In practical terms, it is designed to lower barriers to trade and investment, set common rules for doing business, and create a more predictable framework for political and economic cooperation between the two regions.

Two structural details that explain both the ambition and the political pain:

What’s actually in it

At its core, the agreement targets tariff and non-tariff barriers across a large share of goods trade:

The Council’s own framing is that this would create the world’s biggest free trade zone, covering over 700 million consumers, and it points to substantial existing EU-Mercosur trade flows (over €111 billion in goods trade in 2024, plus significant services trade).

Why was it contested?

The opposition has not been about a single clause. It has been a collision between three politically hard issues to reconcile: farm economics, environmental credibility, and trust in enforcement.

EU farmers fear being undercut, especially in “sensitive” sectors

European farming organisations and several member states argued that increased market access for Mercosur products could push down prices for EU producers, particularly in sectors like beef, poultry and sugar. This is why “farmers on tractors” became the recurring image around the agreement across multiple EU countries.

Even where quotas and safeguards exist, farmers and their political allies often focus on the direction of travel, and that is more competition from producers they believe face lower costs and different regulatory burdens.

Environmental groups and some governments worry about deforestation and climate enforcement

Critics argue the deal risks incentivising expansion of beef and soy production, with knock-on effects for deforestation and biodiversity, particularly in sensitive ecosystems such as the Amazon. This line of criticism has been especially influential in France and among environmental NGOs.

In response, the European Commission’s Q&A document stresses that the updated deal makes the Paris Agreement an “essential element” of the relationship, and that this can allow suspension if a party seriously breaches or withdraws from the Paris framework. It also references commitments linked to halting deforestation after 2030 in line with Paris-related national plans.

Standards and “fair competition” arguments: pesticides, food safety, production rules

A persistent theme has been the claim that EU farmers face stricter requirements ( animal welfare , pesticides, traceability, environmental compliance) and that imports should be held to equivalent standards to avoid creating a two-tier system.

The Commission’s Q&A is explicit that EU sanitary and phytosanitary standards are non-negotiable , and it outlines plans for strengthened audits, checks, and an SPS dialogue/committee with Mercosur counterparts. It also flags an intention to pursue stronger alignment on production standards for imports, including certain pesticides.

When it is being signed, and what happens next

Here’s the timeline in plain terms:

After the signature, the agreement still needs to clear the legal and political gates that actually make it real:

Scoring an impressive 97.94 out of 100, France edged out global style powerhouses like Italy, the United States, and the United Kingdom to secure the top spot.

The annual ranking, based on expert reviews, consumer fashion preferences, global influence, and cultural impact, reaffirms the enduring reputation of countries that have shaped the modern fashion landscape.

Top 10 most fashionable countries

France's top ranking comes as no surprise. Paris, often referred to as the “fashion capital of the world ,” is home to elite fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy.

From Paris Fashion Week to the influence of streetwear chic in Le Marais, France's dominance in luxury and ready-to-wear fashion remains unshaken.

According to the magazine , France scored highest in cultural influence, designer reputation, innovation and global appeal, fashion education and modelling institutions.

Close behind France is Italy, with a score of 97.67, bolstered by iconic labels like Gucci, Prada, and Versace. Milan continues to be a top destination for buyers and influencers alike.

The United States ranks third, with 97.46, thanks to New York's influence, thriving streetwear culture, and rising labels that define Gen-Z and millennial style. With global celebrities often setting fashion trends, American style mixes luxury, diversity, and accessibility.

A full house—and a political message

Over 20,000 attendees packed the arena, with thousands more outside unable to enter. They were draped in Congolese flags, chanting and singing. On stage, more than thirty top artists—Fally Ipupa, Gims, Dadju, Youssoupha, and Soolking—performed without fees. The goal was to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC and reframe the country’s global image.

A deliberate soft power strategy

The event aligned with a broader strategy by Congolese leadership to reposition the country internationally. President Félix Tshisekedi, whose name was cheered from the stands, is emerging as a promoter of Congo’s cultural diplomacy. Key to the initiative was Chantal Chambu Mwavita, Minister of Human Rights , who was decisive in organising the event. Her presence reflected more than political support—it signalled the state’s understanding that soft power can be a strategic asset.

Why Paris matters

Staging the event in Paris - both a global diplomatic capital and home to a large African diaspora - gave Congo maximum exposure. The symbolism was powerful: an African nation using one of the West’s most prestigious stages not to beg, but to perform, to assert, to unite.

A model for the Global South

The success of the concert shows how countries in the global south can reclaim the narrative, not through formal summits or reactive diplomacy, but by creating emotional resonance. Where many countries still passively endure their media image, the DRC has shown that cultural pride, backed by institutional intent, can actively shape it.

The power of symbols

Diplomacy is increasingly emotional. The most influential moments today are those that resonate across screens, borders, and hearts. A concert, when carefully orchestrated, can move minds more effectively than a press release. On that April night in Paris, the Congo sang. But more importantly, it was heard.

This year’s star, Oupette, a 6-year-old 1,000 kg Limousin cow, was chosen as the event’s mascot.

It’s not just about farming—politicians see it as a must-attend event. In 2024, President Emmanuel Macron spent 13 hours meeting farmers, just weeks after nationwide protests.

With elections looming and farmers voicing concerns, all eyes are on how leaders like Macron, François Bayrou, and far-right figure Jordan Bardella will be received this year.

Historical migration patterns, economic opportunities, and social factors influence each department's unique demographic composition .

Paris, in the heart of France, hosts a diverse immigrant population. The most prevalent foreign nationality is Moroccan. The Moroccan community has been a significant part of Parisian life, contributing to the city's multicultural fabric.

Seine-Saint-Denis, part of the Greater Paris area, has the highest proportion of immigrants in France. The most common foreign nationality here is Algerian, reflecting the historical ties between France and Algeria, which stem from the colonial period.

Rhône, which includes the city of Lyon, has a substantial immigrant population. The most common foreign nationality in this department is Portuguese. The Portuguese community has a long history in the region, particularly in the construction and service industries.

In the northern department of Nord, the most common foreign nationality is Belgian. The country's proximity to Belgium has facilitated cross-border movement and settlement.

Bruce Ykanji, the founder of Juste Debout, explained the tournament's unique focus: “This stage aims to identify top dancers who will advance to the world finals.” The competition exclusively celebrates upright dance styles, including popping, locking, house, and hip-hop new style.

French-Tunisian organiser Syhem Belkhodja reflected on the significance of the event’s name and its resonance with the Arab world. “‘Juste Debout’ [was launched] because we needed to stand up, whether in Tunisia or in any other Arab country. It was this term that really struck a chord with me as a young person,” she said.

Speaking at a joint press conference alongside German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s openness to negotiations while acknowledging the challenges posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We talked about the frozen conflict in a recent meeting with Trump and Macron. I said that we want the war to end more than anyone else in the world. Certainly, a diplomatic end to the war will bring more lives saved," Zelenskyy stated.

However, the Ukrainian leader emphasised his scepticism about Putin’s willingness to end the conflict voluntarily. He called for increased international support to strengthen Ukraine's position.

“I emphasised to President Macron and President Trump. First of all, you will see that Putin does not want this war to end, so he has to be forced into peace. He can only be forced if Ukraine is strong," Zelenskyy said.

Trump, preparing to assume office on January 20, has consistently voiced confidence in his ability to end the war quickly. Following his meeting with Zelenskyy in Paris, Trump told the New York Post that the Ukrainian president is eager to negotiate a ceasefire.

“He wants to have a cease-fire,” Trump told the newspaper. “He wants to make peace. We didn’t talk about the details. He thinks it’s time, and [Russian President Vladimir] Putin should think it’s time because he’s lost—when you lose 700,000 people, it’s time. It’s not going to end until there’s a peace.”

This action is part of a series of global demonstrations coordinated to coincide with the second week of the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Greenpeace's goal is to draw attention to the role of fossil fuel industries in driving global warming and to urge governments to hold these companies financially accountable for the climate damages they are responsible for.

The aim is to "highlight" the "responsibility of fossil fuel industries in global warming", Sarah Cleaver, campaign manager at Greenpeace France, told AFP. "The idea is to ask governments to make the fossil fuel industry pay for the damage" it creates.

Greenpeace's protest comes amid growing calls for climate justice, with the organization pushing for a tax on the world ’s largest oil and gas companies.

According to a recent study by Greenpeace and Stamp Out Poverty, taxing the seven biggest fossil fuel companies — ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies, BP, Equinor, and ENI — could generate significant revenue for the United Nations ’ climate loss and damage fund, established in 2022 to help vulnerable countries deal with the impacts of climate change.

The study suggests that a $5 tax per tonne of CO2 emitted by these companies, with annual increases tied to inflation, could raise $900 million by 2030 for the UN fund.

In response to the protest, a spokesperson for TotalEnergies acknowledged the right to demonstrate but condemned any form of violence. “TotalEnergies fully respects the freedom to demonstrate and freedom of expression,” the spokesperson said.

Xpeng’s founder and CEO, He Xiaopeng, is optimistic about the opportunities in Europe. He told AFP on the sidelines of the Paris Motor Show that European businesses "don't need to worry" about Chinese competitors.

“I think all policies are reasonable as long as they are stable and they treat all companies equal. Now we are searching for possibilities to work with local plants or have our own plants (in Europe)," he elaborated.

He Xiaopeng also emphasised the potential for collaboration with local European partners, stating, “We would like to work with other local partners in order to use our own complementary advantages or comparative advantage."

Renault’s CEO, Luca de Meo, highlighted the importance of learning from the competition. Speaking at the show, he said, “How we engage with China will also be crucial. There's an opportunity that we have no right to miss: learning from our competitors and imitating them when they do better than us. This is what the Europeans - the Fiats, the Citroens, the Renaults - did a century ago in the United States when Ford revolutionised manufacturing with the production line. That's what the Chinese have also done more recently with us."

Xpeng’s long-term ambitions extend beyond traditional EVs. The company is exploring the possibility of introducing flying cars to Europe, contingent on regulatory approval. "If the law in Europe allows, we want to launch flying cars," He Xiaopeng revealed.

Meanwhile, Tesla, a key competitor in the EV space and owned by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, has unveiled its self-driving vehicle, the "Cybercab." Set for production by 2027, the Cybercab is expected to revolutionise urban transportation with a starting price under $30,000 and an operating cost of just $0.40 per mile.

However, Tesla shares dropped by 9% on Friday, October 11, after the new vehicle's reveal failed to meet investor expectations.

In the Financial Year 2023-24, Uganda lost at least Shs30 billion to corruption, with the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) receiving approximately 2,377 related complaints. Of these, 91.8% were sanctioned for investigation, while 2.7% were referred to authorities. The IGG reported 852 investigated cases, including 18 high-profile individuals, with 55 cases concluded in court yielding a 47.3% conviction rate. According to Ugandan media Monitor , the Inspectorate recommended recovery of Shs17 billion from identified offenders. Additionally, investigations into compliance with the Leadership Code found 213 breaches, resulting in 61 officials recommended for prosecution.

Rebecca Cheptegei honoured in Paris

Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei was honoured posthumously at the 2024 Paris Paralympics on September 8, following her tragic death on September 5 in Eldoret, Kenya, where she was set on fire by her ex-boyfriend. A tribute was broadcasted with her photo displayed near the finish line after the T54 and T12 marathons, acknowledging her as a "victim of femicide," News Central reported. The tribute was organized by Paris 2024 in collaboration with various international sports bodies.

Funeral of Rebecca Cheptegei

The funeral for Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who died after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya, will be held on September 14 in Bukwo, Uganda. The 33-year-old marathon competitor succumbed to severe burns four days after the attack. Her death has sparked outrage over gender-based violence in Kenya, which has seen other athletes face similar tragic fates. The perpetrator, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, is currently hospitalised with burns, Media agency The Sun reported.

Oil reserves

In a recent interview with VOA , Uganda's Minister of Energy and Mineral Development discussed the country's oil reserves and the logistics involved in reaching global markets. Additionally, analysts provided insights on how U.S. presidential debates may influence the upcoming elections.

Death of State Minister for Defense

Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye has expressed condolences to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and the people of Uganda following the sudden death of State Minister for Defense, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi. She passed away from a heart attack while being taken to Mulago hospital. Mateke, who had been in office the day before and was scheduled to travel to South Korea, is remembered as a dedicated public servant. Born on July 15, 1974, she previously served as youth state minister. According to Chim reports , her funeral will be held in Kisoro district on Thursday.

Tony Estanguet, the chief organiser for Paris 2024, hailed the past six weeks as a "historic summer" for France, noting how the Games helped heal recent political divisions. "This summer will remain etched in people's memories," Estanguet was quoted by AFP.

The ceremony included the extinguishing of the Paralympic flame and a high-energy concert with performances by French electronic music legends Jean-Michel Jarre, Cassius, Busy P, and Kungs. DJ Martin Solveig wrapped up the night with hits like "Hello" and Daft Punk’s "One More Time."

China led the medal standings with 94 gold medals. Great Britain finished second with 49 golds, while the USA secured third place with 36. Ukraine placed seventh with 22 golds, and France ended eighth with 19 golds.

On the final day, Switzerland won both wheelchair marathons, with Catherine Debrunner triumphing in the women’s race and Marcel Hug in the men’s. The Netherlands retained their women’s wheelchair basketball title with a 63-49 win over the USA. The American women, last champions in Rio 2016, will have to wait until Los Angeles 2028 for their next chance.

Oluwafemiayo's record-breaking lift secured her the gold medal , while China’s Deng Xuemei took silver with a lift of 155kg. Egypt’s Nadia Ali earned the bronze with a 145kg lift.

Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, John Enoh, congratulated Oluwafemiayo on her historic achievement. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Enoh praised her exceptional performance: "Our very own Folashade Oluwafemiayo has delivered an outstanding performance at the Paralympics. She achieved something no other woman has done in powerlifting at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France."

"After this Paralympic Games I have to rest, then go back to training. I have to rest for many months, so next year I do my training, Oluwafemiayo was quoted by the Para Powerlifting Federation on X.

Oluwafemiayo’s gold adds to her impressive list of achievements, which includes gold medals from the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo and World Championships in Mexico (2017), Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan (2019), Tbilisi, Georgia (2021), Dubai, UAE (2023), and Birmingham, England (2022).

With this latest victory, Team Nigeria’s medal count at the 2024 Paralympics has reached seven, including two gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.

"I'd really love us to have a place where the Agitos can remain here in the city, celebrating what I think, by some margin right now, is the most spectacular Paralympic Games in our history," Spence stated.

The IPC official highlighted the impact of previous occasions like the Tokyo Games disclosing that there remain “many Agitos in the Japanese capital”, commemorating the great Games that took place there.

“We shouldn't forget about the Agitos. We shouldn't forget that the Paralympics have also been here (Paris), and are here," he added.

Supporting the success of the ongoing Paralympic Games , Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps shared, "The great news is that the ticket sales are continuing to fly. I can tell you that we have now reached the milestone of 2.3 million tickets sold for the Paralympic Games, so it's a clear success for all of us. The French public is falling in love with these Paralympic Games. We're so happy with this success and more to come."

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which commenced on August 28, will continue until September 8.

Like the opening of the just-ended Olympics, the Paris 2024 Paralympics happens away from the main stadium. The games will officially open with a grand ceremony at Place de la Concorde, a central square in Paris that also hosted urban sports like skateboarding during the Olympics.

According to AFP, the Paris 2024 Paralympics organisers revealed on August 27 that over two million tickets have already been sold as excitement builds for the Games, which will run until September 8.

A total of 18 out of the 35 venues used during the Olympics will host Paralympic events, marking a significant continuation of the sporting celebration in the French capital.

Over 9,000 athletes from 206 delegations paraded into the Stade de France, creating a colourful and joyous atmosphere.

The ceremony included breathtaking fireworks, a parade of flagbearers, and memorable moments such as French swimmer Léon Marchand carrying the Olympic flame and Hollywood actor abseiling before over 71,500 spectators.

The night was a fitting end to a Summer Games that brought excitement and unity to the world. Enjoy these captivating images that capture the essence of the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony.

For Saint Lucia, Julien Alfred won the country's first-ever medal by coming first in the women's 100m race and second in the women's 200m race.

Dominica did not miss out on this chance as Thea Lafond grabbed gold in the women's triple jump. The country's first-ever Olympic medal.

Despite his excellent record of 6.24m, Swedish vaulter, Armand Duplantis set a new record of 6.25m in the men's vault pole.

Arshad Nadeem, a Pakistani javelin thrower also made history by winning the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He set an Olympic record with a throw of 92.97m. This achievement marks him as the first individual Olympic champion from Pakistan.

Aleksandra Miroslaw, on the other hand, broke two records on the same day and won the first women's speed climbing competition at the Olympics for Poland.

The 34th Summer Olympics began on July 24, with the opening ceremony held on the River Seine on July 26.

The closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics will be held at Stade de France on August 11, 2024. Titled 'Records,' it will feature over a hundred performers, including acrobats, dancers, and circus artists.

In the City of Love, seven athletes took the opportunity to propose to their partners, creating unforgettable moments that added a romantic flair to the global event.

Argentine handball player Pablo Simonet proposed to his long-time girlfriend, Maria Campoy on the hockey team, after a thrilling match. The emotional proposal was met with cheers from teammates and fans alike.

French steeplechase athlete Alice Finot proposed to her boyfriend, Spanish triathlete Bruno Martinez Bargiela, after breaking a European record. Her spontaneous gesture was celebrated by the crowd.

French skiff sailors Sarah Steyaert and Charline Picon experienced double joy when they were both proposed to after winning bronze medals. Steyaert, who had joked about engagement only for gold or silver, was completely surprised.

American rower Justin Best proposed to his girlfriend, Lainey Duncan, live on television with the Eiffel Tower as their backdrop. The romantic moment was a highlight of the games.

Chinese badminton star Huang Yaqiong was surprised by her teammate and partner, Liu Yuchen, with a proposal right after winning a gold medal. The emotional moment was captured on camera, leaving spectators in awe.

Two-time Olympian Payton Otterdahl proposed to his girlfriend, Maddy Nilles, against the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. Their engagement added a touch of romance to the games.

Italian rhythmic gymnast Alessia Maurelli was surprised by her partner, Massimo Bertelloni, with a heartfelt proposal after securing a medal. The moment was both emotional and joyous.

These proposals have added a unique charm to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The City of Love has truly lived up to its name, providing the perfect backdrop for these unforgettable moments.

"It's going to be very special. What I can tell you is that 1,000 more athletes than expected will be there. We've had a lot of discussions with all the delegations over the last few weeks and, in the end, the athletes wanted to stay a little longer and take part in the closing ceremony, which shows that they've really enjoyed these Olympics. We're delighted to be able to welcome them tomorrow evening and thank them because, frankly, they've made these Games great for us," Tony when asked by AFP about what to expect for the closing ceremony.

The closing ceremony to be held at Stade de France is set to celebrate not only the achievements of the athletes but also the rich cultural heritage of Paris.

Spectators can expect a blend of traditional and contemporary performances, showcasing the best of French art, music, and dance. T

Expected to kick off at 9 p.m. CEST, or 3 p.m. ET, on Sunday, Aug. 11, spectators will be thrilled with performances from Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, Red Hot Chili Peppers and H.E.R.

Viewers in the Central Daylight Time zone can watch the closing ceremony at 2 p.m. Those in the Mountain Daylight Time zone can tune in at 1 p.m., and it will start at noon for those in the Pacific Daylight Time zone.

In addition to the artistic performances, the ceremony will feature a parade of athletes, a symbolic handover to the next host city, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Olympic organisers are hopeful that the sunny weather and high temperatures will improve the Seine's water quality enough for triathletes to compete.

The men’s event had been rescheduled for Wednesday, to take place after the women's triathlon, which is also set for that day.

Earlier this month, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo took a dip in the Seine to prove the safety of the River. City authorities have announced plans to open three public swimming sites in the river by June next year.

However, rainfall often causes sewer systems to overflow into the Seine, significantly increasing concentrations of infection-causing bacteria like E. coli.

This is the biggest event in the history of the Olympics and the first time the event is happening outside a stadium.

Ahead of the event, the French delegation left the Olympic Village in style. The Olympic Village is where all participating athletes are housed during the Olympic Games for the Opening Ceremony.

The delegation was transported in several buses and escorted by police dispatch through the town to the Seine River where the event is happening.

French security officials are also on high alert, AFP reports.

Various athletes representing different countries have arrived for the games as well as visitors from all over France and around the world.

Athletes will be the main focus of the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.

The ceremony will start with a parade of athletes on the Seine River in Paris. Every country’s national team will use a boat for the parade. These boats will have cameras to give viewers a close-up look at the athletes. The 7,500 athletes will travel from east to west through central Paris, ending their 6-kilometer route at the Trocadéro.

Here, the remaining Olympic protocols and final shows will take place, highlighting the athletes throughout the ceremony.

The games are scheduled to happen at 35 venues in Paris with about 20,000 accredited journalists anticipated to be present.

The 19-day competition will witness 329 events. As part of the opening ceremony activities, nations will unveil their beautifully designed Olympic uniforms and attires.

Despite the recent sabotage of France's TGV high-speed train network causing travel disruptions and revealing security issues ahead of the Paris Olympics, efforts are underway to resolve the problems before the event begins.

Athletes are prepared, security measures are in place, boats are ready, and participants are excited. In just a few hours, the Paris 2024 Olympics will kick off with all systems ready for lights, camera, action!

Meanwhile, here are some photos to enjoy from Paris as preparations reach the peak for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics games.

We take a look at cities around the world with their various layouts.

San Francisco

San Francisco has a unique look and feel that comes from its views, hills, streets, buildings, and major landscaping. This gives the city a clear organization, showing where different districts are and highlighting important activity centres. It also helps people navigate the city on foot, by car, or by public transport.

Tokyo

The work of modern Japanese architects, mostly in Tokyo, has gained global attention. Their designs often reflect the unique style and setting of Japanese cities, especially Tokyo . Tokyo's cityscape features a mix of tall modern business buildings and crowded neighborhoods filled with small wooden houses. This setup makes Tokyo look more like other Asian cities than European ones.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is Greece's second-largest city, covering about 20,000 square meters. It has a crowded urban setup with very little open or green space—just 2.6 square meters per person. Despite having a forest on the outskirts and a 7-kilometer waterfront, the city still faces problems from natural disasters like floods, wildfires, and earthquakes.

Sydney

Sydney , one of the largest cities globally, spans over 1,730 square kilometers from the sea to the Blue Mountains. The Central Business District (CBD) is compact, with the stunning Sydney Harbour at its heart. The harbor, featuring the Sydney Opera House and various beaches like Bondi, divides the high-rises of the CBD from North Sydney. Main streets like George, Pitt, Elizabeth, and Macquarie make navigation easy, with key landmarks such as Sydney Tower and The Rocks tourist area nearby. Walking around the CBD is convenient, with short distances between major points like Circular Quay, Town Hall, and Darling Harbour.

Paris

The renovation of Paris was spearheaded by Georges-Eugène Haussmann, commonly known as Baron Haussmann between the 1850s and 70s. During Haussmann’s tenure, Paris underwent three major phases of urban planning from 1853 to 1870. First, the city’s main north-south and east-west boulevards were built. Next, arterial roads were added to connect these main roads. Lastly, many central roads were expanded. Haussmann’s plan aimed to create a network of monumental buildings and large parks connected by boulevards, emphasizing architecture, modernizing the city, and improving traffic flow. This restructuring gave Paris a unique, orderly urban layout, linking the city’s development to classical culture and laying the foundation for modern urban planning.

Lagos

Lagos' urban planning history can be divided into three periods. Initially, indigenous land-use organization focused around palaces, predating colonial rule. By the 15th century, Lagos had become a key trade and slave port, growing demographically and spatially. The British annexation in 1861 introduced formal urban planning, marked by ordinances for development control, public health, and segregation. Key legislation like the 1946 Town and Country Planning Ordinance shaped city planning for decades. However, mid-20th century planning prioritized economic and social development over spatial planning, contributing to the rise of slums and shantytowns.

Florence

Florence is a small city along the Arno River, surrounded by olive-covered hills. Its compact historic center, where most tourist attractions are located, can be easily explored on foot, with no major sights more than a 25-minute walk apart. Most hotels and restaurants are in this historic area, a maze of medieval streets and squares. The main part of Florence, including the tourist spots, is north of the river. The Oltrarno neighborhood, an old artisan area, lies south of the Arno between the river and the hills.

Mexico City

Mexico City is surrounded by mountains and active volcanoes like Popocatepetl and Itzacehuatl. This earthquake-prone area faces significant risks due to natural hazards and structural vulnerabilities such as rapid urban sprawl, high population density, and poverty. The city’s urban footprint extends into the mountainous regions, highlighting the challenges of managing its vast and growing urbanised areas.

Dubai

Dubai ’s layout is geared at optimising the use of space and infrastructure, planning vibrant and healthy communities with a range of housing and core facilities, enhancing the provision of parks and open space, and improving accessibility with a people-centric approach. The plan will also enhance the effectiveness of economic land, improve environmental spatial quality and resilience and protect heritage, archaeology, and places of cultural significance.

Barcelona

Barcelona has become a top city known for smart urban planning. Its transformation began with the Eixample district, designed in 1859 with beautiful, accessible architecture. The 1992 Olympics sparked major city-wide changes, turning neglected areas into vibrant spaces, including the famous Olympic Village and new beaches. Now, Barcelona continues to innovate with projects like the high-tech 22@ zone and Diagonal Mar community, while also revitalising inner-city and old industrial areas.

Fort Bourtange

Fort Bourtange is a star-shaped fort located in the village of Bourtange, and Venice is 4km from the mainland, connected by the Ponte della Libertà to Piazzale Roma. The Grand Canal runs through it like an inverted S. Central Venice includes the main tourist spots like St. Mark's and the train station, spread across six main districts. Greater Venice covers all the inhabited islands, including Murano, Burano, Torcello, and the Lido. The Lagoon includes everything from the city to the mud flats and fish farms, plus many uninhabited islets.

He advocates for Pelé's legacy to be known by children worldwide, which led to his call for naming stadiums globally after the legend. The Parisian stadium joins a list of international venues honouring Pelé , reflecting his pioneering skills on the field.

The event also marked Paris 13 Atletico's rise to the French third division, although the stadium, despite upgrades, is yet to be sanctioned for hosting their league matches. The inauguration, aligned with the stadium's new name, signifies a commitment to uphold excellence.