Roundtable Topic 1: Citizen experience and safety

In an era where urban centres are at the forefront of societal growth and transformation, it is imperative to prioritise the well-being and satisfaction of our citizens while ensuring their safety. This discussion aims to bring together a diverse group of city representatives, including urban planners, policymakers, C-suite, to explore innovative strategies and solutions that can create cities that are not only efficient but also more liveable and secure. Talking points for the discussion include:

• How can cities reimagine their infrastructure and services to create a more seamless and enjoyable experience for citizens?
• What role does technology play in shaping the future of urban living, and how can it be leveraged to enhance citizen experiences while addressing safety concerns?
• What initiatives can cities implement to improve safety and inclusivity for all residents, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status?

Roundtable Topic 2: Operational efficiency and cost effectiveness

With the rate of urbanisation increasing, putting additional pressure on public services and city budgets, it is paramount for municipalities to optimise their operations, deliver services efficiently, and manage resources responsibly to ensure the wellbeing and prosperity of their communities. In this discussion, we’ll bring together stakeholders including city officials, budgetary experts, and urban planners to delve into the latest best practice cities can adopt in order to drive operational excellence and financial sustainability in cities for the long term. Talking points for the discussion include:

• What are the key challenges cities face in streamlining their operations, and how can technology and data-driven solutions be leveraged to overcome these challenges?
• How can cities strike a balance between providing essential services and maintaining fiscal responsibility to ensure long-term financial sustainability?
• What models and strategies can cities adopt to fund critical projects and infrastructure while managing their budgets effectively?

Roundtable Topic 3: Sustainability

As urban areas worldwide face mounting environmental challenges and a growing demand for resources, the pursuit of sustainability has become an imperative. Here, we’re bringing together city planners, environmental experts, and policymakers to explore the strategies and collaborative solutions cities are implementing to create urban landscapes that are both sustainable and resilient, environmentally and operationally. Talking points for the discussion include:

• In what ways can cities adopt sustainable practices to not only enhance the environment but also improve the quality of life for citizens?
• How can urban planning incorporate resilience measures to prepare cities for unforeseen challenges, such as extreme weather, while ensuring safety and wellbeing?
• How can cities adopt and integrate innovative green technologies to enhance energy efficiency, reduce waste, and promote clean transportation?

Mayor, City of Tacoma
Mayor, City of Union

Mayor, City of Rzeszów
Mayor-President, Baton Rouge
CEO & Executive Director, National League of Cities
CIO, Kyiv City Administration
CIO, Town of Cary

CIO, City of Houston
Chief Digital Officer, London Borough of Haringey
Executive Director, Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh
Director - Digital Greenwich, Royal Borough of Greenwich
CIO Advisor, Kyiv City Administration
Innovation Expert, Tallinn Strategic Management Office
Chair, Smart Cities Workstream, Greater Cities Commission / IOTA
Head of the Department of the City Brand, Economic Cooperation and Tourism, City of Rzeszów
Director of Net Zero and Innovation, DG Cities (Greenwich Council)
Programme Director Smart Mobility, Forum Viruim Helsinki
Head of Department of Transport, Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly
Director, Technology and Innovation, National Road Safety Authority, Israel
Power Generation, Gas Economy, Hydrogen Economy and IPP Procurement of New Capacity, City of Durban
Energy Projects, City of Durban
Senior Executive, National League of Cities
Project Manager, Innovation Challenge Engine for Cities, City of Espoo
Smart City Coordinator, Curitiba Agency for Development and Innovation
Smart D8 Ecosystem Manager, Dublin City Council
Project Manager, Innovation Challenge Engine for Cities, City of Espoo
International Liaison, Amsterdam Smart City
Programme Manager, Smart Dun Laoghaire
Project Manager, Forum Virium Helsinki
Development Consultant, City of Espoo
Lead Project Coordinator, City of Espoo