Nicol Turner Lee, Brookings | 5G, a Great Step Forward for Citizens
From using autonomous cars to operating on patients in different cities, 5G technology represents an incredible advance for the development of cities of the future.
EIT Urban Mobility | 15-Minute Cities
The concept of 15-minute cities is taking Europe by the storm with such metropolises as Paris, Rome, Dublin, and Utrecht becoming pilot cases. The concept idealizes a citizen having every service they would deem necessary, from recreation, to sanitation, and food within a 15-minute radius of their residence. To talk with us about how urban mobility has helped facilitate this idea are two great speakers. Mark Harrison is the Founder and Managing Director of Triple Tread Limited, a company specializing on making an innovative new tricycle. Lluis Puerto is the Factory Director at EIT Urban Mobility. Mr. Harrison, Mr. Puerto, what a joy to have you here with us. Mr. Puerto: can you explain how the 15-minute city can contribute to a more sustainable urban mobility, and what some of the challenges it raises might be?
Ron Finley | When Gardening Helps a Neighborhood Thrive
We focus on many macro-issues here at Smart Cities, but sometimes citizens’ concerns come down to very basic needs like food. Being able to eat healthy and sustainable food, is key for the health of citizens as well as the climate. Communal and urban gardens have sprouted in cities around the world, helping bring nutritious and affordable food options for its community. To talk with us about his incredibly successful venture in Los Angeles is Ron Finley, a self-described Gagsta Garnder and heads The Ron Finley Project, which seeks to teach communities how to transform food deserts into food sanctuaries. He also has a popular Masterclass in Gardening.
Irene Skoula, C40 Cities | Energy Poverty, Climate Sustainability & Geopolitics
Energy has become such an essential provision in our societies that it’s hard to imagine functioning without a healthy supply of it. From cooking, to sanitation, lighting, heat, and more, energy powers our cities figuratively and literally. However, energy supply brings its own challenges, from scarcity and energy poverty in some areas, to climate sustainability efforts in others. To talk with us about how cities can face these obstacles is Irene Skoula, Director of Energy and Buildings at C40 Cities, a network of nearly 100 world-leading cities taking urgent action to confront the climate crisis.
Buenos Aires and the Self-Sovereign Digital City
The digital transformation of the world in recent decades has given many individuals an autonomy previously unthinkable; allowing them to work from home, be seen by a doctor online, and get university degrees from thousands of kilometers away. This autonomy and self-sovereignty also applies to cities, as they seek to serve their citizens in better ways. To talk with us about self-sovereign digital cities is none other than Diego Fernandez, the Secretary of Innovation and Digital Transformation for the Buenos Aires City Government in Argentina.
Erika Lewis, UK’s Cyber Security and Digital Identity Department | Are Our Cities Prepared to Face Cyberattacks?
As the world shifts increasingly online, this has helped spark greater productivity and global connection. However, it has also left many sectors of cities and countries vulnerable to hacks to their essential services. Cybersecurity is crucial to cities and we are going to talk about it with Erika Lewis, Director of Cyber Security and Digital Identity for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport in the United Kingdom.
Orna Rosenfeld, Global Housing Advisor | In Pursuit of Inclusive Urban Futures
Orna Rosenfeld is passionate about housing in all shapes and sizes.
Cecilia Tham, Futurity Systems | Democratizing the Virtual Universe
Cecilia Tham has been honoured to be listed as one of the top 40 Futurists 2022 in Spain by Forbes.
Ping Manongdo, Eco-Business: Sustainable Business Is the Only Way Forward
Ping Manongdo is a writer, speaker, and convenor of conversations that advance sustainable business.
Cecilia del Re, City of Florence | A Smooth Transition to IoT, Future-Ready Cities
A rapid digitization, especially in recent years, has prompted cities to adapt their infrastructure and how they interact with their citizens. Ushering a smooth and productive transition into this new world of the “Internet of Things,” requires creative and innovative thinking. Luckily, we have such an expert with us now. Cecilia Del Re is a Councilor for the Municipality of Florence, in charge of overseeing urban planning, the environment, tourism, conventions & exhibitions, technological innovation, and information systems. She is also the coordinator of the Recovery plan project, the smart city initiative, and oversees the UNESCO Management Plan.