Vienna hosts global urban planning conference with strong Kurdistan presence

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - More than 250 experts from 35 countries have gathered in Vienna for REAL CORP 2026, a major international conference focused on how cities can adapt to accelerating technological, environmental, and social change.

Held at the historic Otto Wagner Areal, the four-day conference brings together researchers, policymakers, and urban planners to examine challenges ranging from climate change and digitalization to shifting patterns of work, mobility, and urban life.

This year’s theme, “Cherish Heritage, Plan Now, Create a Better Future”, reflects a growing urgency to rethink how cities evolve in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, data-driven planning, and climate pressures. Organizers said the goal is not only to explore new technologies but to ensure they serve broader societal needs.

Kurdistan has emerged as a notable contributor to the conference, both institutionally and academically. Vision Education, based in the Kurdistan Region, is a key supporting partner, underscoring efforts to connect local expertise with global urban development conversations.

“We are proud to support this leading international conference, bringing together distinguished scholars, professionals, and policymakers in Vienna,” said Idris Nechirvan Barzani, chairman of Vision Education, adding that such exchanges will help shape “more resilient, sustainable, and intelligently planned cities for generations to come.”

The region’s presence extends beyond sponsorship. Researchers and practitioners from Kurdistan are actively participating in discussions on urban transformation, sustainability, and climate resilience. Presentations include studies on Erbil’s urban development, green infrastructure, and innovation in medium-sized cities facing global challenges.

Additional sessions examine the impact of climate change on urban planning in Iraq, highlighting both the scale of environmental pressures and the need for adaptive strategies tailored to local conditions. These contributions position Kurdistan not just as a case study, but as an active participant in shaping solutions for rapidly growing cities in fragile environments.

Organizers said the conference centers on balancing innovation with a human-focused approach to development. Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig emphasized the principle of “digital humanism,” arguing that technological progress should “make everyday life easier” while keeping people, not systems, at the core of decision-making.

The program features more than 180 scientific contributions, alongside keynote speeches and panel discussions addressing artificial intelligence, sustainable infrastructure, education, and urban resilience. A panel on the future of education, for example, explores how AI is reshaping learning systems and regional competitiveness, reflecting broader concerns about how societies prepare for a knowledge-driven future.

Officials highlighted the importance of integrated approaches to urban planning. Austria’s Federal Minister Peter Hanke described cities as “central arenas for safeguarding quality of life,” stressing the need to link social, environmental, and economic factors to build resilient and inclusive communities.

Beyond policy discussions, the conference serves as a platform for international collaboration. Organizers emphasized that knowledge exchange and cross-border partnerships are crucial to addressing the increasingly complex urban challenges, ranging from infrastructure and mobility to housing and public space design.

For participants from Kurdistan, the event offers an opportunity to both share local experiences and engage with global expertise. The inclusion of case studies from Erbil and other Iraqi cities reflects a growing recognition of the region’s urban transformation and the pressures it faces, from rapid population growth to climate-related risks.

As discussions continue through Wednesday, organizers said the stakes extend far beyond Vienna. With cities worldwide undergoing what they describe as a “profound transformation,” the conference aims to generate ideas and partnerships that can guide urban development in the decades ahead, where regions like Kurdistan are increasingly part of the global conversation, not on the sidelines, but at the table.