The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Australasia - Helpdesk and Coordination Services
The IURC is a programme of the European Union (EU) promoting multi-city cooperation on sustainable urban development, building partnerships between EU and non-EU cities.
IURC contributes to deliver the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations New Urban Agenda, the European Green Deal, and the Urban Agenda for the European Union.
The IURC is implemented in the Americas, China, Asia, and Australasia, with a central coordination service in Brussels, the EU capital.
In our region, IURC works in nine countries, namely Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Dozens of cities from these countries and the EU carry out practical cooperation in relevant fields to enhance sustainable urban development including, among others, post-Covid recovery, smart city, mobility, public spaces, energy transition, circular economy, urban food systems, urban industries, culture, education, and tourism.
Actions are framed by cross-cutting challenges including post-Covid recovery, climate change, and digital transition.
Activities include training, study visits, and thematic networking events.
The IURC Asia and Australasia is based on the ‘Quadruple-Helix’ cooperation model, encouraging the public sector to work together with businesses, research, education, and civil society partners to develop pilot projects in the short-term.
Activities are based on a win-win perspective for cities in the EU and the non-EU countries.
The European Union Centre of Excellence at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia provides helpdesk and coordination services for the IURC in Australasia.
The helpdesk acts as a matchmaking and support mechanism for partnerships between cities from the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, drawing on the knowledge of the municipalities’ specific needs and profiles that result from the exchange of information.
The helpdesk provides administrative, logistical, technical support, coaching and mentoring services to the IURC pairing cities, as well as to other national or regional institutions interested in cooperating with the IURC project.
The helpdesk will ensure the project’s sustainability and facilitate the establishment of bilateral cooperation.
Professor Bruce Wilson at RMIT University is the Australasia Helpdesk Team Leader and Country Coordinator for Australia. Professor Paul Dalziel at Lincoln University is the Country Coordinator for New Zealand.
Professor Bruce Wilson
RMIT University, Australia
Email: bruce.wilson@rmit.edu.au
Paul Dalziel
Lincoln University, New Zealand
Email: paul.dalziel@lincoln.ac.nz
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.