Urban Economy Forum

05/28/2026

From the Atlantic to the world, Governo Regional da Madeira becomes the first Frontrunner Island globally and Portugal’s official Frontrunner city.

Following a comprehensive review process conducted by the Urban Economy Forum (UEF), and based on the criteria of the Frontrunner Cities Initiative, the Autonomous Region of Madeira has been selected as the world’s first Frontrunner Island. This recognition reflects Madeira’s outstanding leadership in sustainability, innovation, resilience, blue economy, digital transition, circular economy, and future-oriented territorial development.

The Frontrunner Cities Initiative was developed by Reza Pourvaziry Founder and Chair of the Urban Economy Forum and the World Urban Pavilion, and has been expanded through internationally developed criteria and collaborative frameworks involving leading academic and global institutions, including collaborations associated with Harvard University.

Through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between José Manuel Rodrigues, Regional Secretary for Economy of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, and Reza Pourvaziry, this partnership establishes the strategic framework for advancing Madeira as a global Frontrunner Island through a coordinated action plan and implementation milestones.

This initiative is designed not only as a recognition platform, but as an operational mechanism for transformation. The Frontrunner Cities Initiative will create a pipeline of innovative projects, investment-ready programs, international collaborations, and scalable urban and island solutions while expanding access to global investment networks, sustainable finance mechanisms, ESG partnerships, and impact-driven development opportunities.

Through this partnership, Madeira joins UEF’s international network of sustainable cities and territories and becomes connected to the Global Platform for Urban Finance, helping accelerate innovation ecosystems, policy exchange, implementation capacity, and SDG-aligned development.

As stated by the Regional Secretary for Economy, this partnership represents “an ethical commitment to the destiny of our insularity.” Madeira embraces its island identity not as a limitation, but as a strategic advantage a bridge connecting regions, cultures, economies, and futures through innovation and vision.

More than a declaration, this initiative is about implementation, collaboration, measurable impact, and sharing best practices with cities and islands worldwide.

Madeira is no longer only an island in the Atlantic; it is now a global Frontrunner Island for the world.

04/27/2026

World Urban Pavilion Marks 4th
Anniversary
The World Urban Pavilion (WUP) celebrated its 4th Anniversary in Toronto, Canada, bringing together global leaders, partners, and communities to reaffirm a shared commitment to advancing the Urban SDGs and shaping more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities.
A message from Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted the importance of partnerships in building a better future for cities and the people who call them home.
Elizabeth Dowdeswell reflected on the Pavilion's journey as one of vision, determination, research, creativity, and shared knowledge-reminding us that in uncertain times, listening to one another is key to a more resilient world.
Mitchell Cohen, CEO of The Daniels Corporation, emphasized that despite today's challenges, the Pavilion remains a source of hope-creating communities where everyone is welcome, belongs, and has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
The celebration featured leaders from the City of Toronto, international municipalities including Lowell, Massachusetts, representatives from the United Nations, community voices, cultural performances, and new partnerships.
Key announcements included:
• Madeira recognized as the first Frontrunner Island in
Portugal
• Karatay recognized as the first Frontrunner in Turkey
• Launch of the Zen Forest Da Lat global eco-tourism initiative
• New partnership with Aura from Jordan
• Signing of an MOU with the Regent Park
Neiahbourhood Association

Reza Pourvaziry, Chair of the Urban Economy Forum, noted that the Pavilion was created as a strategic mechanism to bridge global urban dialogue with real city-level implementation.
As the Pavilion enters its next phase, the commitment is clear: deepen partnerships, expand global reach, and turn vision into action.
"The World Urban Pavilion is not simply a place-it is a movement where ideas become action, and where the future of cities is shaped collectively, in real time."

04/09/2026

UEF8 Special Promotion
10-Day Exclusive Offer – 35% Discount
Celebrating the 4th Anniversary of the World Urban Pavilion
Valid: April 7 – April 17, 2026
Secure your participation at the 8th Urban Economy Forum (UEF8):

The link is in our bio:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/8th-urban-economy-forum-uef-tickets-1977392755963



🎟️ Use Promo Code: WUP35off

12/02/2025

New Global Membership Announcement

Urban Economy Forum is pleased to officially announce that BBA has joined our organization as a valued member for the period of 2025–2030.

We sincerely appreciate the continued support, commitment, and leadership of Mr. Soheil Kadjani, CEO of BBA, along with his team’s active engagement. We look forward to a productive and impactful collaboration in advancing our shared mission across urban transformation, sustainable development, smart cities, and innovative real estate and investment initiatives.
This partnership marks an important step in strengthening our global network and accelerating the delivery of future-ready urban solutions worldwide.
Welcome to the UEF family, BBA — and thank you, Soheil Kadjani, for your vision and leadership.

11/19/2025

Ras Al Khaimah becomes the First Frontrunner City on Urban Transformation in the UAE

Today marks a historic milestone for the United Arab Emirates.
During an official ceremony at the Palace of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ras Al Khaimah was formally designated as the First Frontrunner City on Urban Transformation by the Urban Economy Forum (UEF).

This prestigious designation recognizes RAK as the leading city in the UAE’s next chapter of sustainable, people-centered, and innovation-driven urban development. It affirms the emirate’s capacity to serve as a global model for Urban Transformation, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the international work of the World Urban Pavilion.

The selection of RAK was based on a rigorous set of criteria jointly developed with Harvard University, evaluating leadership, sustainability readiness, spatial potential, and the ability to drive transformative urban solutions with global relevance.

The official agreement was signed between:
🔹 Urban Economy Forum (UEF)
🔹 Ras Al Khaimah Municipality

The ceremony was held under the gracious presence of His Highness Sheikh Saud, who expressed his full support for the initiative and underlined RAK’s commitment to shaping a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and globally connected. The event was also attended by Mr. Reza Pourvaziry, Chair of the Urban Economy Forum (UEF), who reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to advancing transformative urban models in partnership with leading cities such as Ras Al Khaimah.

This milestone places Ras Al Khaimah at the forefront of future-ready urban development—a pioneering city whose experience will inspire national and global initiatives in Urban Transformation.

11/19/2025

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Urban Economy Forum – Frontrunner Cities Update 🌍🏙️

We are pleased to share new updates on the Frontrunner Cities Initiative and the preparations for the 8th Urban Economy Forum (UEF8).

At UEF, our mission remains clear:
🔹 Strengthen the voice of cities globally
🔹 Advance sustainable urban economies & resilient municipal finance
🔹 Support SDG 11 and the future of sustainable human settlements

Through the Frontrunner Cities Program, we work with leading cities, governments, UN agencies, universities, and financial partners to turn vision into measurable progress — building models of Urban Transformation that are globally replicable and locally impactful.

As we move toward UEF8, our network continues to grow, bringing together innovators, policymakers, and city leaders committed to shaping the next generation of world-class, people-centered, and finance-ready urban solutions.

UEF will continue to elevate city leadership and build pathways toward inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready urban futures.

Urban Economy Forum (UEF)
Toronto – Global Network for Sustainable Urban Economies

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11/19/2025

Ras Al Khaimah becomes the First Frontrunner City on Urban Transformation in the UAE

Today marks a historic milestone for the United Arab Emirates.
During an official ceremony at the Palace of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ras Al Khaimah was formally designated as the First Frontrunner City on Urban Transformation by the Urban Economy Forum (UEF).

This prestigious designation recognizes RAK as the leading city in the UAE’s next chapter of sustainable, people-centered, and innovation-driven urban development. It affirms the emirate’s capacity to serve as a global model for Urban Transformation, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the international work of the World Urban Pavilion.

The selection of RAK was based on a rigorous set of criteria jointly developed with Harvard University, evaluating leadership, sustainability readiness, spatial potential, and the ability to drive transformative urban solutions with global relevance.

The official agreement was signed between:
🔹 Urban Economy Forum (UEF)
🔹 Ras Al Khaimah Municipality

The ceremony was held under the gracious presence of His Highness Sheikh Saud, who expressed his full support for the initiative and underlined RAK’s commitment to shaping a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and globally connected. The event was also attended by Mr. Reza Pourvaziry, Chair of the Urban Economy Forum (UEF), who reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to advancing transformative urban models in partnership with leading cities such as Ras Al Khaimah.

This milestone places Ras Al Khaimah at the forefront of future-ready urban development—a pioneering city whose experience will inspire national and global initiatives in Urban Transformation.

11/11/2025

10/29/2025

10/17/2025