WeGO Smart Sustainable City Champions – Understanding Smart Cities: A Multi-Expert Dialogue
Seoul, October 12, 2024 — WeGO (World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization) hosted a pivotal session titled “Understanding Smart Cities: A Multi-Expert Dialogue” as part of its ongoing international youth capacity-building initiative. This third edition of the program brings together young leaders to engage in discussions surrounding smart city development, sustainability, and technological innovations shaping the cities of tomorrow.
The event, which took place in Seoul, focused on fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among experts from various fields. By doing so, it empowered youth to take on leadership roles in building smart, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments. Experts and leaders in urban planning, sustainable infrastructure, and innovation convened for this dialogue, helping participants gain deeper insights into the future of smart cities.
Purpose of the Event
The WeGO youth capacity-building initiative targets young leaders under the age of 35, aiming to foster their engagement in the smart city space through interactive learning and global networking opportunities. The program equips youth with the knowledge, tools, and connections to influence the future of urban development.
During this session, participants explored topics related to sustainable infrastructure, urban planning, and technological advancements, with a special focus on actionable insights for their respective regions and cities.
Key Outcomes
The event was attended by around 50 students and young leaders, all of whom benefited from engaging with thought leaders and subject matter experts. Participants left with invaluable insights and the opportunity to expand their networks, empowering them to take an active role in shaping the future of urban spaces worldwide.
Speakers & Panelists
The dialogue was moderated by Mr. Danil Kerimi, Co-founder of the Edgelands Institute, Chief WeGO Advisor, and Dean of the WeGO Sustainable Smart City Champions Program. The panel included the following distinguished experts:
- Dr. Alexandre Hedjazi – Director of the Global Environmental Policy Program at the University of Geneva & Organization Manager at the UN Economic Commission for Europe.
- Dr. Byung Joon Kim – Professor of Public Administration at Kookmin University.
- Dr. Matteo Tarantino – Assistant Professor at the Catholic University of Milan.
- Dr. Yves Daccord – Chairman of the Edgelands Institute & Chairman of Our Common Home.
WeGO’s leadership team also participated in the event, including:
- Jeong-kee Kim, Secretary General of WeGO.
- Eunbyul Elena Cho, Head of the Program Department.
- Sara Ceddia, Program Officer.
The “Understanding Smart Cities: A Multi-Expert Dialogue” event reinforces WeGO’s mission to empower youth by providing them with the knowledge and network necessary to become future leaders in smart city development. The program continues to expand its reach, with upcoming sessions in Geneva, Toronto, Athens, Baku, Milan, Brescia, and Seoul.
About WeGO
The World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO), is a membership-based international association of local governments, smart tech solution providers, and institutions committed to the transformation of cities into smart sustainable cities through facilitating public-private partnerships (PPP). WeGO was founded by 50 member cities in 2010 as the World e-Governments Organization, hence our acronym. In response to the evolving concept of smart cities, WeGO expanded its vision and mandate at the 7th General Assembly (2017) and its name to the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization. WeGO’s Secretariat is based in Seoul, Korea, and has regional offices in East Asia (Chengdu, China), the Mediterranean (Beyoglu, Turkey), Africa (Abuja, Nigeria), Middle East & North Africa (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), Latin America (Cuenca, Ecuador), and Central Asia (Almaty, Kazakhstan). As the leading platform on smart city development, WeGO’s mission is to share knowledge and good practices in e-Governance; strengthen administrative efficiency and transparency; advance digital capacity; facilitate civic involvement; bridge the digital divide and inequality; and promote cooperation solidarity among cities and local governments around the world.
WeGO serves for its members as their international platform to improve the quality of life, innovate in the delivery of public services, and strengthen regional competitiveness.
Press Contact:
Name: Kakim Danabayev
E-mail: kakim@we-gov.org
Phone: +82-70-4202-9169