11 May 2025
13:30–16:00

Beirut time

Special event

Building resilient and inclusive smart cities

Location
  • Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Contact information
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ESCWA is organizing a session on “Building Resilient and Inclusive Smart Cities: Advancing Digital Transformation for Sustainability, Innovation, and Quality of Life”, as part of the Arab-European Cities Dialogue. 

The session highlights how digital transformation can enhance the quality of life in cities by improving urban services, governance and sustainability. It promotes resilience, inclusivity and equitable development through people-centred smart city initiatives. The session also focuses on peer learning between Arab and European cities and addresses challenges like the digital divide and financing gaps. It emphasizes the importance of fostering innovation, strengthening partnerships, and aligning urban efforts with global frameworks such as the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda.

Outcome document

The discussion focused on the transition toward Smart and Sustainable Cities (SSCs), emphasizing that smart urban development is not merely about adopting new technologies, but about strategically integrating digital innovation into urban planning to enhance sustainability, innovation, and quality of life. It explored how digital transformation can address key urban challenges such as resource management and social equity. City cases from Ramallah, Rotterdam, Amman, and Hamburg showcased varied approaches. The exchange also highlighted the International Guidelines on People-Centered Smart Cities and the Global Quality of Life Initiative, reinforcing the importance of human-centric and context-sensitive smart city development.

  • Strategic leadership and digital innovation are key enablers of sustainable urban governance and resilience, even in fragile or resource-constrained contexts.
  • Inclusive digitalization can be advanced through community-based and grassroots initiatives that ensure smart cities benefit all residents equitably.
  • Recognition of digital leadership in cities highlights how innovation and transformation can directly improve urban services and residents’ quality of life.
  • Building transparent, geo-spatial digital infrastructure—such as digital twins—enhances integrated urban management and fosters greater public understanding and engagement.

Documents

ESCWA - Shared Prosperity Dignified Life
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ESCWA, an innovative catalyst for a stable, just and flourishing Arab region.

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Committed to the 2030 Agenda, ESCWA’s passionate team produces innovative knowledge, fosters regional consensus and delivers transformational policy advice. Together, we work for a sustainable future for all.

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