Copyright europeantimes
Yet, in the face of this rapid transformation, one question arises above all: how can innovation truly serve people, as more and more of them migrate to cities? This question is at the heart of this year’s debate World Cities Daywhich will be celebrated in Bogotá, Colombia, under the theme of people-centered smart cities. Organized by the UN urban agency, UN-HabitatThe event brings together mayors, urban living experts and community leaders from around the world to explore how data, design and digital tools can build communities that are not only smarter, but also fairer, greener and more inclusive. By 2050, almost 70% of humanity is expected to live in urban areas, increasing demand for housing, services and climate resilience. In its message of the day, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that innovation must close gaps, not widen them. “A truly smart city puts people first, especially the most vulnerable,” Mr. Guterres said. “When we put people at the center, digital innovation can help drive equity and sustainability for all. » The great Bogota experience Bogotá, long known for its urban experiments, has gained global recognition for its combination of technology and civic engagement. From TransMilenio, its influential bus rapid transit system, to Ciclovía, which transforms streets into car-free community spaces every Sunday, the city has redefined how urban design can foster social connection and sustainability. For Elkin Velásquez, UN-Habitat regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Bogota offers a compelling example of how data and dialogue can shape a better future. “This global celebration will foster international dialogue on people-centered smart cities, where technology improves quality of life and strengthens community connections,” he said. Listening to the city Key speakers in Bogotá include Carlo Ratti, architect, engineer and director of the MIT Senseable City Lab in the United States, as well as curator of the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. Mr. Ratti, one of the world’s leading thinkers on urban innovation, believes that cities must evolve beyond the notion of the “smart city” towards what he calls the “responsive city.” “I don’t like the term ‘smart city,’” Mr. Ratti said. “This often involves a top-down system driven by technology alone. Cities must be people-first – responsive, inclusive and adaptive. A ‘sensible city’ uses technology not for its own sake, but to better listen to and serve its citizens.” For Mr. Ratti, Bogotá embodies this spirit. “It has long intrigued me as a leading city in urban experimentation,” he said. “Projects like TransMilenio and Ciclovía have become global case studies. “They show how local interventions, when scaled and adopted, can change urban trajectories. » As a matter of principle, Mr. Ratti believes that in times of climate emergency and demographic transition, “the most radical act is perhaps not to build or to build differently”. As an alternative, he suggests prioritizing reuse, renovation and transformation. “And if you really need to build on greenfield sites, learn from the logic of nature. In terms of energy and circularity, a tree is still much smarter than any building we can design,” he concluded. A people-centered vision According to Anacláudia Rossbach, executive director of UN-Habitat, the city’s approach illustrates what a human-centered smart city should look like. “In Bogotá, the smart city approach is people-centered and aims to improve well-being and quality of life,” said Rossbach. “Programs like Ecobarrios and Mi Casa focus on resilience and sustainability, while digital initiatives like Chatico, a virtual agent, use artificial intelligence to help citizens access information about public services and participate in consultations. These initiatives, she explained, represent a broader effort to advance sustainable mobility, data-driven policymaking and reduce the digital divide. “These are great examples of technology and innovation serving people and communities,” added Rossbach. “It is essential that such experiences are shared globally, allowing other cities to adapt these lessons to their own context. » A global conversation World Cities Day marks the conclusion of Urban October, UN-Habitat’s month-long campaign for sustainable and inclusive urbanization. This year’s celebration in Bogotá aims to leave behind a legacy of collaboration, learning and shared commitment to a more equitable urban future. “The legacy we seek is twofold,” concluded Ms. Rossbach. “First, highlight the creativity of cities in promoting smart, people-centered approaches. And second, strengthen cooperation networks that ensure that innovation serves people, not the other way around.” As digital tools become increasingly integrated into urban life, the challenge for cities is clear: ensuring that smart solutions remain human.
