Source: SmartCitiesWorld News
Author: SmartCitiesWorld news team
Date published: 2025-10-22
[original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end]
People centred-smart cities is the theme of this year’s World Cities Day, organised by United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
The event will showcase how artificial intelligence (AI), data-driven decision-making and other technologies can help to improve urban life and promote smart city initiatives centred on people.
UN Habitat is also co-hosting the 2025 SDG Cities Global Conference in Shanghai on 26-27 October with the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. Organised by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Housing, Urban-Rural Development and Management, the conference will similarly focus on exploring innovative development towards people-centred smart cities.
Urban trends and challenges
World Cities Day, which has been celebrated every year since 2014, aims to raise awareness of urbanisation trends, challenges and visions for sustainable urban development, as well as promote international cooperation, and contribute to global efforts to build equitable, prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive cities.
UN Habitat said this year’s theme reflects the growing recognition that “the transformative power of digital technologies is reshaping urban life globally” and it is also offering “profound opportunities” to enhance how cities and human settlements are designed, planned and managed, as well as governed.
“Cities are engines of opportunity. When we place people at the centre, digital innovation can help drive fairness and sustainability for all”
It describes people-centred smart cities as harnessing “digital innovation while ensuring that the design and implementation of technologies are driven by the needs of people and communities and full consideration of broader societal and environmental impacts”.
This is essential to accelerate progress in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The event in Bogotá aims to demonstrate how technology is a necessary vehicle to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time and the global housing crisis will be a major focus of this year’s programme.
UN Habitat has published three expected outcomes from the day:
- Enhanced understanding of the relevance and need for people-centred smart cities worldwide and the opportunities to accelerate urban digital transformation
- Improved exchange on existing practices and the potential of innovation and digital technology to transform urban living including through the delivery of adequate housing, land and urban basic services for all
- Agreed action and partnerships to leverage the potential of digital technology for promoting adequate housing and sustainable urbanisation.
2025 SDG Cities Global Conference in Shanghai on 26-27 October will feature a multi-format agenda. Parallel supporting activities are also taking place, including the Shanghai International City and Architecture Expo, along with a range of public engagement initiatives that invite broader participation.
The conference’s structure adheres to the guiding principles of the Central Urban Work Conference and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
UN Habitat has issued the following message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ for World Cities Day:
“In our increasingly digital world, technology is reshaping urban life.
“From early warning systems to geospatial mapping to ever more participatory platforms, digital tools can improve basic services, strengthen resilience and create greener spaces for all.
“But innovation must close gaps – not widen them.
“Right now, the global housing crisis and the growth of informal settlements are leaving billions without adequate housing. A truly smart city puts people first – especially the most vulnerable.
“On this World Cities Day, we celebrate local and national Governments working with residents – including women, youth, older people and people with disabilities – as co-creators of a more sustainable urban future.
“Cities are engines of opportunity. When we place people at the centre, digital innovation can help drive fairness and sustainability for all.
“Cities are now becoming digital spaces. Let us ensure they are also inclusive, green and just.”
View original article at:
https://www.smartcitiesworld.net/news/world-cities-day-to-focus-on-people-centred-smart-cities-12083