Press Release

Exciting Initiatives and Collaborations: 
 
The  Urban Economy Forum, in partnership with various organizations, entities, and individuals, has launched impactful initiatives and platforms dedicated to advancing urban sustainability. As a testament to these efforts, distinguished trophies were awarded by the Honorable  Bob Rae, Canadian Ambassador to the  United Nations & President of ECOSOC, and  Reza Pourvaziry, Chair of the Urban Economy Forum. 
This recognition took place during the Canada Frontrunner on Urban SDGs Gala on February 7, 2025, celebrating leadership and commitment to sustainable urban development. 
Richmond Hill | The First Canada Frontrunner City on Urban SDGs  David West 
A leading Canadian city driving urban SDG implementation and sustainable transformation. 
World Station  Alex Bugailiskis 
A global hub for monitoring natural resources, urban health, and sustainability trends. 
World Nexus  Amir Hossein Kashfi 
A publicly owned financial solution mobilizing resources for global transformation. 
World Industrial Center of Excellence (WICE)  Saeed Sepanta 
A global center advancing innovation, best practices, and sustainability in industry. 
Montrok | Urban SDGs Global Platform (MUS GP)  Montrok Group Inc 
An international platform accelerating urban SDGs through partnerships and initiatives. 
Lowell | The First USA Frontrunner City on Urban SDGs  City of Lowell 
A pioneering U.S. city committed to advancing urban SDGs and sustainable growth. 
DUQM-Solar International Initiative | Transforming Industrial Cities Behzad  Behzad Sharifi Kalangestani   HAMID ARMAKI B.Sc. MBA 
A global initiative promoting renewable energy for sustainable industrial cities. 
World Trade Nexus (WTN)  KAMRAN ESPILI 
A platform driving global trade, economic growth, and urban sustainability. 
Health Global Platform on Urban SDGs (Health GP)  Dr. Vahid Sadr 
A global initiative integrating health into urban SDG strategies for resilient cities. 
Canada National Urban Forum (CANUF)Hanieh Riahi 
A national platform for policy-making and collaboration on sustainable urbanism. 
UN Geospatial Situation Room (UN GSR) 
A UN-led hub using geospatial data for urban planning and decision-making. 
Real Estate Global Platform on Urban SDGs (RE GP)  Kambiz Khaleghi Zadeh 
A global initiative promoting sustainable real estate aligned with urban SDGs. 
Justice & Human Rights Global Platform on Urban SDGs (JH GP)  Shokouh H Abadi, Ph.D. 
A platform advocating justice, equity, and human rights in urban development. 
Saudi Arabia International Impact Fund (SAIIF)  Reza Pourvaziry 
A strategic fund supporting sustainable urban projects in Saudi Arabia and beyond.