We are pleased to invite article contributions for Issue 50 (March edition) of MEWA Agora, themed: “The Innovation Engine: Localizing Entrepreneurship & Smart Urban Growth.”
This issue will explore how local and regional governments can serve as engines of innovation-led urban development, with a particular focus on experiences and practices from the MEWA region.
For reference, you may explore previous issues of MEWA Agora to gain insight into the publication’s scope and approach from here.
Thematic Focus Areas
Contributions may address the following:
- Innovation Districts and place-based economic development approaches
- Municipal support for startups and local entrepreneurship ecosystems
- Digital transformation of city and local government services
- Youth employment, skills development, and innovation-driven job creation
- Local government policies enabling smart, inclusive, and sustainable urban growth
Global Alignment
This issue of MEWA Agora is part of the Road to WUF13, contributing reflections and insights in anticipation of the World Urban Forum 13, to be held in Baku, May 2026.
Submission Guidelines
- Article length: 1,000–1,500 words
- Articles should be original, well-structured, and policy-oriented, combining analysis with practical examples or case studies.
The publication features four main types of content: Feature, Opinion Piece, Interview, and Best Practice. In addition, Urban Columns highlight specific city-related themes, such as City and Gastronomy and City Overview.
Submissions should clearly connect local experiences with regional or global urban innovation trends
- High-quality visuals (photographs, infographics, charts, maps, or illustrations)
Submission of Interest Deadline: February 6, 2026
Submission Deadline: February 22, 2026
Send submissions to: communications@uclg-mewa.org
We encourage members to share innovative practices, lessons learned, and forward-looking perspectives from their cities and institutions to enrich regional dialogue on urban innovation and local economic transformation.
We look forward to your valuable contributions.
