The first-ever Global Smart City Forum in Saudi Arabia will be hosted by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in Riyadh from February 12-13. The prestigious event will feature 80 speakers from over 40 countries, including global city experts, data specialists, artificial intelligence (AI) professionals, smart city engineers, investors, and economic policymakers.
Leveraging smart solutions for urban development
The primary objective of the forum is to shape the future of cities by leveraging smart solutions and establishing fundamental guidelines that support city development plans. The ultimate goal is to achieve sustainable urban development and enhance the quality of life for residents.
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Eight countries, namely Saudi Arabia, Brazil, the United States, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Qatar, and Spain, will jointly host the event. The Global Smart City Forum emphasizes that by 2050, the world population is projected to reach 10 billion, with 70 percent of people residing in smart urban cities that countries strive to establish.
نفخر في #سدايا بتنظيم أول منتدى عالمي للمدن الذكية في المملكة الذي يتطرق لمفهوم المدن الذكية وأهميتها وكيفية تسخير البيانات والذكاء الاصطناعي لصناعة مستقبل مُلهم في ضوء مستهدفات #رؤية_السعودية_2030.#المنتدى_العالمي_للمدن_الذكية#حياة_أجود https://t.co/jQpeIR5wMl
— SDAIA (@SDAIA_SA) January 22, 2024
Enriching the discourse on smart cities
The SDAIA stated that the forum aims to enrich the discourse on the future of smart cities across all aspects, primarily to assist governments in adopting innovative models for smart solutions. It highlights the role of smart solutions in improving efficiency, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Inspiring entrepreneurship in smart cities
Furthermore, the forum seeks to inspire entrepreneurs to invest in smart cities by developing intelligent solutions that foster innovation and strike a balance between human needs and the economic prosperity of cities. The event will feature sessions, workshops, and dialogue with international experts in smart city planning, investors, renowned universities, innovators, economic policymakers, and non-profit organizations.
Shaping the future of smart cities
The agenda encompasses discussions on the future of smart cities, the challenges facing their infrastructure, and the quest for innovative solutions to meet the needs of the growing population. Ultimately, the forum aspires to establish Riyadh as a global platform for smart cities, bringing together the world’s leading experts in smart city development and AI to engage in dialogue on crucial topics such as urban mobility, smart public services, and the planning of sustainable cities.
Expanding global reach
The Global Forum for Smart Cities, initially launched in Barcelona in 2011 and headquartered there, has expanded its reach to various cities worldwide. It serves as a platform to address the challenges confronting the future of urban areas and stimulate development and innovation in city-building.
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