The International Strategic Significance of the UN "Urban October" Event and Iran's Hosting in 2026

In accordance with the resolution and memorandum of understanding signed between the United Nations and Sam International Exhibition Organizing Company, the Islamic Republic of Iran has earned the honor of hosting the global event "UN Urban October" in November 2026, coinciding with World Cities Day. This hosting provides an exceptional opportunity to showcase Iran's capabilities in the fields of reconstruction, rehabilitation, and urban development on an international scale, and will open a new chapter in Iran's modern urban diplomacy in the region and the world.

International Awards; Honoring Innovation and Urban Excellence

In commemoration of this important event, the United Nations has allocated special awards to honor the best mayors, municipal achievements, crisis management, future buildings, knowledge-based companies, and innovative urban regeneration projects. These awards, which are a testament to the global commitment to excellence in the urban field, will be presented to the winners by the high-ranking representative of the United Nations and the Honorable Minister of Interior, as the highest national authorities in the field of urban management and governance.

The joint signing of these certificates of appreciation by high-ranking national and international authorities elevates the status of this event at both national and international levels.

Establishment of the Iran Urban October Secretariat

The "Iran National Team of Inventions and Innovations," as a capable arm in the field of science and technology diplomacy, and with the aim of facilitating between the public and private sectors, has taken a great step towards developing international relations and improving the country's technology level. In 2024 (1403 in the Iranian calendar), with the support of "Global Smart City October," the "Permanent Secretariat of Iran Urban October" was established. This action opened a new path for showcasing the brilliant achievements of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the fields of smart cities, modern construction, and urban regeneration.

Initial Steps; From Online to In-Person

With the continuous follow-ups and official correspondence of the Secretariat with the "UN-Habitat" program, the first official event of Iran in the Urban October program, focusing on smart cities and construction, was held online. This initial step was a prelude to greater achievements.

Continuing this path, in November 2025 (Aban 1404), Iran earned the honor of hosting one of the most important international events in this field. The "6th Smart City and Artificial Intelligence Exhibition of Iran" at the Tehran Mosalla hosted the official events of "World Cities Day" and "World Habitat Day" within the framework of the Urban October program. This joint hosting, with the cooperation and support of "Global Smart City October" and the strong presence of Iranian public and private institutions, provided a unique opportunity to showcase capabilities and exchange knowledge at the international level.

The Importance of Participating in Urban October

• International Credibility: Registration of projects and achievements on the UN-Habitat website.

• Technology Diplomacy: Creating a communication network with international experts and institutions.

• Identification and Introduction: Benefiting from the advantages of national and international smart city and future building awards.

• National Synergy: Presence in the largest specialized gathering of urban planning and smartization managers and activists.