VDG: DIGEST #2

On the preparations for the celebration of World Cities Day in Yekaterinburg on October 30-31

OFFICIALLY

Based on the results of the inspection visit of representatives of UN-Habitat to Yekaterinburg, the following were approved:

• draft celebration program,
• list of invited speakers,
• Topics of the panel discussions and seminars on October 30 (Digital innovations for the provision of services in cities, Advanced technologies for increasing inclusivity in cities, Opportunities for renewable energy generation in cities)
• topics of the sections of the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services of the Russian Federation (Providing future generations with affordable and high-quality housing, Urban spaces of the future)
• the concept of the exhibition stands of UN-Habitat and China (photo exhibition),
• facilities for the technical tour (Central Stadium and Iset Tower),
• the list of agreements to be signed.

The main goals of World Cities Day 2019 are:

• Raising awareness of how digital innovations can be used to provide urban services in order to improve the quality of life and improve the urban environment.;
• Identify promising best practices on the latest technologies that will increase the level of inclusivity in cities, and share experiences;
• Presentation of renewable energy generation opportunities in cities;
• A study of how advanced technologies can promote social inclusion in cities, including those located in remote areas.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Panel discussion and seminar No. 1: "Digital innovations for the provision of services in cities"

Questions for discussion

1. How can new technologies enhance the inclusivity of urban services? Which are the most successful projects that deserve attention? What are the main success factors?
2. What are the questionable issues, trade-offs, and socio-economic consequences that may result from the use of new technologies in urban services?
3. How can the digital age help cities make the leap to a higher level of service provision and unlock the potential for private sector participation? What policy decisions or norms are needed?
4. What should be the roles and actions of national and local governments, the private sector, data providers, and civil society? How can we ensure closer cooperation between them?
5. How can innovations be used to involve young people in decision-making processes to improve the quality of urban services?

Panel discussion and seminar No. 2: "Advanced technologies for increasing inclusivity in cities"

Questions for discussion:

1. What are advanced technologies and how are they related to smart cities?
2. What does an inclusive smart city look like? What are the best practices or illustrative examples? Which cities are the leaders in this area?
3. What benefits can advanced technologies bring to small and medium-sized cities and towns in the Southern Hemisphere?
4. What is needed to bridge the remaining digital gaps?
5. What are the risks associated with advanced technologies and human rights?
6. Which of the advanced technologies are the most promising in terms of achieving SDG No. 11 and implementing the New Urban Development Program?
7. What available advanced technologies can be used to create jobs for young people? Are they applicable in developing countries?

Panel discussion and seminar No. 3: "Opportunities for renewable energy generation in cities"

Questions for discussion:

1. What needs to be done to increase the volume of renewable energy generation in cities?
2. What are the main barriers to renewable energy production in cities? (economic, technical, behavioral, political)
3. How can renewable energy sources be effectively used to create new jobs?
4. How can new technologies increase the volume of renewable energy production in cities?
5. What, in your opinion, should be the roles and actions of state and local authorities?
6. What is the role of the private sector?
7. Which cities are the leaders in this area? How did they do it?
8. How can cities create an appropriate environment and attract young people to the renewable energy sector?
9. Examples of integrated energy systems?

quotes

“We are pleased to host World Cities Day in the capital of the Urals. Both I and the Governor of the Sverdlovsk Region, Evgeny Kuyvashev, are interested in holding a decent celebration in our city. The event is important for creating new competencies, gaining experience working with the UN organization and developing communications both within the region and at the country level. We will also gain knowledge about new trends in urbanization in the world and will do everything to make life in the Sverdlovsk Region more comfortable,” Mikhail Volkov, Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Development of the Sverdlovsk Region, said at a meeting with the UN–Habitat delegation.

"In October, Yekaterinburg, for the first time in Russian history, will host World Cities Day. I am sure that the city will certainly justify the trust of the UN leadership and the government of the Russian Federation and will host a global international event at a high level. I would like to assure you that we will make every effort to ensure that World Cities Day is held at the highest level and shows all representatives of cities from all over the world (mayors, ministers, employees of national and regional authorities, experts and journalists) that Yekaterinburg deserves the status of a global city and corresponds to the slogan "A better city is a better life". I am convinced that World Cities Day will help draw the attention of the international community to urbanization as a key element of successful and sustainable development," said Alexander Vysokinsky, Head of Yekaterinburg, at a meeting with representatives of the UN–Habitat delegation in Yekaterinburg.

"It is a great honor for us to host an event of this level. This is the first UN-Habitat inspection visit, and it was important for us to resolve all the technical issues. We have already discussed the business program, there is a list of exhibition stands, and the process of inviting guests and speakers is underway. Representatives of Rwanda, India, the United Arab Emirates, China, and Spain have previously confirmed their participation. Serious work is ahead to organize the forum's infrastructure," said Vera Belous, head of the working group on the preparation and holding of World Cities Day in Yekaterinburg.