Designed for People: Expert Insights on Building Smarter Cities

Today technology is everywhere but access to - and use of it - remains uneven. We are all talking about AI, 5G, IoT, and Big Data. But how can we best use these tools to improve people’s lives in cities, more fully realising the potential that urban areas and urbanisation offers? Working in cities in over 100 countries and territories, UNDP has carefully selected global experts and thought leaders to share their insights, lessons, and tips on how to apply technology to transform urban environments for people.

City officials are now expected to be digital experts, whilst city residents are looking to government - national and subnational - to provide high quality services and experiences. And urban innovators are building new digital products and solutions in collaboration with cities. However, technology is moving fast and sometimes it’s not always clear where and how these new ideas and innovations can have the best possible impact. And the next big thing in tech, might not be the best thing. Bringing together a curated group of urban and technology experts, ‘Designed for People’ will feature:

• Unique and engaging ‘Lightning Talks’ that will get you up-to-speed with the latest technologies and innovations for your city, and provide you with key information and new perspectives.
• Ways to build ‘Smarter Cities’ - places where people, not technology, are the priority. And where thoughtful usage of technology can make a real difference for people’s lives and livelihoods.

Technology is exciting, but its direction and potential is not always clear. ‘Designed for People’ will bring global ideas and innovation to the World Cities Summit - translating technology to support your work, and your city. And sharing what you need to know (and what you may not find anywhere else) about putting digital into practice.

Host or Publisher UNDP Global Centre