Agenda

the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme promotes decentralized international urban and regional cooperation focused on sustainable development and innovation. During SCEWC 2025, its Global Thematic Networking Workshop will bring together 248 delegates from 124 cities and regions to co-create pilot projects around three pillars: Smart & Connected, Green & Clean, and Just & Inclusive.

As climate risk grows, housing investors are backing retrofits, renewables, and net-zero solutions. This session dives into how blended finance and policy tools are turning climate resilience in housing into investable opportunities for cities and private capital.

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The results from the first phase of the "Transport Cultural" project will be presented during the session.

Transport Cultural aims to promote the autonomy of people in vulnerable situations or at risk of social exclusion, facilitating their access to culture through on-demand transport.

The project has been led by In Move and RETURN with the support of other shareholders such as Cinesi, App & Town, Bable, Apropa Cultura, and Tandem Social.

This session explores how cities and mission-driven investors are partnering to unlock private capital for affordable housing and urban innovation. Panelists will share scalable finance models that balance return with social impact through public guarantees, catalytic capital, and benefit corporations.

What will define mobility in the next ten years? This forward-looking session brings together senior decision-makers to discuss transformative trends that will shape the transport systems of tomorrow. As digital and sustainable technologies converge, the panel will explore how to navigate innovation, scale impact, and build adaptable mobility systems fit for the future.

Shared mobility is reshaping how people move, offering flexibility, convenience, and sustainability. This session explores how services like ridesharing, MaaS, and demand-responsive transport are influencing mobility systems—and what this means for users, providers, and cities. How are shared mobility services transforming the way people move in urban and suburban environments? What challenges do they face in integrating with existing mobility systems?

In this session we will explain what the Barcelona Innova Lab Mobility consists of, which arises from the collaboration between the Barcelona City Council, Fira de Barcelona, and BITHabitat, with the recent addition of new partners. In this regard, the current portfolio of projects will be presented, as well as the theme of the new mobility challenge that will be launched to the public.

Just and Inclusive is a closed IURC thematic session with mandatory attendance for assigned participants. Cities and regions will join one of 11 clusters (90 mins in 3 rooms) based on thematic networks: PORTICO (cities) and S3 Platforms (regions). Topics include Urban Regeneration, Affordable Housing, Industrial Modernisation, and Civic Participation.

Green and Clean is a closed IURC thematic session with mandatory attendance for assigned participants. Cities and regions will join one of 11 clusters (90 mins in 3 rooms) based on thematic networks: PORTICO (cities) and S3 Platforms (regions). Topics include Clean Energy, Blue Economy, Circular Economy, and Climate Adaptation.

Productive, Smart and Connected is a closed IURC thematic session with mandatory attendance for assigned participants. Cities and regions will join one of 11 clusters (90 mins in 3 rooms) based on thematic networks: PORTICO (cities) and S3 Platforms (regions). Topics include Mobility & Transport, Strategic Sectors, Urban Innovation, and Agri-food.

In this session, a startup pitch competition will take place.

This event will explore how the principles and enablers of the International Guidelines on People-Centred Smart Cities, which span from shared prosperity, to data and smart cities services, governance, and regulation, etc., can be applied to foster access to adequate housing and basic services in cities globally.

Explore how local governments are scaling partnerships across Europe through a unique digital tool. This session will offer valuable insights, practical examples, and networking opportunities for municipalities and stakeholders looking to enhance cooperation, access funding, and build impactful, cross-border projects.

Legal foundation in place, LDT CitiVERSE EDIC takes its first steps. Its mission to create a harmonized ecosystem around Digital Twins has already officially started with the establishment of the legal entity and with the recently launched BUILD project as a driving force for the setting up

With 14 members states on board the LDT CitiVERSE EDIC becomes a reality as the foundation for intelligent, sustainable and human-centric urban environments.

Barcelona will be the World Capital of Architecture in 2026. Over the course of ten months, and through activities held across the city’s ten districts, a diverse, open, and participatory program will bring architecture, urban planning, and landscape design closer to all citizens. This session aims to show how these disciplines improve everyday life and can help address global challenges through first-hand insights from leading experts.

As the climate crisis intensifies, urban leaders are under increasing pressure to play a pivotal role in mitigating the repercussions of climate change by implementing innovative practices, advancing sustainable energy strategies, and adopting climate-smart practices. How are cities leading solutions that confront the escalating consequences of the climate emergency, balancing environmental responsibility, city living, and economic vitality?

Climate change poses significant challenges to mobility and according to the EIT Urban Mobility report "Costs & Benefits of the Urban Mobility Transition," public transport is the most cost-effective method of decreasing urban emissions. To explore how innovation in public transport can contribute to achieving the EU's target of climate neutrality by 2050 we will set up a panel with EIT UM goals.

This session emphasises the crucial role of road safety engineering in tackling the global crash crisis, in line with the 2030 Agenda and the UN’s Second Decade of Action. It explores safe infrastructure, road audits, inspections and the Safe System approach, while advocating stronger institutions, professionalisation of auditors, and international standards, especially in LMIC's. Note that this session will be delivered in English.

Mobility data has become a cornerstone of intelligent transport systems. This session explores how digital tools—from AI to data spaces—can enable smarter mobility while also addressing challenges around privacy, integration, and infrastructure. How can mobility data, supported by AI, blockchain, and digital infrastructure, enhance the efficiency and security of transport systems? What are the main enablers and barriers?

Discover how virtual worlds and federated AI agents are transforming the way cities are designed, governed, and experienced. This session explores the emerging "Citiverse" — a next-generation digital ecosystem empowering inclusive, data-driven, and participatory urban transformation.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept—it is central to how governments rethink, rebuild, and deliver essential services. This session will highlight how AI is transforming public infrastructure across major American cities, showcasing real-world applications that improve efficiency, responsiveness, and equity.

Launched in March 2025, MICAD is an EU-funded project supporting inclusive metropolitan planning for climate and digital transitions. This session will present its goals, approach, and main outputs—including toolkits and Roadmaps—and invite participants to share feedback to help refine and adapt the project.

Many transport innovations are coming our way. We don't know which ones will stay and which ones will be next, but we do know that the majority will be rolled out on city streets. How can cities smartly choose those innovations that will help them reach their policy goals, but also discourage those that don’t bring added value? What does it take for private-sector innovations to support rather than disrupt what local authorities want to achieve? How can we come to policy-responsive innovation that is a win for both the public and private sectors? Cities and regions from the POLIS network will share their experiences on how to govern innovation but also innovate their governance systems.

GCoM, the largest global alliance of cities fighting climate change, will showcase success stories of climate action worldwide, including smart mobility in Shimla (India), floating infrastructure for sea-level rise in Belize City, and waste-to-biogas projects in Basse and Sekondi-Takoradi (Ghana). It will also launch its 2025 Impact Report highlighting implementation progress.

Alliance of European Mayors and Better Politics Foundation co-produced a documentary on innovation in European cities, spotlighted mayors and cities that are pioneering new approaches to democratic resilience, digital transformation, and citizen engagement. Outstanding mayors from cities such as Stockholm, Bologna and Lisbon participates in this powerful story of how local leadership is reshaping democracy from the ground up.

This session will discuss the effect of online tools (mis)use on citizen trust and participation in democracy, as well as strategies to counter misinformation and to promote digital media literacy. On the background of the EU Democracy Shield initiative, cities will exchange their experiences and discuss approaches to better respond to threats, and to continue enabling citizen participation in offline and online spaces.

DRT proves to be an effective solution in contexts such as low-density areas or late-night services. But scaling remains complex - profitability, regulation, and public-private contracting all pose challenges. Could autonomous vehicles help unlock the full potential of DRT, or do they add new layers of complexity to this model?

In this session, a startup pitch competition will take place.

How do we advance urban regeneration to create green and thriving neighbourhoods? This session will explore practical strategies for uniting finance, public action, and community voices to shape vibrant, sustainable places for all. Hear insights from industry leaders on innovative financing and partnership models, and learn from city officials about successful land revitalisation projects and how they engaged students in the design process.

This session emphasises the crucial role of road safety engineering in tackling the global crash crisis, in line with the 2030 Agenda and the UN’s Second Decade of Action. It explores safe infrastructure, road audits, inspections and the Safe System approach, while advocating stronger institutions, professionalisation of auditors, and international standards, especially in LMIC's. Note that this session will be delivered in Spanish.

This co-organized session between CAF–Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean and Smart City Expo World Congress will bring together regional leaders to share lessons, challenges, and solutions in urban digital transformation. It will highlight best practices in strategic planning, digital government, enabling technologies, mobility,and more, showcasing how the region drives innovative, scalable, and sustainable smart city practices.

Enabling technologies offer transformative potential for how cities function and how we live within them. From anticipating future dynamics to optimizing public services and enhancing connectivity, these innovations are key drivers of resilient smart city development. How we boost this potential to maximize efficiency in urban systems design and management, and the everyday experience of city life, will define what cities look like in the upcoming years.

Technological advances are rapidly transforming our daily lives—making us more connected and helping us optimize our time. At the same time, cities serve as vital arenas for democratic action and civic engagement, where citizens can experience and exercise their rights. In this context, technology becomes a powerful tool to drive progress and transformation, enhancing urban living.

However, while this development defines our era, it also brings significant challenges. The digital divide, misinformation, and a growing lack of trust are emerging just as rapidly as innovation itself. These issues not only affect individuals but also undermine the social welfare systems that communities rely on to thrive.

In this sense, the role of cities—and the alliances they form—is crucial in defending civic rights at a time when technology can also pose serious threats. These alliances generate local impact while contributing to a broader global geopolitical framework.

This stage session reveals how standard municipal operations across Europe—from cybersecurity protocols to smart city infrastructure management—actively safeguard digital rights, often without being framed in rights-based language.

This session will explore how diverse data-driven approaches can be used to enhance road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. By bringing together practical examples from EIT Urban Mobility's innovation program and broader European project collaborations, the session aims to demonstrate how mobility data can inform smarter infrastructure and enhance traffic safety for all road users.

This session explores how cities can manage tourism sustainably, using a resilience-based approach and data-driven tools to balance the influx of visitors and its economic benefits with the affordability and livability of their residents. UN-Habitat, UN-Tourism and partner experts will present a new global effort to help cities and territories assess tourism-related risks and their positive and undesirable impacts on the urban system.

As cities grow and digitalize, they face new and complex cybersecurity challenges that require an evolution in how we approach cyber resilience and a proactive and tailored “Cybersecurity for Cities” approach. This session will explore what "Cybersecurity for Cities" truly encompasses, questioning whether it is relevant for all or if specific approaches are needed for different types of urban environments.

The event will highlight specific challenges in two regions - cities in France, Grenoble and Germany, Jena and in Japan - Tokyo. Projects established to address key issues related to Climate and social change will be presented from the points of view of several stakeholders with a focus on the challenges, results and their potential for tackling similar issues in other urban regions.

Road traffic deaths are the most common cause of accidental death at the workplace, with an alarming, estimated number of 400,000 per year: a third of the 1.19 million people that die each year as a result of road traffic crashes occurs in someone’s value chain. The FIA developed the Road Safety Index, a program that help organizations to assess the safety impact of their operations, identify gaps, and implement long-term improvements.

UK Cities today are grappling with a perfect storm of infrastructure challenges: aging buildings, increased flooding, and rising temperatures are straining systems that were never designed for today’s climate extremes. Failing infrastructure leads to cascading impacts on people and transport systems. But how can digital infrastructure, such as data sharing infrastructure, help to tackle the environmental and social problems cities face?

This session explores how Digital Citizenship Education (DCE) can be a powerful tool to address youth exclusion and gender inequalities in a connected society. With the involvement of local authorities, CSOs, and youth actors, it will showcase solutions for inclusive digital spaces and empower local action against online violence, discrimination, and democratic disengagement.

Planning and implementation of solutions to guarantee safe, accessible and efficient parking for the daily use of bicycles in the city.

AI is reshaping all spheres of our live, including our cities, inside and out. The spotlight is on generative AI, which can generate original output – text, images, videos. What is its impact in the public sector? As the level closest to citizens, and as providers of many services, cities and regions can champion the responsible use of GenAI in Europe. In this session, Living-in.EU invites cities to share their experience in using GenAI.

Urban logistics is a growing challenge as competition for space in cities becomes more and more pressing. This session dives into innovative strategies that can make freight and last-mile delivery more sustainable. Expect to hear about best practices and examples of how cities and companies are collaborating to solve these issues. How can sustainable logistics practices and improved fleet management reduce the carbon footprint of freight and delivery services? What impact do logistics innovations have?

A full-day workshop exploring the role of GTFS and NeTEX data specifications in the European context. Co-hosted by MobilityData and NAPCORE, the event will feature expert presentations, real-world use cases, and collaborative sessions to strengthen interoperability, support compliance, improve quality of service, and foster a shared vision for sustainable mobility data across Europe.

Private Smart Cities - privately owned, tech-driven urban developments - offer unique potential to accelerate innovation and create inclusive digital infrastructure while bypassing bureaucratic constraints. This panel explores the legal, technical, and civic dynamics at play in shaping these new models for urban development. Co-developed by the Intelligent Community Forum and Dentons LLP.

This dynamic panel explores how governance and financial levers can accelerate the shift to a circular built environment. Drawing on insights from across the construction value chain, it will highlight strategies like waste prevention and secondary material markets, and examine how EU policies such as Construction Products Regulation and Green Public Procurement along with skills and capacity-building, can drive systemic change.

A panel exploring how cultural, geographical, and policy diversity shapes Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM) in smart cities. Featuring transport planners, policymakers, and CCAM developers, the discussion shares practical examples from Europe.

Invisible Pollution: Tackling Non-Exhaust Emissions in Urban Mobility sheds light on the often-overlooked problem of particles from brakes, tyres, and road wear. It explores potential policy measures and technological solutions to reduce these emissions and improve urban air quality.

Autonomous technologies are rapidly advancing, with the potential to revolutionise public transport. From buses to rail, this panel will examine how automation, AI, and connected systems are redefining the future of public transport. To what extent can autonomous and connected vehicle technologies enhance the efficiency, safety, and accessibility of public transport systems? What needs to change for their widespread adoption?

Dive into the dynamic world of Urban Shark Tank, where visionary companies pitch real-world solutions to a panel of city leaders determined to accelerate climate neutrality. This interactive session blends entrepreneurial spirit, creative storytelling, and urban innovation—offering a fast-paced stage for ideas ready to scale across smart, sustainable cities.

This session explores how pioneering cities are turning ambition into action anchored by the Climate City Contract (CCC), the Mission’s flagship instrument for aligning governance, finance, delivery, and public legitimacy.

This session will showcase the Arab European Cities Dialogue (AECD) as a platform for fostering collaboration and partnerships between cities in the Arab and European regions. Building on its debut in Riyadh, the session seeks to maintain momentum and set the stage for the next edition in Madrid in 2027. It will highlight the importance of urban diplomacy and the role of dialogue on urban innovation in addressing shared challenges.

Discover real opportunities to collaborate with cities shaping the future. Learn about urban challenges and how municipalities are seeking innovative partners through open innovation labs, pilot programs, and advanced public procurement. A unique chance for companies to co-create solutions and take part in building the smart cities of tomorrow.

Much of the focus around the promotion of active mobility has been on cities and infrastructure. While it is essential to build a robust cycling infrastructure network, other barriers to cycling, other than safety - such as theft, maintenance or consumer perception -need to be tackled by the private sector. This session will discuss the role of the industry in driving modal shift in urban areas.

This stage session, co-organised by Eurocities and the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre, will facilitate an open discussion between city representatives on the potential of digital twins to enhance local policies in European cities.

Safety remains a top priority as cities evolve their mobility systems and last-mile solutions. This session explores how technology and planning can work together to reduce accidents and create safer streets for all. It offers a platform to share best practices in monitoring safety and coming up with realistic solutions for drivers and public transport. How can innovation, technologies, and behaviour change improve road safety and reduce accidents in urban environments? What impact do these solutions have in creating safer, more efficient, and people-friendly cities?

The stage session “From Space to City: Smart Tools and Success Stories from Tomorrow’s Cities” explores how Earth Observation (EO) supports smarter, greener, and resilient urban development. Experts from EARSC and local users share cases on EO’s role in crisis management, public health, climate adaptation, sustainable planning, and green transitions, empowering cities with actionable data for better decisions and sustainable futures.

Did you know that public procurement represents 14% of the EU’s GDP (around €2 trillion annually)? Discover how the ProcuraMED project is empowering local authorities to inspire sustainable change. This session will showcase digital tools, capacity-building actions, real-life cases and cooperation strategies driving innovative and green procurement.

This congress session examines the escalating challenges disinformation poses to democratic processes worldwide, with particular focus on the local level. Experts will analyze recent disinformation campaigns that have disrupted local governance, explore technological and policy-based countermeasures being implemented by leading cities.

Bi-annual regular meeting for members of EIT Urban Mobility's City Club Advisory Group.

In a volatile environment, resilient and high-quality mobility systems are more important than ever. This session will explore how technological, regulatory, and social innovations can build more inclusive and adaptive networks. Expect thought-provoking insights on how to transition mobility systems towards greater social equity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

What are green urban economies and how can cities harvest the opportunities they offer? Why involving stakeholders is crucial in this process and how to attract funding?

This is the Ceremony that follows "The Smart Deal Pitch."

The Closing Plenary (Mandatory Participation) will showcase the key outcomes of the Thematic Breakout Sessions, highlighting key insights and results from the 11 thematic clusters. It will bring together all participants to reflect on shared learnings and reinforce future cooperation across regions and cities.

Electrification is critical—but is it the full answer to zero-pollution mobility? This panel looks at recent achievements and gaps in the roll out of zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure, and takes a broader look at mobility-related pollution - beyond exhaust emissions - towards truly zero-emission transport systems. What can decision-makers and mobility stakeholders do to reach the zero-pollution ambition? How can public and private interests be best aligned? What solutions are already available, and what areas still require more research and development?

A high-level roundtable bringing together industry leaders, technology providers and users to explore the current state and future of U-space. The session will combine strategic insights with real-world success stories, showcasing how drones and enabling technologies are transforming urban airspace management, advanced air mobility, and smart city services.

This session will focus use cases of AI specifically tailored to operational needs of Cities. It begins with a session on "Building an AI-enabled Smart City Toolkit." The session will demonstrate the practical use of AI for prioritizing investments as part of the Smart City Toolkit. The remaining time will delve deeper into how AI can be leveraged to enhance service delivery in Cities.

This space will address the current state of progress of the data spaces that will help drive a data economy thanks to the advancement of digitization of local authorities

Urban logistics is at a tipping point, with last-mile deliveries driving up emissions. Micro-depots and connected fleets offer smarter, cleaner solutions—enabling multimodal delivery and data-driven operations. This session explores how real-time vehicle data, micro-hubs, and the emerging Physical Internet can improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and reshape last-mile logistics in cities worldwide.

This roundtable brings together cities from five continents that are at different stages in building metropolitan cooperation—some with decades of experience, others taking their first steps. Their diversity offers a unique opportunity for mutual learning. How can we create flexible, inclusive, and effective governance frameworks that foster coordinated responses in fragmented urban territories?

As cities seek greater resilience, livability, vibrancy and unique identity, outdated planning rules often hold them back. The session reveals a new approach: form-based codes, or visual design standards that focus on the look, feel, and quality of streets and neighborhoods, rather than just land use. Discover how city leaders, planners, developers, and citizens collaborate to create vibrant places and more predictable, attractive investments.

This event will bring together city authorities, business associations, SMEs, academia and other experts to explore policies and innovative solutions that help SMEs better prepare for and adapt to disaster risks. Interactive discussions will focus on SMEs' role as users and producers of essential services, access to finance and insurance, risk-informed business models, and leveraging technologies and PPPs for improving their disaster resilience.

Logistics operations are rarely planned with a smart perspective. This event explores how digitalisation and new technologies are transforming freight, an often-overlooked yet essential sector. Through real cases and dialogue, we’ll show how “smart” starts in everyday logistics — driving efficiency, resilience, and impact, turning freight into something almost futuristic.

European cities strive to become more inclusive and equitable on one hand and smart and data-driven on the other. However, gaps in data collection and analysis can overlook the diverse needs of citizens groups. This session explores how using gender-disaggregated data can help design more inclusive urban spaces and mobility infrastructure.

Public space is one of a city’s most valuable resources. This discussion looks at how smart mobility planning, for instance with mobility hubs and active travel promotion, can make better use of space while improving health, accessibility, and urban life. What role do urban mobility planning, including smart parking, transport hubs, and placemaking, play in shaping urban environments that prioritise both functionality and quality of life for residents and visitors?

Discover Metabuilding, the pan-European initiative accelerating innovation in the construction sector. This session unveils a powerful ecosystem designed to connect SMEs, researchers, and industry leaders. We will explore our Metabuilding Labs Open Innovation Test Bed (OITB), the metabuilding.com digital platform, and the new business opportunities it creates, inviting you to join us in shaping the future of building.

Traditional metrics no longer capture the complexity of today's urban mobility ecosystems. This session challenges current success indicators and explores how both public authorities and private actors can adopt broader metrics. From intelligent traffic signals to employer-led mobility programmes, we’ll discuss how to redefine value and how new measurements can unlock better solutions for sustainable, inclusive cities.

Active and micromobility are essential for healthier, more inclusive urban transport. This session explores solutions that support walking, cycling, and shared micromobility through infrastructure and smart urban design. How can cities integrate e-scooters, shared mobility, and cycling infrastructure to create an inclusive and efficient transportation system? What strategies can improve walkability? How do cycling lanes and smart parking contribute to active mobility?

The round table is comprised of speakers from the ITS industry, public administration, academia and a road user association, and will look from different angles on how perceived utility to road users and societal benefits can be aligned to accelerate adoption of C-ITS and unleash the full potential of its benefits. The discussion will be based on practical use cases from the SCALE project.

How can cities ensure mobility innovation is trusted, inclusive, and ready for scale? Four CIVITAS projects - MOBILITIES FOR EU, SUM, GEMINI, and metaCCAZE - share concrete methods and experiences: from designing urban mobility labs and governance models, to co-creation activities with citizens at local and regional levels across Europe.

As climate goals tighten, the mobility sector faces pressure to rapidly decarbonise while remaining economically viable. This session explores how the sustainable mobility transition — from passenger mobility, logistics, and infrastructure—can support both competitiveness and climate action. Panellists will share insights on emerging trends, regulatory shifts, and how public and private actors can align innovation with sustainability.

Introducing SolidScooter, the first solid-state battery powered electric scooter. The project will be presented by CLIME, in collaboration with Basquevolt, a leader in solid-state battery technology, and Nodium, a specialist in sustainable urban mobility. A joint commitment to the future of clean and innovative micromobility.

This pitch aims to explore how regional technology clusters can evolve into research centers to scale their territorial impact in digital innovation. It will focus on the case of the ICT Cluster of La Rioja (Spain), which has transitioned from a collaborative business network into a fully recognized Data Technologies Research Center.

This session gathers five EU projects showcasing how cities across Europe use digitalization to create Positive Energy Districts (PEDs). Through digital twins, AI simulations, and interoperable platforms, our projects’ Lighthouse Cities optimize energy efficiency, smart buildings, and sustainable mobility to meet climate goals. Experts share tools, strategies, and lessons to inspire replication for climate-neutral urban futures.