The mission of Eastern Mediterranean University's Urban Research and Development Center (URDC) is to improve understanding of and deliver innovative responses to urban challenges by providing a forum of contributions to the quality of urban environment to promote sustainable urban settlements. 

Since its establishment in 1999, committed to serving Cyprus, the Center follows its mission by stimulating research into urban and regional issues and contributing to the knowledge in the field of urban planning and urban design for and on behalf of other parties within Cypriot settlements.

The Center also aims to evoke awareness amongst local people concerning urban environmental issues and to collaborate with other institutions of similar interest and establish inter-disciplinary links both at the local and international levels.