Briefs-Sessions 2025

Digital Economy (DE)

  • 01 Plenary Session:

P1. Digital innovation as the basis for social, economic, and productive urban development in cities

In today’s globalized and increasingly digital world, digital innovation stands out as a driving force for the social, economic, and productive development of cities. The adoption of advanced technologies not only supports the modernization of industrial sectors but also opens up new opportunities for individuals. Are cities ready to take advantage of the potential of digital innovation? What actions can local governments and businesses take to foster an inclusive and accessible digital ecosystem? This session aims to explore initiatives and projects oriented to strengthen the urban digital infrastructure, promoting the integration of new technologies and, above all, to reflect on how digitalization can be the key lever to generate better opportunities for all inhabitants.

  • 02 Parallel Sessions:

DE1. Building talent for an inclusive digital economy

Building and nurturing talent, as well as ensuring access to digital skills for all segments of society, are essential actions to drive inclusive digital development and strengthen the economic resilience of cities. In this context, expanding digital capabilities through training programs can play a vital role in promoting equal opportunities, encouraging social inclusion, and empowering communities economically. The session is designed to present opportunities and programs that strengthen economic competitiveness, provide innovative tools for digitalization, reduce digital divides and promote a fairer and more inclusive economy.

DE2. The Potential of Technological Ecosystems in the Transformation of Cities

With a strong potential to drive innovative urban solutions and economic transformation, technology districts streamline processes, foster synergies, and offer a fertile environment for new business models—directly and indirectly impacting local economies. Beyond fueling economic growth, global competitiveness, and investment attraction, they also accelerate the technological and digital progress of cities. This session will explore the potential of tech ecosystems to drive urban innovation and the digital economy, while presenting initiatives that merge new business models with cutting-edge solutions for urban transformation and the use of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence.

 

Blue Economy (BE)

  • 01 Plenary Session:

P2. Technologies for sustainable port operations

Sustainability in port operations is essential to balance maritime transport efficiency with environmental protection. In this context, the use of advanced technologies—such as real-time monitoring, automation, and data analytics—is key to optimizing logistics and improving operational performance. In this session, industry leaders and experts will explore the potential of technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, and blockchain in managing resources sustainably and transforming port operations into processes that are both environmentally responsible and operationally efficient.

  • 01 Parallel Session:

BE1. Ecotourism as an economic and conservation model for the marine ecosystem

Ecotourism is emerging as a sustainable tourism model that fosters local development and economic growth while playing a critical role in the conservation of natural ecosystems. Through responsible tourism management initiatives, it is possible to raise awareness and promote tools for protecting local ecosystems and natural resources. This session will highlight initiatives that boost local economies while increasing the appeal and benefits of the tourism sector, positioning ecotourism as a key tool for balancing economic development with the preservation of natural heritage, particularly that of marine and coastal ecosystems.

 

Sustainable Present (SP)

  • 01 Plenary Session:

P3. Resilience initiatives to cope with climate change

Strengthening urban resilience is becoming increasingly critical in the face of the growing challenges posed by climate change, ensuring cities’ ability to adapt to extreme events, protect infrastructure, and preserve essential resources for residents’ well-being. This session will explore experiences, solutions, and innovative perspectives to promote urban resilience through technologies that safeguard physical infrastructure, protect the most vulnerable populations, and enhance community well-being. The aim is to identify effective responses that help cities adapt to the impacts of climate change while also mitigating its effects.

  • 02 Parallel Sessions:

PS1. Smart systems for natural resource management

Moving towards smarter and more sustainable management of natural resources, as well as the creation of greener urban areas, is crucial to ensure communities· quality of life and the resilience of our cities. In this context, the session will focus on exploring innovative projects that use smart solutions and technologies for the renaturation of public spaces, the preservation of biodiversity, the reuse of resources and the reduction of the environmental impact of urban activities, among others. All with the aim of exploring inspiring initiatives that support cities to create greener and more resilient urban environments, to improve the quality of life of their inhabitants, and to ensure a more prosperous future for all.

PS2. Innovations for inclusive and sustainable urban mobility

To improve the quality of life in cities and foster the prosperity of their population, it is essential to rely on inclusive and sustainable mobility. In this sense, the session aims to present innovations that are transforming urban mobility from different perspectives, improving the quality and accessibility of services, promoting a sustainable urban development model and contributing to the regeneration of urban areas and public areas. It will also explore initiatives focused on the development of infrastructures that optimize the connection between different modes of transport and urban areas, promoting equitable and environmentally friendly mobility.

 

Governance and Quality of Life (GQL)

  • 01 Plenary Session:

P5. Open government as a strategy to transform communities

Open data and two-way communication channels between governments and citizens strengthens trust in institutions and improves efficiency in decision-making. In this context, open government is essential to transform communities, fostering transparency, citizen participation and accountability. This session will address the opportunities and challenges of integrating digital tools into governance, by exploring how governments can foster transparency, enhance social inclusion and contribute to the development of more effective public policies.

  • 02 Parallel Sessions:

GQL1. Innovative technologies for participatory governance

Digitalization has opened up new possibilities for strengthening citizen participation and improving decision-making in the public sector. From e-voting platforms and participatory budgeting to artificial intelligence systems that analyze data in real time, innovative technologies are redefining governance. This session is designed to present concrete cases of digital tools applied in different urban contexts, exploring how automation, data analytics and collective intelligence can make governments more transparent, efficient and inclusive.

GQL2. Data management in innovative cities

Data management is crucial for cities to optimize resources and effective urban development planning. Data enables evidence-based decision-making, enhancing the governments· ability to deliver and plan public services. The session is designed to explore data management strategies and tools to optimize services, drive sustainable development and generate inclusive solutions tailored to community needs. Innovative projects related to the creation of open data centers, which favor access to and sharing of information between different urban actors, will also be presented.

 

Safe and Prosperous City (SPC)

  • 01 Plenary Session:

P4. Prosperous societies: inclusion, well-being, and economic development

In this context, the session seeks to analyze public policies and new models of urban development that promote the generation of dignified and quality employment and, at the same time, serve as a lever to promote new sectors of economic development within cities.

  • 01 Parallel Session:

SPC1. Urban requalification as a driver of innovation for smarter and safer cities

In a continuously changing world, urban requalification actions are essential to accompany the evolution of society and prepare cities to make urban life safer, more sustainable and prosperous. Strategies to renovate degraded urban areas, improve liveability, optimize mobility and transform public spaces not only raise the quality of urban environments, but also boost the local economy and strengthen civic coexistence. This session is designed to explore strategies, public policies, actions and projects that turn urban requalification into a transformative driver for smarter, safer cities adapted to the current and future needs of society. 

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