Canadian Urban Institute

Published purpose

The goal of the Canadian Urban Institute's International Urban Partnerships Program (IUPP) is to advance sustainable economic growth and development in urban regions in developing countries, consistent with the countries' national development agendas. The program aims to improve citizens' quality of life by improving urban management and national and local policies. It contributes to reducing poverty through initiatives that address the environmental and social impacts of rapid urbanisation, while promoting the adoption of good governance practices. The program facilitates the transfer of innovative solutions for urban sustainability between developing countries, at both the institutional and peer levels, thereby strengthening professional relationships that promote learning. This transfer of innovative solutions leads to building a body of knowledge about sustainable economic growth and the development of southern urban regions. Program activities include: strengthening the skills of partners and local stakeholders in growth management, sustainable development, resource leveraging, governance, service delivery, and addressing gender equality; researching, adapting, and promoting methods and tools to address urban issues identified in local strategies and plans; providing technical advice and financial support for pilot initiatives that address priority urban issues.