Faced with increasingly virtual lifestyles and with the growing impact of new technologies, how can cities adapt while remaining accessible to all their citizens? The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities held a conference on the topic “Smart Cities: Democratic and Inclusive Cities” on 14 June 2019 in Várpalota, Hungary. Introducing the conference, Mr. Martin Fodor (United Kingdom, ILDG), member of the Congress Governance Committee and rapporteur on Smart Cities, highlighted the many advantages, but also the challenges, that come with intelligent urban systems.
“New technologies are significantly improving access to public services, quality of life and social cohesion”, explained the rapporteur, emphasising the need to build collaborative smart cities that are based on the citizens' needs and their participation. “Smart cities create “smart citizens”, engaged and empowered, who can positively contribute to the city and the community”, he said.
However, Mr. Fodor warned of the risks associated with the digital gap and social inequality. Intelligent urban systems must guarantee their citizens' rights on the Internet and ensure the protection of private data. “We must make sure that smart cities are cities for all and that no citizen is excluded while ensuring human rights, social justice and equality”, he concluded.
The conference, hosted by the Várpalota City Council, was opened by Mr. Robert Gruman (Romania, EPP/CCE), Chair of the Governance Committee.
