SMART CITY EXPO

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.

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?

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?

Cities face rising demand for services, aging populations, and limited resources. This session explores how AI helps governments reimagine service delivery—streamlining access, boosting responsiveness in critical services like safety and transport, and personalizing experiences. We’ll discuss how intelligent agents are becoming trusted partners, helping cities become more adaptive, inclusive, and resilient.

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.

This session will explore the strategies and approaches that GovTech can offer to help public administrations become more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered. The discussion will examine how digitalization is reshaping governance, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and enhancing public services.

How can green spaces transform cities into healthier, more inclusive, and biodiverse environments? As urban areas expand, integrating smart lighting, environmental monitoring, and sustainable design becomes key to enhancing quality of life. This roundtable will delve into how green infrastructure can foster urban ecosystem balance, boost physical well-being, and strengthen community connections in the pursuit of greener cities.

How can cities harness AI to drive smarter, fairer decisions? As AI reshapes urban life, its potential to optimize public services and governance grows—so does the need for ethical, transparent systems. Explore how responsible, sustainable AI can guide smart cities toward more efficient, inclusive, and future-ready urban environments.

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

How can urban leaders unlock new investment streams and foster economic models that support long-term change? Cities must look beyond traditional budgets to finance sustainable goals, drive local development, and support inclusive community projects. This session will examine how cross-sector collaboration and innovative financing approaches can enable cities to transform their ambitions into practical and equitable outcomes.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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 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?

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.

As environmental pressures grow, access to natural resources is becoming increasingly threatened. Circular practices offer a sustainable and effective way to significantly reduce resource consumption. Integrated approaches can transform how urban services operate, such as water and waste management, electricity and urban food systems. This session will explore innovative approaches and technologies that help minimize waste and promote circularity in urban environments.

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?

Which emerging disruptive technologies will reshape smart cities? From 5G and IoT to blockchain and quantum computing, enhanced connectivity is driving unprecedented innovation. Urban leaders are actively working to integrate these technologies, transforming infrastructure and services to create more connected, efficient, and future-ready cities.

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?

How can cities create more inclusive environments that support women, immigrants and other marginalized groups? As technology becomes essential, how can we bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to tools and services? This session will explore the strategies and measures that cities are implementing to promote equity and inclusion, by incentivizing the participation of minority communities and ensuring fair access to essential services and opportunities.

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.

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.

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?

AI's rapid growth creates unprecedented challenges: data centers face significant challenges related to water and energy resources, creating opportunities for infrastructure innovation. Veolia addresses this through strategic collaborations—providing sustainable solutions to tech leaders while leveraging their AI capabilities to optimize Veolia’s environmental services. This drives regional resilience and sustainable digital transformation.

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 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? The discussion will delve into the measures that ensure inclusive public spaces and uphold everyone’s right to urban life, looking at the strategies influencing urban design to foster safer, more accessible, and sustainable environments.

With just five years left to meet the Paris Agreement goals, the climate crisis continues to intensify. TheCOP29’s global stocktake reveals uneven progress. Cities play a pivotal role in advancing climate action by bridging global governance, climate finance and mitigation priorities. This session will discuss the progress made thus far and explore the remaining steps needed for urban strategies to transform climate commitments into concrete results.

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

As cities face evolving threats, how can technology enhance safety without compromising trust or inclusion? From cybersecurity to public space protection, innovation must align with human values. Explore how resilient, equitable strategies can secure digital and physical worlds for all citizens.

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 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.

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.

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.

What are the potential, limitations, and challenges of embedding this disruptive technology in day-to-day city life? What can be expected of the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

What role do new energy models play in shaping the urban fabric and dynamics of cities as they strive toward decarbonization? What alternative energy sources are real clean solutions for the increasing power demand?

How does digital transformation enhance citizen participation while ensuring data transparency and security? How can we guide behavior in the digital world and secure our digital rights?

With 47 projects supported with €181 million in funding, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) puts 5G technology at the service of the most innovative smart cities: we drive digital transformation, improve public services, and enhance quality of life for citizens across the European Union.  

As cities worldwide race to become “smart,” we face a vital question: Are we optimizing for technology, or for human flourishing? In this visionary keynote, Kate O’Neill—Tech Humanist and advisor to organizations from the City of Amsterdam to Google to the United Nations—explores how cities can move beyond novelty to create meaningful human experiences at scale.

Through real-world case studies and cross-sector insights, Kate demonstrates how city leaders can make technology choices that bridge the digital divide, foster inclusive communities, and deliver value for all citizens.

Cities play a vital role on the global stage, not only as home to the majority of society’s stakeholders but also as hubs for inclusive dialogue and grassroots engagement and empowerment. This roundtable will examine how cities are amplifying their voices to defend democratic values while fostering collaboration and coordinated efforts across all levels of governance and sectors.

What’s next for AI as it reshapes our world? From generative models to smart devices and LLMs, AI is evolving fast—offering immense promise and raising complex questions. This session explores the true frontiers of AI, balancing innovation with awareness, and looking ahead to how this powerful technology might redefine our future.

As cities strive toward decarbonization, the energy revolution use is reshaping urban life. What role do decentralized energy models, smart grids and renewables play in meeting rising power demands while enhancing energy efficiency? From energy sources to storage, this session will introduce what innovative energy systems cities are adopting to meet cities’ needs and power a more sustainable urban future.

How does digital transformation will enhance citizen participation while ensuring data transparency and security? How can we guide behavior in the digital world and secure our digital rights? This roundtable will discuss how local governments are protecting citizen’s digital rights and identities in a connected world while ensuring privacy, fostering digital trust and countering disinformation.

Cities face complex security challenges across both physical and digital spaces. As technologies like AI integrate into urban life, issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and public space safety demand creative, human-centered solutions. Thoughtful approaches to urban security, rooted in trust, ethics, and equity, are essential to maintain public confidence and ensure safe, inclusive cities. How can cities rethink security to protect people without compromising their rights?

The panel session will focus on identifying gaps in addressing global sustainability & resilience challenges particularly related to climate crisis and natural disasters faced by our cities. The panelists will also be asked to share their ideas and experiences regarding the use of innovative governance practices and technologies to address these challenges.

Join us in celebrating the most innovative and impactful initiatives shaping the future of urban living. The World Smart City Awards recognize pioneering projects, visionary leaders, and transformative strategies that are driving progress in cities around the globe. This ceremony is a tribute to excellence, creativity, and collaboration in building smarter, more sustainable urban environments.

A relaxed moment to have a drink and mingle with other attendees at the venue’s main entrance after the World Smart City Awards gala.

How do the cities envision their economic future? How are governments forecasting their sustainable growth? How are they working on looking for new economic drivers?

How do urban policies and practices contribute to caring for citizens and promoting a healthier, more equitable quality of life? In what ways can cities promote well-being as a foundation for thriving communities?

How can cities use data analytics to anticipate future dynamics and ensure long-term resilience? What role does data play in enabling accurate predictions and effective city planning?

What strategies are cities implementing to adapt to climate change? Are cities prioritizing green solutions when mitigating climate change effects or restoring urban environments after a natural catastrophe?

How can urban leaders unlock new potential to drive growth in a time when traditional economic engines are faltering? How are cities boosting entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems to create their own smart solutions? This session will showcase how cities can turn their visions for a sustainable future into tangible impact, through forecasting sustainable development, adopting innovative economic models, and identifying new drivers to advance a just and green transition.

How do urban policies and practices support the well-being of citizens and promote a healthier quality of life? In what ways can cities position social services as the foundation of thriving, resilient communities? This session will explore how cities are placing people at the center of urban agendas to ensure holistic wellness and care for all.

Can cities turn data into foresight? With advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and strong data governance, urban leaders can anticipate change, optimize planning, and boost resilience. Leveraging the full power of data is key to advancing towards smarter, more sustainable, and future-ready cities.

As climate impacts intensify, cities are on the frontline of adaptation and resilience. How are urban areas leveraging climate finance and nature-based solutions to strengthen disaster risk management and emergency response? This session will examine the measures cities are adopting to cope with the effects of a changing climate, along with recovery measures aimed at strengthening resilience to climate-related shocks.

Can GovTech transform urban environments? Emerging technologies in digital governance are redefining public services, civic engagement, and driving inclusive economic growth. With strategic leadership, thoughtful implementation, and robust security frameworks, tech can empower communities and build resilient, transparent local economies. As key enablers of this shift, city leaders are focusing on driving secure, efficient digital solutions to support stable, forward-thinking urban systems.

How are cities leveraging green entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices to drive technological innovation in the fight against the climate crisis?

Cities drive global change, where the daily tasks that sustain life—care, services, housing, protection, jobs and local economies—must be recognized and integrated into governance. As digitalization and new transitions reshape urban futures, this session explores how the municipalist movement led by UCLG redefines care and wellbeing to accelerate the SDGs and transform multilateral action ahead of the 2026 UCLG World Congress.

How do simulation technologies improve decision-making and urban system efficiency through digital modeling? How can digital twins optimize city infrastructure and services?

How are green entrepreneurship and environmental design shaping transformative change in urban areas? Cities are increasingly turning to climate tech, cleantech and sustainable business models to drive climate solutions. This session will explore how cities foster innovation ecosystems that support a low-carbon future through bold, sustainable and forward-thinking practices.

Through simulation technologies and digital twins, urban systems gain real-time insights that enhance decision-making and optimize infrastructure and services. This session explores how this approach enables cities to predict challenges, improve efficiency, and build smarter, more responsive urban environments for the future.

Today, as cities face their challenges, Digital Twins & AI are everywhere. Digital Twins deliver better prescriptions and greater efficiency and sustainability. AI brings data-driven decisions and uncovers hidden patterns, but also raises challenges in ethics, bias, and transparency. How can we ethically and sustainably combine Digital Twins & AI to maximize their synergies?