Agenda

Welcome to the Smart City Expo World Congress! This first session of the event aims to welcome the audience to the SCEWC with an opening speech by the event directors Ugo Valenti and Maria Tsavachidis. It will also count on the participation of high-level representatives who will address how cities are working to transform, innovate, and create to live, move & build better.

The updates of Intelligent Transportation Systems used in Public Transportation will be discussed.

Multimodal and Interconnected Hubs for Freight and Passenger Transport come in various sizes and functions, catering for both people, goods or a combination of both. They are crucial to delivering Zero-Emission and seamless urban mobility. This session will provide an overview of different types of hubs, the essential role they play in creating cities built for and around people and which are the best practices from MOVE21.

Scaling innovation efficiently requires a mix of strategies. Secondary markets provide liquidity, enabling early investors to exit and attract new capital. Corporate partnerships and open innovation foster collaboration, bringing external resources to startups. Strategic investments fuel growth without diluting ownership. These approaches create sustainable value and accelerate the development of innovation ecosystems.

Rural and remote areas miss economic opportunities due to costly broadband. Learn how satellite broadband can bridge this gap through development planning with insights from experts.

Urban digital twins, predictive analytics, and AI offer next-generation solutions that help city leaders make data-driven decisions. A panel discussion between an expert from the Barcelona Supercomputing Center and public administration professionals from Barcelona and Venice will highlight how AI and big data solutions help collect, combine, and display information in a user-friendly way to respond to urgent urban needs, including mobility.

An exclusive global gathering of mayors and deputy mayors dedicated to exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in urban governance. This event will provide a unique platform for municipal leaders from around the world to share insights, strategies, and best practices on leveraging AI to enhance city management, improve public services, and drive sustainable development.

Decades of government and philanthropic policies have facilitated economically stagnant zones where people measure their success by how far they get away. This talent-extraction paradigm makes them far more vulnerable to real estate speculation and displacement, and removes individuals with spending power, day to day examples of success, and the investment and financial acumen needed to build local economies.

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.

To enhance citizens’ well-being, we need to put citizens’ needs in front. And we need to focus on softer technology prioritizing flexibility, adaptability, and people-first approaches. How can digital engagement platforms help foster strong, inclusive communities and how can we better leverage emotional intelligence as a crucial foundation for decision-making and design?

This presentation will provide an overview of the 2024 Olympic Games’ achievements regarding the transport network in the Île-de-France Region.  Beyond the popular fervor, the games have also helped to develop and modernize the Paris region's transport network: line extensions have been opened, new trains have been put in service, passenger information has been redesigned, accessibility has been improved and safety has been enhanced. 

Join us for the opening session of Tomorrow.BlueEconomy, featuring leaders from Smart City Expo World Congress, Port of Barcelona, World Ocean Council, and Barcelona City Council as they share their vision for a sustainable blue economy. This event also marks the inauguration of the Smart Ports Congress, organized by the Port of Barcelona, with welcome remarks and insights from international port representatives on advancing smart, sustainable ports worldwide.

We have been learning creating cities in Barcelona, and now we come with our own solutions

1.    Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans connecting the city to the surround subregion

2.    Efforts for modernizing and upgrading public transport

3.    Tactics and policies to reduce car presence in city center

4.    Facilitation of active mobility (walking and cycling)

5.    Efforts of the social council on accessibility and inclusion

Have you ever wondered what are the outcomes of Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe projects? Join the CIVITAS AGORA and attend the pitches of urban mobility solutions developed in European-funded projects. Each solution will be showcased in a dynamic pitch, offering opportunities for networking with cities and technical providers. The CIVITAS AGORA is a part of the CIVITAS Path – the CIVITAS programme for TMWC/SCEWC.

Private capital can be scaled with public capital by leveraging successful public-private partnerships, using policies and incentives to attract private investment, and applying innovative funding mechanisms like blended finance and co-investment privite-public. Amid global shifts, a flexible approach is essential to navigate uncertainties, ensuring sustainable growth and collaborative progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This session explores how cities can leverage AI and data to combat climate change. Hear from European cities using AI for greener infrastructure, mobility, and renewable energy. Discover from key industry players how their tools are empowering cities to achieve sustainability goals. Learn how to replicate these successes globally through collaboration and data sharing. Join us and unlock the power of AI for more sustainable and green cities.

This session aims to discuss the role of human potential in meeting the current and future challenges that all local and regional governments must face. Join us to learn more about what is at stake for local and regional governments and their associations.

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.

Do cities have personality? How can we identify and analyze the Citentity of our cities? This session will discuss how The Citentity can help us plan our cities better. It will explore a first approach to The Citentity of three existing cities : Barcelona, Medellín and the Mexican city of Mérida, and how their cardinal and guiding traits make them unique and should mark their evolution and development.

By drawing on examples from a number of cities across the continent, this presentation will explore the extent to which place and space matter, in the age of platforms, social media and digital tools, and essentially offers an alternative conception of smart cities. Rather than seeing the smart city as an ideal to be achieved and yet to be implemented, the argument here is that technology infused livelihoods and everyday innovations are what define the digital age. The smart city exists, in the urban everyday, and is continuously being reinvented.

How are the latest technological advances transforming the way we build and inhabit our cities? The impact of technologies like Digital Twins, IoT, AI, and advanced construction techniques on the urban environment is undeniable. These innovations are revolutionizing urban planning, construction, and infrastructure usage, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. It is vital to harness these technologies to make cities more sustainable, inclusive, and tech-forward.

This session will feature the participation of our global partners Dassault Systèmes

Insights on parking management space innovation.

This session will feature the participation of our global partner Alqa.

In 2019, 2020, and 2021, 73 pilot projects were selected for funding from the German Smart Cities program, encompassing small towns to large cities. A key requirement for receiving up to 15 million euros was the implementation of digital solutions to promote sustainable urban development. These digital solutions had to be open source, scalable, and transferable, ensuring that outcomes would enhance dissemination and scaling throughout Germany and Europe. As most selected projects are still in the implementation phase, this session presents the first prototypical solutions and achievements of the national program. Additionally, within the “Smarte.Land.Regionen” initiative, an online marketplace has been established to offer solutions for digital public services.

This session aims to showcase the Industrial Doctorate program as a bridge for technology transfer between academia and industry. UPC research groups will present their research lines and potential industrial applications, facilitating companies in identifying strategic areas for doctoral research projects. This initiative promotes collaboration, encouraging partnerships that can lead to impactful research and technological advancements.

Perspectives on the path to liveable cities.

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.

Groundbreaking ideas and visionary plans need finance to become reality. Cities must find financial partners and alternative economic models to achieve sustainable goals, perform community projects, and foster local growth. What options do cities have to finance public projects when national or regional budgets fall short? How crucial is cross-sector collaboration for financing? How can we unlock local investments to shift to clean and equitable economies?

This session will feature the participation of our global partners KPMG International

How can urban planning prioritize community well-being, cater to the diverse needs of residents, and enhance the overall city-living experience? This roundtable focuses on the power of urban planning and landscaping in promoting sustainable, equitable, and resilient cities. Discussions will analyze innovative trends in city planning and strategies to address current challenges, providing a platform for urban innovators to share experiences related to building inclusive and resilient cities.

This session will feature the participation of our global partners NOVA IMS

Just-in-Time Arrival guidelines place a key emphasis on Data Quality. Through the presentation of findings from early adopter ports and online surveys, attendees will gain insights into current operational practices and the potential value of adopting optimization measures. The efforts of the taskforce to synchronize activities with IMO aiming to bolster resilience and efficiency across maritime supply chains will also be highlighted.

With drug trafficking and organized crime on the rise, the European Commission is taking action with the European Ports Alliance and its Public-Private Partnership. Instead of sticking to traditional methods and government control, we will explore how disruptive innovation can be our secret weapon. Join us to learn how governments, port authorities and shipping companies can secure ports and fight crime.

This session, linked to the EIT Urban Mobility Emerging Leaders program, explores how failures in urban planning and mobility projects can offer valuable lessons for innovation and growth. Leaders in urban transformation will share experiences of overcoming challenges, projects that failed but sparked new ideas, and initiatives that faced setbacks, demonstrating how to turn unexpected outcomes into learning opportunities.

To create cities that truly cater to all residents, urban environments must prioritize social justice, equality, and dignity. City leaders should focus on innovative approaches that guarantee equal access to opportunities and resources while recognizing the crucial role of urban innovation in building not only sustainable but also equitable cities. This session will bring together experts to share strategies and solutions that pave the way for equality, offering valuable insights into how cities can evolve to meet the diverse needs of their populations.

This session aids city officials in planning and implementing digitalisation efforts for sustainability and resilience. Panelists will highlight key European policies and discuss digital solutions like digital twins, city services, and smart connectivity infrastructure. Participants will have time to interact with an expert panel to gain practical insights and next steps on their digitalisation journey.

CIDEU present "From digital cities to smart cities, how to achieve a sustainable transition?" In it, officials from local governments in Ibero America will share cases and practical experiences of how they are implementing this transition and the role of other actors and organizations. The initiatives of cities that make up a cooperation project between peers will be presented

A networking opportunity for city to city learning exchange about smart city initiatives and challenges between London boroughs and other international cities.

Can cities lead the global fight against climate change? Urban centers, heavily impacted by the climate emergency, hold the power to implement specialized policies and actions to address this urgent issue. These initiatives, affecting a significant portion of the world's population, could drive substantial progress in mitigating environmental impacts and promoting a sustainable future. By leveraging their unique position, cities can spearhead global efforts to combat climate change and ensure long-term environmental resilience.

This session will feature the participation of our global partners Veolia Iberia and Latin America

Supply chains have proven vulnerable, as evidenced by events such as the extreme drought in the Panama Canal early this year, the COVID-19 pandemic, the crisis in the Red Sea, and more. With extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels increasingly linked to climate change, alongside political crises and geopolitical conflicts, there is a growing concern over how these issues will impact international maritime transit. In light of these challenges, what tools can we leverage to mitigate these effects? What best practices should be embraced? Are there disruptive solutions on the horizon to minimize disturbances?

Insights from Moventis and AstaZero.

This is an open informal networking event for city representatives to connect and exchange. Attendees can expect to participate in network speed dating with innovative New Mobility Services. During the event, a couple of ambitious cities will participate in a panel discussion moderated by CIVINET Iberia. Join us for drinks, appetizers and a great opportunity to network! Notify your expected attendance here: https://forms.office.com/e/S3bcA21EcH!

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.

Building resilient and smart cities requires integrating nature into urban ecosystems, with trees playing a pivotal role. Trees enhance air quality and mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis. Their shade lowers surface temperatures and fosters healthier communities. By prioritizing urban forests, cities can create resilient and liveable environments to face future challenges. This session will discuss Plant-for-the-Planet’s Green Belt project in Granada, a new ecosystem of native species for the city.

What does it take to build the cities of the future? Understanding the transformative power of the innovations that are shaping modern urban landscapes is crucial. By showcasing cutting-edge novelties in construction, infrastructure, and urban planning, this session provides insights into the strategies implemented to create resilient, sustainable, and inclusive urban environments.

This session will feature the participation of our global partners ROSHN, Saudi Aramco

Presentations on the role of autonomous vehicles in mobility systems.

This session will feature the participation of our global partners Deloitte.

Discover the cutting-edge advancements in road infrastructure essential for the seamless integration of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs). This session will present the latest findings on enhancing physical and digital infrastructure to support autonomous mobility. We will explore practical case studies, innovative solutions, and discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating future-ready roads.

Why are mobility innovations tested in some cities and not others? Vision, workforce, political commitment, regulatory environment, infrastructure availability, partnerships with local stakeholders and citizens, or even density and weather are just a few factors. Join us to hear from city representatives on how they are creating more supportive environments to test and scale innovation, and the challenges and lessons learned along the way.

Energy communities have a pivotal role in energy transition and they are growing around the EU but they often struggle to take-off. The COMANAGE project aims to tackle and counteract the main governance and management barriers faced by citizen-led and public-participated energy communities’ projects by creating a sustainable governance framework and new resources for public authorities that also could be replicated and upscaled.

Focusing on the intersection of technology and urban innovation, this session highlights the practical solutions for redefining cities for the 21st century. Through the lens of efficiency, sustainability, and social equity, the showcased solutions will display how advanced technologies are being implemented to create smarter, greener, and more inclusive urban environments. How are cities leveraging innovation to meet the demands of modern living while ensuring a balanced and equitable approach to urban growth?

This session will feature the participation of our global partners Microsoft, PwC in Middle East, Aramco

Throughout history, ports have been the gateway for trade, goods, and people, and therefore, also for new ideas and innovation. The changing landscape of logistics and technology, along with increased awareness of climate change, has forced port authorities to shift their mindset and embrace a new role in cities to reduce environmental impact. This panel session will explore the dynamics between ports and cities, focusing on key themes such as environmental conservation and biodiversity protection, economic support and growth, human resource development, job creation, and the integration of green spaces.

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.

Explore how cloud-based technologies can drive sustainable urban transformations with innovative solutions and success stories from global cities to tackle climate change adaptation and mitigation across urban sectors. Discuss new ways to integrate Generative AI to enhance ability of these innovations and strategies for cities to leverage the cloud to reduce emissions, mitigate climate risks, and lead the global charge against the climate crisis.

The CGCC is an informal network of two dozen European technologists from the public sector that gather twice a year to share best practices, foster collaboration, and drive change in our cities. Past topics have included open source, mobile applications, AI, sustainability, and more. The group is co-hosted by the Cities of Paris and Zurich, and is supported by Bloomberg Associates, an international non-profit for consultancies.

The changing landscape of logistics and technology has forced port authorities to embrace a new role, turning them into hub managers overseeing a complex network of stakeholders and operations. Over the course of the 21st century, there has been an important shift in focus among port authorities, moving away from facilitating maritime connections to actively acting as business promoters. Join us in this session to explore the envisioned future of ports in 2040 and discover the direction ports are taking.

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.

The effects of the climate emergency are disrupting our urban lifestyles. How can cities integrate environmental considerations into urban development to create more resilient, livable, and sustainable public spaces? How do green spaces in cities contribute to improving the quality of life for residents, fostering community engagement, ensuring accessibility and safety, and enhancing mental and physical well-being?

Roundtable navigating the different contexts of urban air mobility deployment.

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 design innovations contributing to the urban centers of the future.

This session will feature the participation of our global partners Dassault Systèmes and Bentley Systems.

This session will explore how European cities are implementing sustainable e-mobility strategies, emphasising the role of international cooperation and EU-funded projects. Key challenges and opportunities in infrastructure, urban transport, and public policy will be discussed, highlighting the steps needed to move towards a greener future.

In this event, all the finalist proposals submitted by the participating companies in the Second Urban Mobility Challenge will be showcased. This mobility challenge, organized by BILM, invited companies from around the world to present innovative proposals to improve Barcelona's bus network. During the session, each finalist company will present their innovative solution.

How are smart technologies, data-driven strategies, and digital innovation transforming urban spaces? The technological solutions driving the modernization of cities forward need to be accompanied by actionable innovations. The presented tools and approaches are shaping cities toward greater efficiency, sustainability, and equity and are paving the way for a future where technology and urban living coexist harmoniously.

This session will feature the participation of our global partners Dell, Dahua, PNY Technologies

Hear from three city leaders how they used $1M to address their most pressing challenges: driving student motivation and engagement, increasing farmer livelihoods and local food production, and protecting trees while providing dignified jobs to residents! And... hear from Bloomberg Philanthropies about the upcoming Mayors Challenge and how your city can win $1 million, staff, and technical assistance to bring your bold idea to life.

In a world of ever-evolving technology, we tend to look for the next big thing to transform our urban environments. But is it really about the latest tech, or do we just need a more holistic approach when it comes to the smart and green city of the future? Join Mr. Sascha Pallenberg as he takes us on a journey to Taipei, where they’ve created a smart, green city that citizens love living in, showing that a sustainable future is within our reach.

BlueMissionMed is a European project focused on designing, structuring, and supporting an innovation ecosystem in the Mediterranean basin to accelerate progress toward the goals of the 'Restore our Oceans and Waters by 2030' Mission, with a particular emphasis on preventing and eliminating pollution. In this session, the project will showcase solutions related to the port and tourism sectors, aiming to foster collaboration among key stakeholders.

This event provides a unique opportunity to join the Latin America Smart Cities ecosystem and to connect with industry experts and local leaders to exchange and share lessons on the journey of developing smart cities in the region. You will have the opportunity to explore the latest policies, initiatives, and collaborative strategies that are shaping the future of urban development, and gain insights into the latest trends and best practices.

Efficient collaboration across sectors is key to unlock the potential of mobility innovations. In this session, speakers will exchange about the impact of ecosystems in deploying the technologies needed to address mobility challenges. The panel will reflect on the roles and responsibilities of private and public decision-makers in rolling out successful innovation ecosystems.

How can innovation ecosystems solve our mobility challenges? What are the roles and responsibilities of decision-makers within, and towards, these ecosystems?

This session will feature the participation of our global partner Madinah Region Development Authority.

The Spain Pavilion organize this workshop to explore the challenges faced by Tokyo, Kyoto, and Yokohama in terms of digital transformation and green transition. A key aspect of Japanese public policies is the adoption of practices and technologies that promote sustainability, where collaboration with private companies providing innovative solutions plays a crucial role. In this regard, we will also have NISSAN, TOYOTA KONIQ ALPHA, INC, and KPMG.

The ubiquitous presence of cameras and affordable edge computing, combined with remarkable advances in vision-based AI, present a wealth of new business opportunities. Any process historically monitored by the trained human eye can now be efficiently automated at scale using vision and AI solutions. In this talk, Maurits will first provide several examples of novel vision and AI systems, showcasing how monitoring tasks can be automated at scale, with cameras and AI models working together as “smart sensors” for various business applications. After presenting these examples, Maurits will detail how to build such vision and AI applications, outlining the construction of edge AI vision pipelines. Finally, he will introduce the tools provided by Network Optix to facilitate the easy scaling of innovative vision and AI solutions.

On January 2018, while serving as an Officer on a 300-meter carrier, 500 miles off the Hawaiian Coast, an extinguisher exploded in my face, resulting in the complete loss of my sight. I was 31 years old. Some years later, with the invaluable collaboration of family, friends and key entities, I sailed again. And I founded Yes We Sail, a project to make nautical experiences accessible to blind individuals. Our tech solution and protocol aim to empower people with visual disabilities and build a legacy beyond blindness.

Most innovation projects or initiatives fail for a variety of reasons. Mobility innovation is no different. "Doing innovation" therefore equates "doing failure" in many ways, yet we often only hear polished sunshine stories and not about what went wrong and what to learn from those experiences. In this session we will embrace failures to learn and propel us forward.

Discover Brazil's opportunities as a leader in the water economy, clean energy, and agroindustry. The country excels in sustainable water management, leads in renewable energy, and uses precision technologies in agroindustry. With a favorable regulatory environment and public-private partnerships, Brazil attracts significant international investments. Explore how Brazil combines resources with innovation and sustainability.

Data analytics startups are helping cities become more livable by using sensors and real-time data to monitor climate risk, energy use, traffic patterns, pollution, and waste collection, leading to smarter urban planning and resource management. These startups look at the data up close and make it personal.

The biggest roadblock to climate-neutral and positive energy districts isn’t technology -it’s the disconnection between stakeholders, each holding a crucial part of the solution but with differing approaches, often leading to misunderstandings or unrealised benefits. Join this session to discover ways stakeholder engagement can unite citizens, leaders, businesses, and financiers to create districts and cities as vibrant as they are sustainable.

Shenzhen has always been a gathering place for innovative technology and high-tech industries. To further enhance the promotion and application of smart city solutions, we have organized this conference under the theme “Digital Shenzhen, City of Technology”. Our goal is to create a platform for exchanges and collaborations, and to strengthen pragmatic cooperation with relevant organizations and enterprises in the field of smart city.

With 2.3 billion people worldwide voting in key elections in the United States, United Kingdom, EU, and India, 2024 will be a global litmus test of the impact of generative AI (GenAI) on elections. This talk discusses the benefits and risk of GenAI in the democratic electoral process.

What is the role of water management and economics in sustaining a sustainable future for cities and regions worldwide? This session will delve into innovative water strategies, focusing on water conservation and circular water-smart systems, along with insights into the economics and financing of water sustainability. Attendees will gain valuable insights into fostering sustainable practices and tackling water scarcity on a global scale.

This dialogue discusses the role of smart city infrastructure in revolutionizing urban environments for the World Cup 2026 and beyond. By harnessing innovation now, cities pave the way for sustainable development that emphasizes community engagement, improved quality of life and inclusivity.

The event is hosted by the SUM project in collaboration with CIVITAS New Mobility Services (NMS) projects, will feature the discussions on identification of best practices in co-creation of NMS, including assessment of the current status of mobility and users attitudes and embracement in the cities and respective Living Labs.

The outcomes from the living labs of all these projects involved will be discussed in three panel sessions:

1. Co-creation activities of new mobility solutions and services in the urban and peri urban areas;
2. Methodologies and tools to evaluate status quo for design of new mobility services;
3. Methodologies and tools to assess the user embracement of new mobility services.

Book your seat - https://forms.office.com/e/B4KQrhMez0

The Business Forum SCEWC Barcelona on 5 November 2024 brings together public and private leaders to explore collaboration and innovation.

It features presentations on public-private investment opportunities, EU Smart Cities marketplace and successful city initiatives from Leuven and Barcelona, and partnerships between Catalonia and Flanders.

The event concludes with a networking session, offering a valuable chance to connect and discuss future collaborations.

Laia Bonet, First Deputy Mayor for Urban Planning, Ecological Transition, Urban Services, and Housing, along with André Sobczak, Secretary-General of Eurocities, will present the "European Declaration for Sustainable and Attractive Public Transport in Cities." They’ll be accompanied by the Deputy Mayors for mobility of the cities of Dublin and Milano, and the Spokesperson of the European Union Committee of the UITP. Co-signed by representatives from major European cities and public transport organizations, the declaration reaffirms a strong commitment to advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient public transport systems across Europe, addressing challenges such as climate change, social cohesion, and affordability, while urging policymakers to support the sector's transition to zero-emission mobility.

How are cities managing data analytics to prepare urban areas and citizens for future challenges? Can cities not only analyze data but also predict future dynamics to guarantee resilience and plan in the long term? This session delves into how cities can focus on data collection, storage, and management and use this information to predict performances and dynamics, guaranteeing better resilience and governance.

Increasing environmental pressures are changing the collection of natural resources, and circular practices are an efficient, green solution. These practices provide food security, water management, and waste reduction. What innovative strategies promote circularity in urban resource management? How can this approach address environmental, social, and economic challenges?

Strategic urban design and sustainable event planning are vital to preparing cities for hosting global events and tourism. This session will explore innovative building solutions and cutting-edge urban planning, highlighting smart tourism and internationalization in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Can cities leverage innovative infrastructure and smart technologies to prepare for hosting major international events and enhance smart tourism while ensuring long-term benefits for their citizens?

In this session, we explore how start-ups can effectively collaborate with port authorities to drive success. We will explore practical strategies for start-ups in port-related industries, ranging from understanding regulations to finding ways to collaborate effectively. Additionally, we will delve into the role of innovation hubs that are gaining strength in this sector. Come join us as we uncover how start-ups can use partnerships with port authorities to drive growth and innovation.

An international panel of experts will share knowledge, use cases and best practices to accelerate drone services and urban air mobility using 5G solutions. It will focus on enhancing 5G connectivity in urban spaces and highlight the importance of city roles and cross-border collaboration. Event aims to foster EU-wide innovation and regulatory harmonization, driving advancements in smart city technologies and sustainable urban development.

The transformative impact of government technologies enhances city life everywhere. Exploring innovations in digital trust and digital services is crucial to understanding modern cities and how cities can leverage technology to create more resilient, efficient, and citizen-centered urban environments. However, are cutting-edge technologies capable of ensuring that city services can adapt to the evolving needs of urban populations?

This session will feature the participation of our global partners MyDigital Corporation, Madinah Smart City Program, National Information Center - SDAIA

Green Agora – November 5th, 15:45-16:15 p.m. Join our panel about the New European Bauhaus LAB project, focusing on “Inclusive and sustainable neighbourhoods”. The LAB project represents a collaboration between Drees & Sommer, DGNB, ICLEI, CPEA and Bable Smart Cities. You will learn more about the urban transformation projects across European cities.

Intervention to present the benefits of the province of Cádiz as an investment destination, focusing on the strategic sectors with the greatest presence in the Congress.

Following the presentations on Strategies and Challenges in Mobility, Digital Transformation, and Zero Emissions in Japan, officials from Tokyo, Kyoto, and Yokohama will hold bilateral meetings with a selection of Spanish companies offering the most innovative solutions and technologies.

Join us for a distinguished dialogue with Rome's Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, as he shares insights into the city’s ambitions transformation ahead of the Jubilee celebrations. Discover how new infrastructure projects, soon to be completed, are set to redefine Rome, while cutting-edge technology, like an AI virtual assistant, drives innovation and citizen engagement. Mayor Gualtieri will also discuss his recent partnership with Barcelona to push for European support in social housing, illustrating how major cities are shaping Europe’s social future.

A panel discussion exploring ideas for fairer mobility systems.

EIT Urban Mobility presents a session for city mobility professionals, focusing on mobility data management. This event will explore how data is transforming urban transport planning and shaping smart mobility strategies, offering insights into innovative approaches that drive the future of urban mobility. Participants will gain valuable knowledge on leveraging mobility data to enhance city mobility strategies.

This panel will discuss the impact of sub-national initiatives on the transition to a low-carbon economy in Brazil, highlighting how state and municipal governments can replicate these actions in other regions. It will address the participation of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the process, the challenges faced by local governments and the importance of partnerships to strengthen these initiatives towards COP30 and the green economy.

The future of inclusive city living relies on leveraging the latest technological tools to enhance affordability, inclusivity, and access in urban areas. Cities are increasingly embracing diversity, ensuring fairness, and fostering social cohesion through tech-driven solutions. However, as the urban landscape evolves, challenges like the digital divide and systemic inequalities persist. Can technology successfully bridge these gaps and create truly inclusive cities?

This session will feature the participation of our global partners Saudi Data and AI Authority, NVIDIA Corporation

EU cities are key to advancing climate mitigation, adaptation, net-zero goals, and competitiveness, while ensuring social inclusion, as acknowledged - among others - by the Covenant of Mayors initiative. This session explores accelerating cities' sustainable and just transformation through Local Green Deals, deploying new net-zero technologies, and creating strategies to make climate neutrality appealing, competitive, accessible, and just.

Urban transformation often faces hurdles in gaining community buy-in and navigating political landscapes. A way to bridge the gap between aspirations for change and the reality of implementation remains in communicating well about the co-benefits of the urban design changes. In this session, C40 will delve into the critical question of garnering support from both residents and political decision-makers to create green and thriving neighborhoods.

This session will feature leaders from global innovation hubs who will showcase their cutting-edge projects and collaborations, discussing how these initiatives foster innovation and promote sustainable growth in the maritime and cleantech sectors.

The session will provide examples of private sector and businesses cooperation with cities, supporting the implementation of climate action plans. Additionally, it will provide insights into how cities can align local needs with business expertise and funding sources. It will also highlight GCoM's initiative, which helps cities accelerate the development of climate projects at the pre-feasibility stage.

Gender-based violence and inequality remain major challenges in communities across Europe and beyond. This session will examine on the current state of gender equality and violence prevention at the local level, identify gaps in existing efforts, and discuss what more local political leaders can do to push the agenda forward.

This keynote delves into the evolving concept of ‘transport poverty,’ emphasizing the crucial role of citizen-centred mobility planning and management. With insights from a detailed analysis of household transport spending in Spain (2018-2023), it will demonstrate how inclusive transport systems can enhance access for all, benefiting society as a whole—not just vulnerable groups—through smarter, user-driven decision-making.

The session discusses how higher levels of automation being introduced in cars affects safety relevant behaviour of drivers, and possible measures to mitigate any negative effects.

Government-focused startups are developing technologies that help cities manage resources, track sustainability metrics, and enhance public services, driving efficiency and ecological resilience. These startups will keep governments in check and bring them into the 21st century.

LDT CitiVERSE EDIC is progressing on two tracks: on the one hand in building the digital infrastructure around the Digital Twins and on the other hand in finalizing the establishment of the legal framework as well as increasing the number of adhering Member States. The session covers both aspects with a focus on the development of the EU LDT toolbox as the main asset of the future digital infrastructure around the Digital Twins in Europe (DDP).