Issue 22 | March 2020
FEATURE
Smart Cities for the People
Supporting people-focussed smart cities at the World Urban Forum in Abu Dhabi By Giovanni Savio Global CEO, Planet Smart City
S
etting the tone of this year’s World Urban Forum (WUF10) in Abu Dhabi in February, were the words of Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of UN-Habitat: “Digital technologies have the potential to serve people and improve public services
and working conditions. But persistent digital divides remain, and the digital revolution must be directed and governed in a democratic and inclusive way”. For the world’s preeminent forum for policymakers, NGOs and businesses to
discuss the challenges facing our cities, WUF10 chose a theme focussed on “connecting culture and innovation”. Among the halls of Abu Dhabi’s National Exhibition Centre, it was widely recognised that while there have been significant advances in technology, some are yet to deliver a higher quality of life for everyone in society. As Sharif pointed out, 50% of the world’s population is connected to the Internet, but only 15% have access to affordable broadband. Speaking at the launch of UN-Habitat’s new flagship programme - “People Focused Smart Cities” - Sharif emphasised that “digital technologies, depending on their use, can be a force that widens social 5
