Sandra Baer

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in the way cities are planned, managed and operated, it is reshaping the way public institutions and urban service providers work. AI's ability to improve resource optimization, decision-making and sustainability is significant, yet questions around access, trust and who ultimately benefits from this technology will be key to ensuring these advances can be attained and scaled. This plenary will explore how cities can steer the AI transition for greater public value and better urban outcomes.

How can cities bring together creativity, innovation and health to build more vibrant, inclusive and resilient urban environments? This keynote explores how urban development strategies can strengthen local identity, foster economic opportunities and improve quality of life. Through initiatives such as the Bioclúster, it highlights the potential of connecting health, knowledge and innovation ecosystems with a broader vision of sustainable urban development, positioning cities as spaces where creativity and well-being drive future growth.

Tourism can energize cities, but its future increasingly depends on how well cities connect their cultural identity, innovative solutions and local quality of life. Through the experiences of Medellín and Dubrovnik, this conversation explores how data, digital tools and governance can support more thoughtful tourism strategies, improve accessibility and visitor management, strengthen cultural identity and contribute to more sustainable urban development.