Agenda

This event showcases the MAIA project’s results on potential demand for air mobility services and shared autonomous shuttles to access airports, and algorithms to best locate vertiports and dispatch autonomous vehicle fleets to answer that demand. It engages the audience to exploit these results in support of European, national, and local policy goals. Register HERE

Welcome to the 2025 edition of our events – the global stage where urban innovation comes to life.

This opening session sets the tone for an exciting journey ahead, with a warm welcome from Smart City Expo director Ugo Valenti and Tomorrow.Mobility president Marc Rozendal. Joining them are high-level representatives who will share how territories around the world are transforming the way we live, move, and build. Get ready to explore bold ideas and groundbreaking strategies.

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 urban systems face growing pressures, shocks, and stresses, urban resilience must evolve into an integrated cycle of action. This session showcases cities' experiences and concepts of the resilience cycle and the pillars of UN-Habitat resolution 9/2: early warning, foresight, risk reduction, crisis response, and post-crisis recovery and reconstruction. Organized by the UN-Habitat City Resilience Global Program and Barcelona City Council.

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.

Discover the future of ultra-fast, sustainable transport at the Hyperloop Conference — the global meeting point for pioneers redefining mobility. Connect with leading experts, startups, investors, and policy makers from the EU and beyond who are shaping the framework for next-generation transport. Experience inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and networking that will accelerate your vision of tomorrow’s connected, zero-emission world.

Smart cities are becoming a major frontier for investment, from climate tech and mobility to housing and digital infrastructure. This panel will explore how venture capital, corporate VC, and private equity are navigating shifting markets, regulation, and technology—and where capital is heading by 2030 across AI, green construction, and other scalable urban solutions

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.

This session examines AI’s dual role in sustainable urban development: its promise for climate action and its hidden environmental and social costs. Participants will explore the sustainability paradox of urban AI and leave with practical strategies for implementation that are intelligent, equitable, and ecologically responsible.

More information https://www.cidob.org/actividades/scewc-side-event-ai-environmental-footprint-between-hidden-costs-and-green

A meeting between international elected representatives, exchanging about AI projects for public policies, and how AI can contribute to the mission of public entities

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

In an increasingly urbanized world, metropolitan areas concentrate the major challenges—and opportunities—of our time. From climate resilience to mobility, housing, and inequality, these challenges rarely respect administrative boundaries. Yet, around the globe, cities of all sizes and levels of development are collaborating and experimenting with new models of metropolitan governance.

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 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?

Register for our interactive workshop on fragmentation in the mobility sector jointly organised by EIT Urban Mobility and the ITF. Fragmentation is a major source of inefficiencies leading to poorly coordinated services, longer transit times and the inefficient use of public funds. More information and registration under this link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/efWhweEBPs

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.

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?

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.

This session will feature a video message from Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commission Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, addressing the EU Agenda for Future Mobility.

How can we finance projects to reach sustainable goals? How important is it to work on cross-sector collaboration to move forward on financing?

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.

As blue bonds move from niche innovation to mainstream finance, investors and issuers are redefining how ocean value is monetised. Join leaders at the forefront of this transformation to examine what makes a blue bond bankable, how to ensure integrity and impact, and where the next wave of opportunities lies.

Nexus’ is the coordination of a set of indoor drones that symbolize unity and synergy among them. The power of teamwork, collaboration, and collective effort enables individuals, when united, to achieve great challenges and accomplishments. It tells a wonderful story that conveys ‘together, it’s possible’ and that ‘together, we can reach places one alone could never imagine.

Duration: 6 minutes. A project by Flock Drone Art.

Three cutting-edge startups take the stage to pitch their innovative solutions for digitalizing cities and utilities. Each startup will present their vision, technology, and impact potential to our distinguished jury of venture capitalists and industry leaders including Schréder, Via Verde, Connexin, BNP Paribas Solar Impulse, EIT Urban Mobility, Bloomhaus Ventures, Demeter, and Plug and Play. Following the pitches, the jury will engage in a live Q&A session, diving deep into each startup's business model, scalability, and market opportunity.

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.

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.

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.

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 how European cities can align sustainability efforts for cohesive, transformative change. This session explores how integrated planning and smart urban technologies drive systemic shifts — linking energy, water, mobility, housing, and public space. With Benidorm as a case study and insights from EU initiatives, we highlight scalable, cross-sector strategies for greener, more liveable cities.

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 challenges urban mobility, and the EIT Urban Mobility report Costs & Benefits of the Urban Mobility Transition highlights public transport as the most cost-effective way to cut emissions. The panel, moderated by EIT Urban Mobility , will explore how innovation in public transport can accelerate progress toward the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goal, featuring experts from CARRIS-Lisbon PTO, Tranvías de Zaragoza, Freenow and GOOGLE.

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.

The convening of the Coalition of Global City CIOs at the Smart City Expo and World Congress forms part of a programme of activities taking place in Barcelona. This is the second convening of the group of digital and innovation leaders from major European cities this year.

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?

A space for exchange between Ibero-American local government officials who will share practical cases and experiences on how they are governing the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and digital infrastructure, from a public, ethical, and strategic perspective.
The activity is part of the CIDEU Smart City and Digital Transition Micronetwork, comprised of cities from various Ibero-American countries.

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?

Cities are reimagining services and infrastructures to strengthen sustainability. As urban environments evolve, smart resource management, resilient systems, and green planning are key to shaping tomorrow’s cities. This session explores how energy innovation and urban strategies drive cleaner, more adaptive, and sustainable communities.

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?

From AI-driven compliance and citizen engagement tools to smart sharing infrastructure, impact-driven learning platforms, and net-zero mobility solutions, these startups empower cities and communities to thrive sustainably. Discover technologies that streamline governance, foster participation, enhance resource sharing, and create measurable social, environmental, and economic impact.

Meeting for FIA member Clubs to learn and share experience on urban mobility best practices

This roundtable brings leading voices from cities, academia, and industry to exchange on key priorities in future urban mobility research current research gaps identified in the first report of the EIT Urban Mobility Academic Research Board (ARB). The session is designed as an open dialogue and closes with a networking session.

This event showcases the MUSE project’s results on assessing the impacts of Urban Air Mobility deployment on citizens’ quality of life and developing tools for cities and regions to better decide on priorities and service design. It engages the audience to exploit these results in support of European, national, and local policy goals. Register HERE

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.

Session 2 showcases three additional startups revolutionizing the way cities and utilities operate. These innovators will present their groundbreaking technologies to our expert jury panel, competing for the chance to secure non-dilutive funding, strategic partnerships, and investment interest. Following each pitch, our jury of industry leaders and top-tier VCs will challenge, question, and explore the potential of each solution.

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.

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.

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.

How are cities shaping their strategies to create more livable and inclusive communities? This session brings together city representatives to share experiences on planning, governance, and collaboration, exploring how innovation and technology can support better decision-making, citizen participation, and the delivery of public value.

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?

How can cities turn vision into reality to improve quality of life? Bridging the gap between ambition and action requires practical strategies that prioritize livability, wellbeing and inclusive urban development. This session will explore how city leaders and innovators are translating ideas into tangible solutions, shaping urban environments that are more connected, equitable and responsive to citizens’ needs.

‘Nexus’ is the coordination of a set of indoor drones that symbolize unity and synergy among them. The power of teamwork, collaboration, and collective effort enables individuals, when united, to achieve great challenges and accomplishments. It tells a wonderful story that conveys ‘together, it’s possible’ and that ‘together, we can reach places one alone could never imagine.

Duration: 6 minutes. A project by Flock Drone Art.

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.

This session will explore how Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twin technologies can be applied across the entire AECO and urban project lifecycle, from strategic and integrated planning to design, smart construction and smart mobility, showcasing real case studies and innovative projects developed within the ZIGURAT Master’s in Global Smart City Management.

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. 

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?

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 start with a key-note from the EU Commission on the latest report of the Digital Decade 2030

Coastal regeneration is emerging as a high-impact, high-return frontier. From living infrastructure to projects like RegenPorts at the Port of Barcelona, discover how investors are financing nature-based solutions that build resilience and long-term value.

Join representatives from CIVITAS, Driving Urban Transitions, Smart Cities Marketplace, and EIT Urban Mobility for a discussion on mobility and urban sustainability. Discover inspiring European practices, see how research, policy, and innovation combine to drive systemic change, and explore how collaboration can accelerate more connected, accessible, and sustainable cities.

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 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.

How can cities reinvent the way they are designed, built, and lived in? From rethinking infrastructures and housing to driving sustainable building practices and resilient planning, innovation is reshaping the fabric of urban life. This session will spotlight new and innovative approaches that are transforming construction and development, unlocking smarter, greener and more adaptable cities for the future.

Across Europe, cities are reimagining urban spaces to boost road safety, support sustainable mobility, and meet climate goals. This session brings together city leaders and policymakers to explore how space reallocation can build more resilient cities. It is part of the REALLOCATE project under the EU’s CIVITAS Initiative and supports the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities.

This session explores how cities can manage tourism sustainably, using a resilience-based approach to balance the influx of visitors and their economic benefits with the affordability and livability of their residents. Barcelona, Amsterdam and Rio de Janeiro will present initiatives towards this purpose. Moreover, UN-Habitat and UN-Tourism 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.

Rapid urbanization, coupled with accelerated digital transformation, is reshaping the urban landscape, compelling local governments to evolve beyond traditional frameworks, adopt proactive approaches, and develop tailored solutions to address their distinct challenges. Traditionally, cybersecurity has been confined to national and organizational frameworks. However, with the growing digital complexity of cities and the spread of cyber-physical systems (i.e., IoT), it is becoming increasingly challenging and unsustainable for central national administrations to manage cybersecurity at the local level, necessitating that cities take more active roles.

A truly intelligent city is a well-designed one—where every space, infrastructure, and function is optimized with a focus on resource efficiency and resilience. This conference aims to broaden the Smart City paradigm by embracing complementary approaches, combining high-tech and low-tech innovations, leveraging local stakeholders and existing strengths, promoting responsible resource use, and making the most of the existing urban fabric.

The Malaysia Networking & Closed-Door Roundtable Session will be held on the first day of MDEC’s participation at SCEWC Barcelona (4–6 Nov). Designed for 40-45 participants in a U-shape setup, the 2-hour session features 1 hour of focused roundtable discussion and 1 hour of networking. It brings together 7 Malaysian representatives and 35-38 EU invitees, with invitation support from Fira Barcelona.

The event will highlight specific city challenges - in France, Grenoble and Germany, Jena and in Tokyo 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.

‘Nexus’ is the coordination of a set of indoor drones that symbolize unity and synergy among them. The power of teamwork, collaboration, and collective effort enables individuals, when united, to achieve great challenges and accomplishments. It tells a wonderful story that conveys ‘together, it’s possible’ and that ‘together, we can reach places one alone could never imagine.

Duration: 6 minutes. A project by Flock Drone Art.

From biodiversity monitoring and adaptive lighting to flood alerts, waste management, EV charging, and river plastic interception, these startups turn data into action. Join this session to see how they make cities greener, safer, and more resilient—enhancing sustainability, safety, and quality of urban life.

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.

European cities are rapidly advancing their digital transformation, making cybersecurity and trust essential for urban resilience. EU frameworks such as NIS2, the CRA, and the AI Act, together with funding programmes like Horizon Europe, drive standardization and cross-border collaboration. This session will explore how these initiatives can shape cohesive and future-proof city security strategies.

How can cities translate sustainability goals into concrete policies and actions? With the 2030 Agenda as a guiding framework, municipalities are rethinking infrastructures, services, and governance models to reduce environmental impact and improve quality of life. This session will discuss practical approaches to sustainable urban management, resource efficiency, and long-term resilience.

Fast-paced and inspiring, this session brings together universities and research centers to the stage. Each organization gives a 10 minute presentation about their cutting-edge projects, revealing emerging discoveries, and exploring how their work is shaping the future of smart 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 and can be supported through a single contracted power line.

The U4SSC is the UN’s premier platform for shaping the cities of the future, people-centered, digitally inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable. With support from 20 UN entities, U4SSC empowers local leaders to share, learn, and lead transformative change. This special session will present the latest U4SSC deliverables and explore emerging trends shaping the cities of the future. Full Programme: https://u4ssc.itu.int/special-session-on-u4ssc/

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

Eurocities and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) co-organise this session to explore how Urban Digital Twins are moving from pilots to strategic tools for smarter cities. The event will gather city leaders, researchers, and practitioners from smart city ecosystems to discuss lessons learned, governance challenges, and how to ensure that data-informed urban governance remains human-centred, ethical, and accountable.

"The workshop aims to support cities delegations in finding concrete solutions for the most pressing issues in their cities and moving their smart city agenda forward, by facilitating a dynamic exchange and interaction between the two cities and with relevant experts.  Format: three-hour workshop (by invitation only) for two delegations and other interested participants who will actively engage in peer-to-peer discussion facilitated by experts"

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.