen into something more entrenched, cutting them off from the services, opportunities and connections that could help them find their footing. Stockholm’s Neighbourhood Mothers initiative was designed to reach these women. To do so, the city is employing women with their own migration background to do outreach work in their local neighbourhoods, using their language skills and lived experience to build the kind of trust that formal public-sector contact often cannot. Before going out into their communities, neighbourhood mothers receive training covering public institutions, Swedish working life, healthcare, social services, democracy, gender equality and domestic violence, equipping them to guide others through the same systems they once had to navigate alone. Since 2018, the City of Stockholm has employed 98 neighbourhood mothers across different city districts, collectively reaching around 3,000 women every year. The results go well beyond information-sharing. Through outreach work and group activities, women have broken out of social isolation, strengthened their sense of agency, and taken concrete steps towards employment, education and greater participation in society. Opening doors, changing
May 23, 2026 · via eurocities.eu
With the rapid development of global energy management and IoT technologies, Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) has become one of the key technologies for upgrading smart energy and urban infrastructure. Acrel as a solution provider for enterprise microgrid systems, with its complete product ecosystem from cloud platforms to terminal devices, has implemented numerous LoRaWAN energy IoT solutions worldwide. Advantages of LoRaWAN Technology - Long Communication Range: Up to 15–20 km in line-of-sight and 2–5 km in urban environments, suitable for distributed scenarios with multiple access points. - Flexible and Low-Cost Deployment: No rewiring required; can be overlaid on existing systems for low-cost wireless transformation. - License-Free Frequency Bands: Operates in license-free bands such as 470–510MHz, eliminating spectrum licensing costs and enabling independent network deployment. - Platform-Level Intelligent Management: Supports automatic meter reading, real-time data collection, anomaly alerts, and energy efficiency analysis. - Open Ecosystem: Compatible with mainstream devices and gateways, offering standardized API interfaces for easy system integration. Opportunities in the Philippine Market The Philippine government is actively promoting the "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program and the "Philippine Development Plan," focusing on smart cities, sustainable energy, and digital management. In this context, energy IoT technology will become a crucial tool for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Policy Support: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) encourages the adoption of advanced communication technologies to enhance public services and energy management efficiency. LoRaWAN, as an ITU-recognized LPWAN standard, is well-suited to the Philippine archipelago’s geography and dispersed energy infrastructure due to its license-free operation, low power consumption, and wide coverage. Applicable Scenarios for Acrel Solutions in the Philippines - Smart Parks and FactoriesThe Philippines has numerous industrial parks and manufacturing bases. LoRaWAN enables sub-item Energy Monitoring, equipment status collection, safety alerts, and lighting control, helping enterprises improve energy efficiency and
May 23, 2026 · via markets.chroniclejournal.com
The Role of Digital Twin Technology in Building Resilient Smart Infrastructure Imagine a big city where traffic moves smoothly, energy uses less power each day, and floods are stopped before they get out of control. This is what digital twin technology means in smart cities. Digital twins ( https://businessprocessxperts.com/digital-twin-processes/ ) are complete digital copies of the city's environment, meaning that as design and development occur, planners can simulate possible conditions, run tests of possible alternatives to determine what will work best, and identify potential issues before they happen without having any physical impact on the environment.There have been several examples of cities using digital twins to reduce construction costs and improve operational efficiencies by as much as 20 percent, including Singapore's Virtual Singapore and Dubai's Smart City project. In India, as megacities such as Mumbai and Delhi continue to deal with pressures on their infrastructure, BPX is helping lead the way. BPX's expertise in digital twin development ( https://businessprocessxperts.com/digital-twin-processes/ ) combines IoT devices, AI-based analytics, and cloud technology to develop smart infrastructure that is not only responsive but also predictive. Get Insights from BPX to Streamline your Business Processes: https://businessprocessxperts.com/contact/ As Nikhil Agarwal, Founder of BPX, noted, "Digital twins are not toy technology; they are the foundation for building resilient smart cities. Digital twins can help us to predict and avoid breakdowns, which will convert urban chaos into a coordinated, harmonious model." This mindset has changed the way governments and developers design and implement projects. BPX has created a digital twin ( https://businessprocessxperts.com/digital-twin-processes/ ) for a major highway project recently. Driving Resilience in Smart Infrastructure Digital twin technology also adds durability to smart infrastructure systems to withstand shocks. An interesting example would be when in areas prone to flooding, digital twins can anticipate how high the water level will reach.
May 23, 2026 · via openpr.com
How Azerbaijan showcased urban leadership at WUF13 The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), hosted in Baku, has become one of the most significant international events dedicated to urban development, sustainable planning, and the future of cities. It exemplifies how state convening power, infrastructure signaling, and policy experimentation to shape norms around sustainability, resilience, and digital governance. Organized under the auspices of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the forum has brought together thousands of policymakers, urban planners, architects, researchers, and government representatives from across the world. According to reports, the six-day event featured more than 550 substantive meetings and side events, covering a wide range of topics related to urban planning, climate resilience, infrastructure development, and smart city solutions. The accompanying Urban Expo also attracted significant public interest, drawing over 70,000 visitors, highlighting strong engagement not only from policymakers but also from civil society, researchers, and industry representatives. WUF13 brought together an exceptionally large and diverse global audience. More than 58,000 delegates from 176 countries participated in the forum, alongside over 3,000 online participants. The high-level attendance further emphasized the political importance of the forum. The event was attended by 11 heads of state, 88 ministers, and 130 mayors, making it one of the most high-profile gatherings in the history of the World Urban Forum. The scale of participation demonstrated the increasing recognition of urban issues as central to global development agendas. UN-Habitat has consistently emphasized that by 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in urban areas. This demographic shift places enormous pressure on cities to become more efficient, sustainable, and resilient. Urban development in Azerbaijan is no longer treated merely as an architectural or construction-related process. Instead, it has evolved into a strategic direction closely linked with economic growth, environmental sustainability, transport
May 23, 2026 · via azernews.az
India is rolling out one of the world’s largest urban transformation initiatives in its Smart Cities Mission. Started in 2015, the scheme plans to make 100 cities ‘smart’ equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, sustainable measures, efficient management and better quality of life. The smart cities in India are implementing tech, data and innovation to address the urban challenges such as “city influx congestion traffic pollution Water management, sewerage and waste management, etc.” Ahmedabad, Gujarat Ahmedabad is one of the early pickers in Gujarat for the Smart City drive in India. Intelligent traffic signals and live traffic monitoring have improved traffic flow. Digital meters are used to track water usage with accuracy in homes. Data from multiple services is aggregated to a central hub for guidance and routine activities. Incorporating established ways of collection and segregation of waste makes the process smoother. Since the establishment of BRTS, the buses have become easier and more convenient for commuters. In the Sabarmati, the old riverbanks were redesigned as open spaces that are used by people. But here, life in the city took a turn for the mundane. Here, decision-making is done online. Step into one future-forward spot in Gujarat where traditional culture and modern technology coexist peacefully. Pune, Maharashtra Located in Maharashtra, Pune has emerged as a bright spot in India’s smart city initiative. This is a better place to drive because traffic lights react to real-time information. E-governance is embedded in the system and helps to make daily life easier via the internet. Waste is collected from households and then taken to an appropriate waste control centre, where it is processed intelligently. Riding bikes is now safer because of the lanes placed next to the bus improvements. One app at a time, people find getting help easier now. Like classrooms wired for speed,
May 23, 2026 · via mapsofindia.com
Innovation is not only about ideas developed in the classroom, but also about the ability to connect, learn, and create value through real-world experiences in an international environment. As the startup and innovation ecosystem across the Asia-Pacific region continues to grow rapidly, participating directly in international forums provides students with opportunities to broaden their perspectives, stay updated on emerging trends, and build global networks. To create opportunities for students to experience international learning and engagement, the UEH Institute of Innovation (UII), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam and the UNDP Asia-Pacific Regional Office, is launching the Innovation Immersion 2026 Program – a study visit and participation in the Youth Co:Lab Summit 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. During the 5-day journey in Thailand, selected students will have opportunities to: More than just a short-term international learning opportunity, this program offers students a meaningful journey to connect academic knowledge with real-world experiences, expand international networks, and discover new perspectives on innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. PROGRAM INFORMATION Duration: 5 days (June 28 – July 2, 2026) Location: Bangkok, Thailand Tentative Program Schedule: https://go.ueh.edu.vn/Innovation_Immersion_2026 Number of Participants: 8 students Target Participants: UEH students who are interested and suitable for the program Requirements: Expenses: Application Form: https://forms.gle/fzNVc4nfySDd59YB6 Application Deadline: May 22, 2026 —————————————– For further information, please contact:
May 23, 2026 · via ueh.edu.vn
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May 22, 2026 · via youtube.com
World Urban Forum backs ‘Baku Call to Action’ on global housing crisis A landmark gathering of more than 57,000 participants – the largest in the history of the World Urban Forum – closed on Friday in Baku with an urgent call to rethink how the world houses its people, as a new roadmap urges governments, cities and communities to act collectively on a crisis affecting billions. The Baku Call to Action, shaped by voices from 176 countries, sets out a shared path forward, including: - Reframing housing as a system, linking homes with land, infrastructure, transport, services and economic opportunity rather than treating construction in isolation. - Confronting interconnected pressures – from rising costs and land speculation to displacement, weak governance and climate shocks – through integrated, people-centred solutions. - Recognizing housing and climate justice as inseparable, with the most vulnerable communities facing the greatest exposure to floods, extreme heat and environmental risks. - Scaling up climate-resilient housing, including through nature-based solutions, retrofitting, upgrading informal settlements and strengthening disaster preparedness. Turning commitments into action, with stronger multilevel governance, expanded financing, better data and greater support for locally led, community-driven solutions. ‘No pathway’ without cities and housing “There is no pathway to achieving the 2030 Agenda without sustainable urbanization and adequate housing.” With these words, UN Deputy Secretary‑General Amina Mohammed addressed the closing ceremony of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), bringing the week‑long gathering, which opened on Sunday, 17 May, to a close. The task now, she said, is to shape cities that are inclusive, resilient and capable of providing safe housing and opportunity for all, while ensuring that no one is left behind. Record participation, global reach The largest World Urban Forum on record, organized by UN‑Habitat together with the Government of Azerbaijan, brought together more than 57,000 participants
May 22, 2026 · via news.un.org
Thought Leaders Building Efficient Smart Cities with Geospatial Data Annotation Urban digital infrastructure generates massive volumes of geospatial data daily. Satellites capture aerial pictures. Internet of Things sensors processes and transmits real-time environmental attributes. Drones provide infrastructure inspection visualizations. Traffic management systems archive movement patterns. Yet much of this data remains unused by urban planners because it lacks the structured labels that intelligent models in smart city management systems need to uncover its potential. Urban management planners and consultants should outsource data annotation services to change raw spatial information into valuable intelligence. The process involves labeling geographic attributes in satellite and drone images, maps, and sensor data so that AI-powered smart city management systems can recognize patterns, optimize city operations, and support evidence-based planning. For urban management enterprises and city planning consultants, this capability is no longer optional. It has become an essential infrastructure for building smart cities. How Geospatial Annotation Powers Smart Cities Geospatial data annotation directly enables urban management firms to deliver smarter, more efficient cities by converting raw spatial data into machine-readable intelligence that powers real-world solutions. The connection is direct: better annotations lead to better AI models, which generate better planning decisions, which result in measurable improvements to city services. 1. Traffic Optimization Consider traffic optimization as a concrete example. Satellite and drone images highlight road networks, intersections, parking patterns, and vehicle movement across your city. Without annotation, these visuals are a collection of pixels. Through precise annotation of road segments, vehicle types, pedestrian zones, and congestion data points, machine learning models in smart traffic management systems can assess patterns, predict traffic flows, and recommend signal timing optimizations. Your smart traffic management system, powered by annotated geospatial data, reduces average commute times and improves traffic flow by 15%. That daily savings extends across thousands of commuters.
May 22, 2026 · via unite.ai
Making smart EV charging and demand response easier in Europe Two European Commission expert groups have presented recommendations to simplify data exchange for flexibility and smart and bi-directional EV charging. The recommendations have the two key goals of enabling consumers to contribute flexibility and smart/bi-directional EV charging to the energy system more easily and helping companies offer such services competitively within the European market. As the rollout of decentralised renewables and the electrification of heating and transport accelerate, increasing challenges are arising in integrating these devices into existing energy systems without exacerbating grid constraints. With their battery capacity and availability, EVs should contribute significantly to flexibility. But the recommendations – which were made in a joint report by the Smart Energy Expert Group’s Data for Energy (D4E) subgroup and the Sustainable Transport Forum as well as the German government established Coalition of the Willing on Bidirectional Charging – also extend beyond EVs to create a framework for data exchange that also covers heat pumps, storage and other flexible assets. Also of interest EVs are becoming the grid’s vital asset amid energy volatility How Swedish, US and UK utilities are furthering V2G tech Use cases The basis of the recommendations is the priority use cases selected by D4E and aimed to identify the concrete needs for data exchange and data use: - UC 1: Flexibility information system (registration, prequalification, verification) and flexible connection agreements, i.e. the regulated processes as defined by the ENTSO-E, DSO Entity joint working group. - UC 2: Flexibility market operation (e.g. offers, bids, activation) and flexibility settlement to enable seamless and transparent operation of flexibility markets through structured data exchange and settlement mechanisms. - UC 3: Activation (explicit and implicit) of distributed energy resources, which covers the participation of flexible DERs into the wholesale, balancing and congestion
May 22, 2026 · via enlit.world
Bahar Muradova: Cities of future should be equally comfortable and accessible for everyone Opportunities must be created in a way that allows every person to meet their needs, Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, said at the 13th Session of the WUF (WUF13) in Baku, AzerNEWS reports. According to Muradova, urban spaces must be designed for everyone equally - women, men, and children alike. She noted that discussions about women’s participation in urban development have continued for many years, but results still vary significantly from country to country and even between different regions and cities within the same country. Bahar Muradova stressed that women should not only be included in decision-making processes but also be properly prepared to participate and benefit equally from urban development outcomes. According to her, future cities must become more livable, accessible, safe, and comfortable for all members of society. She also said the Azerbaijani government is rebuilding entire districts, including housing, parks, schools, hospitals, and essential public infrastructure to support the return of former internally displaced persons. “A large-scale city-building process is underway in those territories. Everything necessary for human life is being rebuilt," Muradova stated. At the same time, she emphasized that successful reintegration is not only about physical infrastructure, but also about helping people adapt to new urban realities, particularly in newly developed smart cities and smart villages. Muradova explained that Azerbaijan is paying special attention to preparing returning families for life in digitally integrated environments. She highlighted the growing importance of digital literacy and social adaptation, including the ability to use smart technologies, digital infrastructure, smart energy systems, and modern public services. "How people interact with smart technologies, smart water systems, smart energy systems, and the opportunities available through their phones - all of this
May 22, 2026 · via azernews.az
Municipal groups are urging the Senate to approve the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which garnered widespread support as it passed in the House Wednesday. The wide-ranging housing bill addresses housing affordability and supply. If successful, it would be the largest affordable housing package approved by Congress in decades. Local government organizations say cities have been dealing with the housing crisis largely on their own and welcome increased support at the federal level. “The time is now for Congress to pass a major bipartisan housing package that embraces and capitalizes on the local leadership cities nationwide are embracing to confront the housing affordability crisis,” Kevin Kramer, National League of Cities president and Louisville, Kentucky, Metro Council member, said in a news release. The proposed legislation improves on existing programs such as the Community Development Block Grants and HOME Investment Partnership Program, according to Kramer. It also reduces federal “regulatory obstacles that unintentionally add to the cost of housing,” he said. “These provisions, alongside important private-sector improvements to expand access to private capital, will foster more and better public-private partnerships in communities across the country to preserve existing housing, increase new housing and reduce the cost to rent or buy a home,” Kramer said. The bill that passed the House removes a provision that tied CDBG funding to local housing production and could have caused “unpredictable funding shifts” for counties, Jared Grigas, associate legislative director for the National Association of Counties, and Kevin Moore, NACo legislative assistant, wrote in a blog post. The amended text is “a major win for counties,” they said. The bill’s 396-13 passage in the House is “a welcome sign of progress,” U.S. Conference of Mayors President and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said in a statement as the organization called for a final push to
May 22, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
Almaty showcases environmental projects at SPECA Forum of Cities in Baku Deputy Mayor of Almaty Nurlan Abdrakhim attended the SPECA Forum of Cities in Baku, held during the XIII session of the UN-sponsored World Urban Forum (WUF13), Qazinform News Agency correspondent reports. At the event, delegates from Central Asia and the South Caucasus discussed sustainable development, climate adaptation, and urban infrastructure modernization. Speaking at the forum, Abdrakhim presented Almaty's key environmental and transport projects. In particular, special focus was placed on the modernization of CHP-2, including the conversion of the station to gas, which aims to reduce emission levels and improve the metropolis's air quality. Initiatives for the development of eco-friendly public transport, a multimodal transport system, and the implementation of low-emission zones were also presented. The deputy mayor highlighted that Almaty is steadily pursuing a polycentric city development model and deploying digital technologies for environmental monitoring and more effective urban management. Following the SPECA Cities Forum, Almaty officially joined the Declaration of Intent to establish the SPECA Climate Smart Cities Forum. This confirms the city's readiness to expand regional cooperation in sustainable development and implement modern urban solutions. The SPECA Forum of Cities serves as a platform for exchanging experience among cities in Central Asian countries and promotes the development of joint approaches to addressing pressing issues of urbanization and climate resilience. Earlier, Qazinform reported Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov took part in the World Urban Forum in Baku.
May 22, 2026 · via qazinform.com
Dive Brief: - Keolis North America landed the contract to operate Tri Delta Transit for the Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority in California, the company announced this week. Keolis will take over operations on July 1. - Keolis will provide fixed-route, paratransit, microtransit and non-emergency medical transportation for the agency. - With this new contract, Keolis will manage transit operations for five California agencies, and 15 total in seven U.S. states. Dive Insight: The four-year contract includes three two-year options. “We are proud to partner with [the] Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority,” Keolis U.S. Transit President and Chief Operating Officer Fadi Chakbazof said in a statement. “This award reflects the strength of our U.S. transit team and our shared focus on performance, innovation, and customer service.” Keolis said it is committed to a smooth transition for the agency’s workforce, with an emphasis on employee retention. Some of Keolis’ other contract services include commuter rail for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and Virginia Railway Express and bus operations for CapMetro in Austin, Texas. Private sector contractors accounted for 28% of public transit operations, as measured by revenue hours in 2024, according to the American Public Transportation Association. Other providers include Transdev North America and RATP Dev.
May 22, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com