Effective Public Policies for Healthier Communities
How do cities ensure the protection of human rights for all residents? What measures can decision-makers implement to address the diverse aspects of human security within their governance frameworks? This roundtable will discuss how local administrations are protecting citizens’ rights through public policies that promote equality, social justice, and overall well-being ensuring access to healthcare, education, and political participation.
Neither Bottom Up, Nor Top Down: Time for Hybrid Smart Cities
This keynote addresses the need to move beyond traditional top-down and bottom-up approaches in smart city development, advocating for a hybrid model that integrates both. By balancing technological innovations with community-driven initiatives, hybrid smartness creates more equitable and sustainable urban environments. Drawing from the evolution of smart city discourse, this talk highlights how hybrid smartness can solve urban challenges more effectively by intertwining top-down infrastructure with bottom-up citizen engagement. The keynote will explore how this socio-technical integration can reshape cities to be inclusive and responsive to both human and environmental needs.
UN CitiVerse Initiative-AI powered Citizen-centred Future Smart Cities
Dive into the UN CitiVerse Initiative, where cutting-edge technologies like AI, digital twins, and quantum computing converge to create an urban living environment that truly responds to citizens’ needs and aspirations. Learn how cities around the world are already harnessing technologies to make everyday life smarter, greener, and more connected, and shaping a future where the diverse needs of our communities are best supported.
Shaping the Digital Future Ethically
When used for city services, do advanced technologies guarantee data protection and facilitate digital trust? How are governments responding to the consequences of implementing new technologies in urban living? This session will reflect on the evolving relationships between citizens and technology, discuss the evolution of threats like cyberattacks, fake news, and digital bias, and debate regulation in the digital age.
Technology, Equity, and the Future of Digital Inclusion
This session explores two impactful books that tackle the intersection of technology, society, and equity. Being Human in Digital Cities by Myria Georgiou delves into how technology reshapes urban life, advocating for human-centered cities rooted in social justice. Digitally Invisible by Nicol Turner Lee highlights the growing digital divide in America, sharing stories from the emerging digital underclass and calling for equitable tech access. Join us to discuss how both authors envision a more inclusive, digital future.
Centering “Smartness:” the Challenges and Opportunities of Doing Ethics for “Smart” Environments
It has been established that “smartness” is a form of branding to market cities as modern, innovative, and efficient. Submerged under these overarching values are several others that depend on who is wielding the terminology, ranging from sustainability to entrepreneurship. Smartness rarely centers low-tech common-sense solutions or meeting the demands of those most vulnerable in society. This talk unearths what we mean by smartness and considers the inherent challenges of making smart city technology “ethical.” Finally, it addresses initial steps to make “doing ethics” easier.
Tech-Forward Construction Shaping the Future of Building
How are advancements in construction techniques reshaping the built environment? The path to resilient and eco-friendly urban development lies in smart construction. This session will explore the pivotal role of new construction methods and mindsets in achieving sustainable, efficient, and resilient cities. It will delve into innovative approaches to new technologies in building techniques, and […]
Exploring the Potential and Future Applications of Micromobility Services
Discussion on the current and future role of micromobility in urban mobility systems.
Navigating the Diverse Landscape of Shared Micromobility
Insights into the different operational contexts and challenges of shared micromobility.
Utilising Data to Serve Public Interests
Roundtable on the benefits of data and data sharing for better mobility.