The World Urban Regeneration Best Practices (WURBP) Case Collection is a collaborative effort between the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and Shanghai University (SHU) as part of a project titled “Strengthening Urban-Rural linkages through Regeneration”. WURBP aligns with global development priorities by advancing the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and accelerating the localization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a strong focus on SDG 11. The initiative directly supports two key goals of the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2020–2025: a) reducing spatial inequality across the urban-rural continuum and b) enhancing the prosperity of city-regions. Additionally, WURBP contributes to UN-Habitat’s Inclusive Communities – Thriving Cities Flagship Programme, WURBP addresses pressing global challenges and aims to shape a more sustainable and inclusive urban future.
In September 2025, a defining moment for global urban regeneration is about to unfold!
After a rigorous recommendation process, outstanding practices from cities around the world will rise to the forefront.
The Top 10 Best Practices of the Year will be officially unveiled during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly!
The World Urban Regeneration Best Practices (WURBP) case collection initiative aims to recognize outstanding efforts from around the world that have made meaningful contributions to urban-rural regeneration. Its goal is to showcase, exchange, and disseminate best practices and innovative solutions in global urban-rural regeneration.
By evaluating, researching, and disseminating practical cases, the WURBP initiative aims to build a global platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration in urban-rural regeneration. Our goal is to offer practical guidance and thought leadership—helping to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future across the urban-rural continuum.
WURBP drives global urban regeneration collaboration, integrating research with practice. We invite scholars and practitioners worldwide to advance case studies and theoretical applications.
WURBP extracts and refines urban regeneration strategies to help stakeholders understand complexities, address challenges, and drive innovative governance solutions.
WURBP promotes interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration, encouraging global professionals to develop innovative urban regeneration solutions and sustainable partnerships.
WURBP gathers young talents in urban regeneration, providing a global exchange platform to foster their growth and development, enabling them shine brightly in this transformative era.
In November 2024, the First Cycle of World Urban Regeneration Best Practices (WURBP1) Case Collection officially launched at the twelfth session of the World Urban Forum, the most influential event in the field of global habitat.
The launch ceremony was witnessed by representatives from the China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Shanghai Municipal Government, UN-Habitat ,as well as experts and scholars from around the world.
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