Dialogue 5: Putting people first in a digital…

The World Urban Forum (WUF) is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization. The twelfth session will take place in Cairo, Egypt, 4 - 8 November 2024.

Speakers:

• Chika Oduah, Journalist and Founder of Zikora Media & Arts
• Michal Mlynár, Deputy Executive Director, UN-Habitat
• Abdelkhalek Ibrahim, Senior Technical Assistant to the Minister of Housing, Ministry of Housing, Egypt
• Ghada Mustafa Labib, Vice Minister of Communications and Information Technology for Institutional Development, Arab Republic of Egypt
• Franc Kamugyisha, CEO and Founder, Ecoplastile
• Felicia Williams, Head of Europe, Middle East, and Africa Women, Google
• Khalid Al Baker, CEO, Quality of Life Program
• Dilma Rousseff, President, New Development Bank
• Anna Kerr, Regional Director, SWECO Group
• Celine D Cruz, Vice President, Board of Directors, Block by Block Foundation
• Sigrun Wiggen Prestbakmo, State Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Kingdom of Norway
• Sergio Oliete Josa, Head of Unit, Sustainable Transport and Urban Development, Directorate-General for International Partnerships, European Commission
• Jeong-kee Kim, Secretary General, World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO)
• Bruno Nabagné Koné, Minister of Construction, Housing, and Urban Development, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire

The world is now both urban and digital, with these two mega shifts shaping how people live, work, and interact. Urban living and technologies together offer access to opportunities, services, and resources that can improve well-being. When cities are well-planned and managed, the potential for better socio-economic and environmental outcomes is significant. Digital technologies can further expand these opportunities, enhancing the daily quality of life for urban residents. By leveraging both urban and digital transformations, substantial benefits can be achieved for the world's 4.4 billion urban inhabitants. The market for smart city systems is valued to be over USD 500 billion and is expected to grow rapidly, underscoring the profound impact of technological innovation on urban environments.

However, this transformation comes with significant risks. Considering that one-third of the global population is still offline, the benefits of technological advancements are not yet evenly distributed. Furthermore, technology-driven urban innovations often fail to ensure accessibility and inclusion, exacerbating existing gendered, racial, intergenerational, and disability-related inequities. Additionally, poorly regulated technology, particularly in the context of rapid AI development and large consumption of data, can pose risks to privacy, rights, and security.

In this context, a localised approach that embraces innovation is essential to empower cities and communities. While maximising the benefits of digital technology and innovation for urban sustainability, this approach must focus on people-centred initiatives and ensure inclusive outcomes. Effective urban innovation requires harmonising regulatory frameworks and policy incentives at all levels, with an emphasis on democratising access, reducing bias, and protecting privacy and human rights. Localised strategies that promote meaningful community engagement are essential for ensuring that technological solutions meet citizens' needs and rebuild trust between governments and local communities.

This dialogue explores people-centred and innovation-driven approaches to technological advancements, smart city development, and localised digital solutions for sustainability and inclusivity. It focuses on empowering cities and communities to shape more sustainable futures through strategic innovations such as smart infrastructure, digital governance and citizen engagement, digital literacy and accessibility, and e-mobility, among others. Through two sessions comprising a high-level discussion and a young innovators panel, participants will reflect on the trade-offs of technology use and how to ensure that it benefits everyone in cities, leaving no one and no place behind.