THE POWER OF PEOPLE, PLACES & FIRMS
Reading Time: 4 minutesOn Saturday, 31 January 2026, a single cloud changed Maipú in less than an hour – 17 millimetres of rainfall in forty-five minutes, flooding streets and destroying homes. Images spread across social media. Many claimed they were fake. They were not. The storm devastated more than a thousand families. So how did Maipú use real-time data to reach those in need?
Reading Time: 4 minutesEl sábado 31 de enero de 2026, una sola nube transformó Maipú en menos de una hora – 17 milímetros de lluvia en cuarenta y cinco minutos, inundando calles y destruyendo viviendas. Las imágenes se difundieron por las redes sociales. Muchos afirmaron que eran falsas. No lo eran. La tormenta devastó a más de mil familias. ¿Cómo usó Maipú los datos en tiempo real para llegar a quienes lo necesitaban?
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe social economy is rarely part of conversations about competitiveness or economic resilience, yet it should be. Social economy organisations create jobs, deliver essential services and strengthen local economies across countries. But what does it take to build an environment that allows them to contribute fully?
Reading Time: 11 minutesImagine a world where rural and tropical regions aren’t struggling backwaters, but breeding ground for fresh ideas, new jobs and sustainable growth.
In this episode of our #FromtheGroundUp series, Betty-Ann Bryce (OECD) sits down with Ingo Plöger (CEAL), for a conversation to explore how tropical regions, with abundant natural resources, rich biodiversity and favourable climate, can become engines of sustainable growth, innovation and resilient rural development.
Reading Time: 4 minutesCities are pivotal in the shift toward a circular economy, demonstrating immense potential in resource efficiency and innovation. They are leading initiatives, reducing waste, creating jobs, and require national support to enhance their efforts and maximize circular solutions globally.
Reading Time: 5 minutesThe world’s population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and 10.2 billion by 2100. Many of these people will be on the move – pulled to new places by economic opportunity or pushed by conflicts, scarcity and a changing climate. For years, Gaziantep has been working on the front lines to support Syrian refugees. The lessons we have learned can help all cities prepare for the future.
Reading Time: 3 minutesSofia’s waste management reform focuses on improving disposal options, enhancing public engagement, and enforcing regulations. Initiatives include pop-up collection points and partnerships with residents, schools, and businesses, aiming to create a cleaner, more sustainable city for all.
Reading Time: 4 minutesSustainability is integral to Finland, where nature is ever-present. Climate action is a priority and lies at the heart of the City of Jyväskylä’s vision for the future. Achieving this vision requires a circular economy approach across all sectors. How can we make this a reality?