2021 World Council

Open Policy debate organized in conjunction with Smart City Expo World Congress.

🎯 Description: Local and regional governments and our municipalist movement have come to understand the concept of "smart cities", and that of smart territories, as more than the use of technologies to carry out more efficient service provision.

For the municipal movement, this concept has evolved, with the understanding that being "smart" is more than just about having technology and using it, but rather speaks to the potential of using this technology in ways that benefit our communities. Only by harnessing technology with the wellbeing of our communities in mind can we ensure an equitable recovery, and develop the breakthrough scenario that will make our cities and territories pillars of the common agenda identified by the UN Secretary General.

This session will address the different aspects of what it means to develop smart cities and territories in the urban era, building on the need to bridge the urban-rural divide, and shaping technology as a tool to benefit our populations and enabling us to rise up to the challenges of the Common Agenda.

‍🎤 Some of the voices you will hear: 

• Souad Ben Abderrahim, Mayor of Tunis
• Mohamed Boudra, President of UCLG
• Gissela Chala, Vice Mayor of Quito
• Carola Gunnarsson, Mayor of Sala, First Vice-President of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), VicePresident of UCLG for Europe
• Emilia Saiz, Secretary General of UCLG
• Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener, Treasurer of UCLG

📌 Key documents:

▶️ Concept Note | Agenda

📺 UCLG TV:

▶️ Special Channel with the latest events, campaigns and key interviews.