Agenda

Welcome to the events for better cities!

This opening session sets the tone for the entire event, featuring a welcome speech by Ugo Valenti, Director of Smart City Expo World Congress, and Marc Rozendal, CEO of EIT Urban Mobility. The session will also include contributions from high-level representatives who will share insights on how cities are transforming, innovating, and creating to improve the way we live, move, and build.

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.

Urban and territorial resilience has moved from concepts to actionable practices in multiple territories, but big gaps remain as crises grow and financing capacity poses a real challenge. This session reviews a decade of progress and pending needs, highlighting UN-Habitat’s Resolution 9/2 to create a human settlements resilience framework to better integrate resilience into planning, connecting humanitarian response with sustainable development.

This roundtable discussion will explore strategies for boosting cybersecurity within urban environments. We will focus on identifying key takeaways for Central and Eastern European (CEE) cities, drawing upon the experiences and lessons learned from their Western and Northern European counterparts.

Despite ocean industries generating $2.5 trillion annually, capital inflows remain limited. This panel tackles investor misconceptions — from “too risky” and “too fragmented” to “it’s all grants” — and shows how leaders are already proving them wrong.

The workshop aims at presenting key case studies on the integration of GEOAI into traditional urban planning processes which can help urban practitioners globally to identify pathway and optimization into their urban planning processes. Stakeholders representing urban practitioners, cities, city networks, private sector and national governments are invited to contribute to the methodology and the step-by-step guidance contained in the Toolkit

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.

How are governments up to date with technological innovations to improve public services and government efficiency? Are governments into the digital transformation to make their services more accessible, and user-friendly?

How do green spaces in cities contribute to improving the quality of life, enhance biodiversity, and fostering community engagement and physical well-being?

In what ways is technology driving innovation in urban design practices? How are digital tools shaping the design process for buildings, infrastructures, and cities?

How are the cities raising their voice on the Global atmosphere? In an unstable world, can cities take part in the fight to preserve democratic values?

How can AI enhance decision-making in smart cities while ensuring ethical and unbiased outcomes? What role do AI technologies play in optimizing public services in the cities of the future?

EIT Urban Mobility and the International Transport Forum will organise a foresight workshop to anticipate future trends of relevance in the mobility sector, based on input from the public and private sectors

A deluge of self-driving cars could turn urban streets into a congested, dangerous mess -- but it's not inevitable. MIT Mobility Initiative Senior Fellow David Zipper will identify specific ways can help cities future-proof themselves for the rise of autonomous vehicles.

The next frontier isn’t doing less harm — it’s rebuilding ocean health while creating value. This session spotlights industries moving beyond sustainability to regenerative models that restore ecosystems as part of business.

From offshore renewables and aquaculture to ocean biotech, data, and nature-tech, this session explores which blue sectors are attracting real momentum — and what makes them bankable at scale.

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.

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?

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.

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.

The talk will focus on lessons learned within recent trials of autonomous trucking in ports. We will have a chance to assess together with top industry-experts the viability of the technology,going well beyond the hype.

Explore how geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and changing trade patterns are affecting port operations worldwide. Panelists will discuss strategies for resilience, risk mitigation, and agility in uncertain markets.

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.

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.

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.

Why isn’t the ocean part of mainstream portfolios? This session examines the disconnect between capital markets and ocean sectors, and highlights the products, metrics, and regulatory tools needed to unlock institutional flows.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Showcasing integrated European initiatives that harmonize diverse urban sustainability efforts to deliver cohesive and impactful urban transformations.

This session will explore how 5G is transforming port ecosystems. Experts will discuss real-world use cases, including real-time monitoring, autonomous operations, and enhanced communication systems, and highlight the role of ultra-low latency in improving efficiency and safety.

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. The panel that includes public transport operators and other relevant actors will explore how innovation in public transport can contribute to achieving the EU's target of climate neutrality by 2050.

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?

Blended finance is proving key to mobilising private capital. Explore how public-private structures, philanthropic cushions, and real-world examples are helping early-stage and large-scale ocean projects secure funding.

This session showcases how pioneering cities and organisations are leveraging space data, geo and geo-AI tools for environmental and climate action, for enhanced urban sustainability. City leaders, industry experts, and geo-AI practitioners will present real-world case studies, discuss how to transform data into actionable strategies, and chart the future of a low-carbon and climate-resilient urban growth. The session will delve into data-driven technologies, scenario modeling, and highlight the vital role of both technology and communities in sustainable city planning.

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?

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.

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.

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.

How can cities integrate climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and smart infrastructure for long-term resilience? What role do technology and community engagement play in sustainable urban growth?

The world is changing fast. Generational shifts, AI and new tech are redefining life and work - with cities as living labs of innovation. In her light-hearted yet insightful style, futurist Nikki Greenberg reveals what 2050 could look like, sharing global examples of tech transforming cities. Expect energy, vision and strategies to build future-ready, human-centered and inspiring places.

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.

Next-generation technologies are reshaping how we design, build, and live in our cities. From digital tools and AI to virtual reality and advanced construction methods, emerging innovations are revolutionizing urban planning and development. How do these technologies offer new pathways to create more efficient, building-adaptive, and future-ready urban environments?

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.

Join to explore how (and why!) inclusive innovation can drive positive change. From the EU’s vision and funding impact to specific insights from those supporting innovation on connectivity, circularity, mobility, or to improve resilience, the debate connects policy to practice with contributions spanning public institutions, cities and the private sector.

Family offices and private wealth managers are entering the blue economy as a new legacy play. This session showcases how next-gen capital is moving into ocean-positive strategies and what they look for in opportunities.

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?

As the maritime sector becomes more digitised, ports in Europe, the United States and Asia are adopting smart technologies - AI, IoT, digital twins and autonomous systems - that create enormous efficiencies but also introduce new vulnerabilities. In this panel, experts will share regional and cross-continental strategies to protect critical port infrastructure from cyber threats that can cripple global supply chains.

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.

Commuting habits have a major impact on urban sustainability. This panel looks at how corporate mobility programs, integrated networks, and behavioural nudges can create greener, more efficient daily travel options for all. How can corporate mobility programs and integrated transport networks lead to more sustainable commuting? What roles do mobility infrastructure and nudging play in creating seamless and sustainable commuting options?

Tradable blue carbon and biodiversity credits are on the rise. This session explores emerging asset classes, verification systems, and the digital tools making nature-based solutions investable at scale.

Leading ports share their experiences and breakthroughs on the road to toward zero emissions. Learn about green energy integration, emission reduction technologies, and what it really takes to become a net-zero port in practice.

Disruptive technologies are transforming the foundations of urban life. From AI and digital twins to immersive platforms and next-gen connectivity, these tools are creating new possibilities for smarter, more sustainable cities. This session will show solutions to turn innovation into real impact for citizens, highlighting the opportunities and challenges of the next urban era.

What innovative strategies and technologies are being implemented to reduce waste and promote circularity in urban resource management?

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.

Explore Austria’s pioneering autonomous bus project in Carinthia, led by AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and SURAAA-Smart Urban Region Austria Alps Adriatic and discover smart city solutions by: Commend: Real-Time Multilingual Communication; Designa: Smart Parking & Charging; Infrared City: Climate-Informed Urban Planning; Lixtec: Sensor Street Lighting; Rubicon: Digital Lost & Found; Skidata: Integrated Access; Tridonic: Smart Lighting

The MaaS Alliance Partnership Forum & MaaS STAR Awards is a high-level event to mark the 10 years anniversary of the Association and to introduce the new and re-activated decade of the Alliance to stimulate interaction and dialogue with all stakeholders in the field of Mobility to advance with seamless multimodal mobility offers with user needs at its heart.

Discover the latest innovations and implementations of shore power systems (cold ironing). Experts will discuss infrastructure readiness, policy incentives, and how electrifying ships at berth is helping to reduce air pollution and improve sustainability.

How can cities create more inclusive environments that support the needs and aspirations of women, immigrants, and other marginalized groups? How can we bridge the digital gap and ensure all equitable access to technology and online resources?

Technological advances are reshaping daily life, while cities remain key arenas for democratic action and civic rights. In this context, technology is a powerful driver of progress and transformation, enhancing urban living. Yet this development also brings challenges such as the digital divide, misinformation, and declining trust. This session explores how cities can form alliances to defend civic rights and ensure technology serves the public good.

Which emerging disruptive technologies are poised to transform smart cities, and how can urban leaders proactively integrate them? How can the widespread adoption of enhanced connectivity drive innovation in smart cities?

This event offers the opportunity to connect with the Latin America Smart Cities community, including industry experts, companies and local leaders, to exchange insights on how innovative technology and green infrastructure can accelerate economic and social development. 

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.

Explore how innovative European initiatives are advancing sustainable urban mobility as a cornerstone of climate-neutral cities. By showcasing solutions from CIVITAS and Positive Energy District projects, the discussion will highlight how mobility can be integrated with energy to deliver more liveable, connected, and climate-friendly cities.

Coastal adaptation is one of the most urgent and investable climate markets. From flood defences to floating infrastructure, explore how investors are backing resilience to turn risk into opportunity.

This closed-door session brings together public authorities within the EIT Urban Mobility network for an engaging exchange on innovation in urban mobility. Through focused thematic discussions and interactive networking, participants will explore solutions to critical challenges shaping urban mobility and identify areas where collaborative efforts can drive impactful, city-led innovation.

His panel will explore the synergies between city and port development through integrated planning and shared digital infrastructure, resilient ecosystems and collaborative public-private strategies.

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.

What did we learn, and what’s next? A rapid-fire summary and forward-looking discussion from key voices — including what to track, who to meet, and how to stay in the dealflow.

The event will highlight specific challenges in two regions - cities in France, Grenoble and Germany, Jena and in Japan. 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. PLATFORMA, with the involvement of local authorities, CSOs, and youth actors, will showcase solutions for inclusive digital spaces and empower local action against online violence, discrimination, and democratic disengagement.

As European cities accelerate their digital transformation, cybersecurity and trust become cornerstones of resilience. Yet, local governments face fragmented approaches to regulation, compliance, and technology adoption. The European Union is now pushing for standardization and harmonization through major legislative frameworks — NIS2 (critical infrastructure protection), the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) (secure IoT and digital products), and the AI Act (governing AI in public services). At the same time, EU funding mechanisms such as Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Programme are enabling cross-border security projects and joint innovation. The panel explores how EU regulations and funding initiatives can transform city-level security from siloed, reactive measures into cohesive, interoperable, and future-proof frameworks. It will bring together policymakers, city leaders, and industry experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities in aligning local needs with EU-wide standards. Target audience : city mayors, CISOs, Stage: Tech X Cities

Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), the main public transport operator in Barcelona, has established a unified electric model for both the metro system and the urban bus network under its management. 

This initiative considers the power and energy consumption requirements of both the metro infrastructure and the fleet of over 1,100 buses, which will be predominantly electric. 

To ensure the power supply required by the bus depots, and to do so through an efficient and more cost-effective system, TMB will power all bus-related facilities by leveraging the receiving substations that currently supply energy to the metro network. 

The power demand of the bus network, which is significantly high, occurs primarily during night-time hours—contrary to the metro’s energy needs. Therefore, the consumption patterns of both networks are fully compatible a Stage: Shaping Mobility

The celebration of the 5th Spain-India Forum, a high-level institutional and diplomatic dialogue bringing together governmental, business, academic, and technological representatives from the sectors of both countries, is being organised by the Spain-India Council Foundation in collaboration with Barcelona City Council and Fira de Barcelona, on the occasion of the Smart City World Congress.

This joint session by RECI and Red Innpulso will showcase urban innovation and digitalization experiences with real impact on cities. It will feature a dialogue on public-private collaboration and future challenges, with participation from institutional representatives and municipal experts leading transformative projects in smart governance, mobility, green transition, and digital public services, highlighting both impacts and lessons learned.

This session showcases how cities are leveraging space data and GEO tools for climate resilience and smarter infrastructure planning. Join city leaders, space industry experts, and GEO-AI practitioners as we explore real-world case studies and discuss turning data into actionable strategies for resilient urban growth. We'll delve into risk assessment, scenario modeling, and the vital role of technology for better urban planning.

From public guarantees to social enterprise vehicles, new models are mobilizing private capital for housing and urban infrastructure while advancing public goals. This session convenes investors, governments, and corporations to co-create finance structures that scale innovation and meet social needs. Panelists will explore catalytic capital, loan funds, and enterprises that align incentives, cut risk, preserve affordability, and embed equity.

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

The original “smart city” idea, focused on automation, efficiency, and instrumentation, has changed with the growth of AI, machine learning, and pervasive connectivity. In this panel, we will explore what “smart” actually means today, and how we approach the realities of connected environments where systems operate across public and private boundaries, often without centralized control.

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.

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.

Urban logistics is a growing challenge as competition for space in cities becomes more and more pressing. This session dives into innovations (eg. New logistics concepts, automation, etc.) 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?

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.

The world needs ocean solutions — now. Here’s why the innovation window is wide open.

Hear directly from c-level executives redefining leadership for the ocean economy. What does it take to move beyond “doing less harm” toward actively regenerative business models — while delivering competitive financial returns?

Cities face a growing gap in housing needs, aging infrastructure, and persistent social inequalities. As affordability declines, innovative approaches to building and urban development are essential. This session will focus on centering equity in urban development by reimagining construction methods, housing policies, and design strategies to create sustainable, resilient, equitable, and accessible homes for all.

A rapid-fire showcase of start-ups and scale-ups driving innovation across the blue economy.

From green corridors and electrified terminals to alternative fuels and regulatory shifts, this session explores the leaders driving maritime decarbonization — and the barriers holding others back. What strategies are working, what missteps to avoid, and what the future demands of port and shipping actors.

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, including Cinesi, App & Town, Bable, Apropa Cultura, and Tandem Social.

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.

How can cities guarantee the best living conditions for their citizens? In what ways can urban planning strategies promote equitable access to resources public amenities for all citizens?

Five years remain to achieve the Paris Agreement goals—what progress has been made, and what still needs to be done? Following the global stocktake at COP29, how are cities planning mid- and long-term strategies to advance climate action?

How have digital tools improved construction accuracy and reduced costs? What challenges and best practices shape successful digital transformation in the industry?

This roundtable will focus on fostering dialogue between the representatives of Central and Eastern European (CEE) cities. By encouraging mutual learning and strengthening regional networks, the roundtable seeks to enhance the strategic capacity of CEE cities and amplify their voices in broader European and international stages.

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?

Innovative approach to urban mobility planning, considering the different modes and purposes of trip.

How is the convergence of enabling technologies with sustainability bringing new depth to the green transformation of our cities? This session will explore how smart solutions, such as IoT, AI, renewable energy systems, and cleantech, are redefining what the future of resilient urban living can look like. As cities strive to become more sustainable, tech innovators are stepping up to accelerate the transition toward a more resilient and environmentally responsible future.

How are the latest technological innovations transforming urban safety and resilience? What strategies could foster cybersecurity innovation while maintaining public trust?

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.

The session, led by FEVEMP, will feature key stakeholders directly involved in developing European micromobility regulations. It will explain how these rules influence Spain’s Manual de Características, promoting common safety and quality standards for urban vehicles. A space to understand and discuss the future regulatory framework of the sector.

Discover how Barcelona, the first city selected to host a UNESCO Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre (DCC), is at the forefront of advancing a sustainable blue economy worldwide. This roundtable will unveil the strategic pillars of the new DCC, showcase its key activities, and explore its potential impact within the framework of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Seaweed, aquaculture, and alternative seafood are critical for global food security. How can we scale blue food systems while protecting biodiversity, ensuring traceability, and supporting equitable growth across the value chain?

As global tensions and inequalities deepen, the role of cities as spaces for opportunity becomes essential. By embracing forward-thinking policies and a strong focus on wellbeing, governments are advancing towards fostering cities where individuals and communities can truly thrive. Smart cities, guided by inclusive governance and the responsible use of emerging technologies, can guarantee access to essential resources and become powerful engines for prosperity and fulfilling urban life.

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.

This interactive panel unites living-lab leaders from the United States, Finland, Sweden and Canada to reveal how cross-border partnerships turbo-charge smart-city innovation. Through rapid fire case studies and audience Q&A, speakers share proven tactics for launching, funding and scaling technology pilots, navigating regulation and turning data-driven trials into full-city deployments.

A rapid-fire showcase of start-ups and scale-ups driving innovation across the blue economy.

From seaweed cultivation to alkalinity enhancement, marine carbon removal could be critical to climate goals. This session unpacks the promise, pitfalls, and funding needs of ocean-based carbon solutions.

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.

Much of the discussion around promoting active mobility has centred on cities and their infrastructure networks. While creating safe and connected routes for cycling is crucial, barriers such as theft, repair, and planning continue to limit uptake and demand innovative solutions from the private sector. This session will highlight the different factors and stakeholders that help to drive the shift toward active travel modes in urban areas.

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.

How can policymakers, urban planners, and tech innovators collaborate to create scalable, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions for growing cities? What technologies and strategies show the most promise in tackling the housing crisis?

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?

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.

How can cities better manage heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and rapid urban growth? This session showcases how Earth Observation brings actionable insights for crisis management, public health, climate adaptation and sustainable urban planning. Discover and hear from our users and data providers about ready-to-use market solutions where data from space helps cities protect citizens, plan smarter and boost resilience.

TBC

Europe’s cities lead the just and green transition with their exemplary action. This session will explore how cities can lead the way in sustainable development by integrating clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive policies. It will also highlight the roles of urban initiatives such as the Covenant of Mayors, the Green City Accord, the Smart Cities Marketplace, and the Horizon Europe Missions in advancing urban transformation.

This conversation explores how AI, data integration, and emerging technologies are transforming city management—from predictive safety and digital housing aid to smart mobility and infrastructure. U.S. mayors will share lessons and priorities for scalable, inclusive solutions that strengthen efficiency, equity, and resilience.