Strengthening global and local partnerships through research and dialogue

Exploring Urban Futures with Prof Sue Parnell

GCRO welcomed Prof Sue Parnell from the University of Bristol for a thought-provoking discussion on her research and the transformative potential of the Urban 20 (U20) initiative. The conversation highlighted opportunities for cities to shape global urban agendas through collaborative policymaking.

Insights from Chennai’s Hinterland with Dr Pushpa Arabindoo

Dr Pushpa Arabindoo of University College London (UCL) presented an in-house seminar on the evolving dynamics of Chennai’s (India) hinterland. Her visit included a field tour of Hammanskraal and Mabopane, guided by GCRO’s Ngaka Mosiane and Rashid Seedat, offering a comparative lens on urban peripheries.

Provincial Research Collaboration with Moses Kotane Institute

GCRO hosted representatives from the Moses Kotane Research Institute, a KwaZulu-Natal provincial government entity focused on economic research. The meeting explored avenues for joint research that responds to the developmental needs of the province.

Smart City Dialogues with Reggio Emilia Delegation

GCRO engaged with representatives from Restart Engineering and AEC Lighting (Reggio Emilia) on 28 May to discuss innovations in renewable energy, lighting technologies, energy efficiency, and smart city systems. The dialogue opened doors for future collaboration in sustainable urban development

These engagements underscore GCRO’s commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and supporting evidence-based urban policy across the Gauteng City-Region and beyond.