Experts in the fields of urban planning, smart
technologies and advanced technology stressed that the expansion of the
approach to smart sustainable cities has become necessary and urgent, at a time
when the world is suffering from the growing phenomena of climate change. They
indicated that smart cities can address climate challenges, promote socio-economic
growth and support urban development. Smart cities adopt sustainable methods
and standards, mainly the inclusive policies and thoughtful development
frameworks. Smart cities adopt the development of digital infrastructure and
address cybersecurity risks.
The discussion was part of a symposium on "Sustainable
Cities... The New Generation of Smart Cities", organized by Trends Research
and Advisory, in partnership with Mustafa Muharram & Partners Group for Public
Affairs and Strategic Communications. It was moderated by Sultan Majed Al-Ali, Senior
Researcher and Director of the Global Barometer Department at TRENDS. The event
was held on Wednesday At the media center of the «COP28».
Improving the quality of life
In his opening remarks, Dr.
Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of Trends Research and Advisory, said that the
concept of smart and sustainable cities of the future has become a common goal
for many governments seeking to achieve sustainable development and improve the
quality of life for their citizens. He added that urban development and the
rapid pace of urbanization, climate change, and increasing demand for resources
are putting great pressure on urban infrastructure and ecosystems. "We
need to create cities that are not only sustainable, but resilient to withstand
changing future challenges."
Dr. Al-Ali indicated that building smart sustainable cities is not limited to technology only; it is also about developing a common vision for the future. This vision combines the use of information and communication technology, the efficiency of urban operations and services. It includes competitiveness, as well as meeting the needs of current and future generations in terms of economic, social, environmental and cultural sustainability aspects.
Jan Vapaavuori, President of the Finnish Olympic
Committee, former Minister of Economy and Housing of Finland, and former Mayor
of Helsinki, spoke about "The New Generation
of Smart Sustainable Cities - Helsinki, Finland's pioneering experience in
smart sustainable cities." He explained that for smart cities to transform
into sustainable communities, they need to work on exploring resources. They
need diversify and mobilize support, but due to the limited understanding of
inclusivity, smart cities face some challenges in the expansion process.
It is not the quantity of technology that
matters; rather it is how technology is used. He added that cutting-edge
research guides governments towards the right sustainability choices, citing a
global research competition that was able to offer a sustainable solution to warm
Helsinki city during severe winter, saving the Finnish government tens of
millions of dollars.
co-founder
and Managing Director of MGM Climate Business Developers
Lifeline
Sherif El
Diwany, Swiss expert in development planning and co-founder and
Managing Director of MGM Climate Business Developers, said that resilience is
the key feature that all urban leaders seek to achieve in the sustainability of
cities in the twenty-first century. Fortunately, technology enables cities to
be smart and resilient to ensure a sustainable quality of life for their
residents.
He called on governments around the world to
accelerate efforts and expand the implementation of smart city plans that must
rely on flexibility and digital technology. He considered these cities a
"lifeline" from the impact of climate change crisis. More important still is how to transform them
into sustainable communities, capable of absorbing any shocks they may face in
the future.
Technology development
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti,
Chairman of the Cybersecurity Council of the UAE Government spoke about the
opportunities and challenges facing smart sustainable cities, especially with regard
to cybersecurity threats. He stressed that the UAE's application of advanced
technologies aims mainly to ensure human well-being and the safety of society
in the first place from that development. He explained that the UAE continues
to develop technologically, and ensure the achievement of cybersecurity for
societies, closing the gaps, through an advanced technological security
umbrella.
Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti stated that resilience is
the core of overcoming security challenges, as cybersecurity is the guardian of
smart city development initiatives. He added that sustainability needs
teamwork, developing robust cyber policies, and training future generations to
lead sustainable cyber initiatives.
Expansion of Opportunities
Selim Eddé, Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy,
Emerging Markets - Google Cloud - Middle East and North
Africa, touched on Google Cloud's experience in protecting data and
developing security systems for governments, communities and individuals. He
said that the establishment of safe
smart cities is challenged by expansion opportunities, which makes
collaborative and complementary partnerships between the public and private
sectors imperative to access these opportunities to develop a sustainable
approach to smart cities.
He stated that human capital is a pivotal element
in achieving sustainability for smart cities, by developing talents and
empowering competencies capable of understanding and overcoming challenges
quickly and accurately. He referred to the experience of the UAE, which he
considered as a "smart country" that was able to achieve
cybersecurity, with the government's continuous development of smart
infrastructure and reliance on digitization of services along with the
development of skilled cyber experts.
Integrating sustainable practices
DR. HESSA AL JAWI. Acting Manager of
Registration & Permits Section, Health & Safety Department at Dubai
Municipality, explained that the integration of sustainable practices in Dubai
Municipality ensures a balance between urban development and environmental
preservation. It promotes a healthier and safer living environment, while
leveraging technology to enhance public welfare. She added that Dubai
Municipality has gone beyond the concept of green buildings, where it is now
implementing projects to monitor air and water quality in real time.
Dr. Hessa explained that Dubai Municipality
encourages employees to actively participate in health and safety initiatives,
and promote a culture of shared responsibility towards the adoption of
resource-efficient practices. She indicated that smart sustainable cities will
enjoy future advanced green infrastructure, efficient public transport, widely
used renewable energy sources, in addition to Internet of Things devices
associated with smart governance.
Comprehensive Policies
Mustafa Muharram, Chairman of Mustafa Muharram
& Partners Group for Public Policy and Strategic Communication, said the development
and implementation of smart cities requires comprehensive policy frameworks
that address key considerations and challenges. He indicated that
infrastructure, data management, interoperability, sustainability, and
collaboration are vital aspects that policymakers must prioritize. Strengthening
partnerships, encouraging innovation, and engaging stakeholders, can
collectively build smart, sustainable, inclusive and technologically advanced
cities.
Muharram stressed that the development of smart
cities relies heavily on strong infrastructure and smooth connectivity.
However, policymakers should prioritize the expansion of digital
infrastructure, including broadband networks and data centers, to facilitate
the integration of technology and data-driven solutions.
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