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Urban research and education for smart futures

Tianren Yang

Moderator

date November 7, 2024 | 13:00 - 14:30
place
Multipurpose room 08
organization
The University of Hong Kong
country
China
language
English
Reference: 
NE 08-07

Summary

In the era of rapid urbanization and digital transformation, cities are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. As urban centers strive to become smarter, more sustainable, and inclusive, the role of research and education is paramount in shaping the cities of the future. This networking event aims to bring together researchers, educators, policymakers, technology experts, civil society organizations, and community representatives to explore how urban research and education can contribute to building smart and sustainable cities in the digital age.

The event will facilitate in-depth discussions on how digital tools and emerging technologies can enhance urban research methodologies, data collection, analysis, and knowledge dissemination. Participants will exchange ideas on leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics for urban research and evidence-based decision-making. Emphasis will be placed on identifying practical solutions and best practices for integrating these technologies into urban research and educational programs, while ensuring equity, inclusivity, and community participation.

Furthermore, the event will delve into the ethical and social implications of using advanced technologies in urban research and education. Participants will share case studies and lessons learned, collaborating to develop ethical frameworks and guidelines that address concerns such as privacy, data ownership, algorithmic bias, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. This discussion will also explore strategies to mitigate potential risks and unintended consequences, fostering trust and transparency in the application of emerging technologies in urban contexts.

Recognizing the diverse contexts and capacities of cities and communities, the event will encourage knowledge sharing on contextually relevant and appropriate technologies for urban research and education. Discussions will focus on how to leverage open-source solutions, public-private partnerships, and innovative collaborations between academia, industry, and community organizations to ensure that the benefits of emerging technologies are accessible to all.

By fostering connections and partnerships among diverse stakeholders, this networking event aims to catalyze innovative approaches to urban research and education that harness the potential of emerging technologies while addressing their associated challenges. Participants will have the opportunity to explore potential collaborations, joint research projects, and knowledge-sharing platforms that can drive the development of smart, sustainable, and inclusive cities through the responsible and ethical use of advanced technologies.

Objectives

1) Facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers, educators, policymakers, technology experts, civil society organizations, and community representatives on leveraging emerging technologies for urban research and education.

2) Explore innovative digital tools, technologies, and platforms for data collection, analysis, visualization, and knowledge dissemination in urban contexts, with a focus on creating smart, sustainable, and inclusive cities.

3) Discuss strategies for promoting accessible and future-oriented urban education through emerging technologies, addressing digital divides, enhancing digital literacy, and engaging marginalized communities in co-creating educational programs.

4) Examine ethical and social considerations, such as privacy, data ownership, algorithmic bias, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in urban research.

5) Identify opportunities for partnerships and joint initiatives to advance urban research and education aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda, fostering cross-sectoral collaborations and leveraging emerging technologies for sustainable urban development.

6) Explore contextually relevant and appropriate technologies for urban research and education, including open-source solutions, public-private partnerships, and innovative collaborations to ensure equitable access to emerging technologies across diverse urban contexts.

Session panelists

Panelist
Role
Organization
Country
Mr. Zhiqiang Wu
President
World Urban Planning Education Network
Mr. Pietro Elisei
President
International Society of City and Regional Planners
Mr. Bruce Stiftel
Founding Chair
Global Planning Education Association Network
Ms. Xuesai Ma
Programme Officer
UN-Habitat