Mexico City is not just a cultural powerhouse, it’s also a global leader in digital services. This thriving metropolis, with its rich history, diverse culture, delectable cuisine, and booming contemporary art scene, has become a magnet for innovation. And that’s why it’s been chosen to host the 11th edition of Bloomberg CityLab, taking place from October 14-16.
Bloomberg CityLab is an international summit organized by Bloomberg Philanthropies, bringing together mayors, public service leaders, innovators, and creative minds to share and amplify solutions that improve the quality of life in cities around the world.
The partnership between Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Mexican government has played a key role in transforming Mexico City into a digital innovation hub. Over the past six years, the city’s Public Innovation Digital Agency has streamlined over 2,000 government procedures, transitioning 70% of public interactions to a digital format. The city also launched Llave CDMX, a digital key that provides access to hundreds of public services in one place, reaching 80% of the city’s residents.
This year’s Bloomberg CityLab, co-hosted with the Aspen Institute, will gather over 500 participants to explore the latest in urban innovation. The event features a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Mexican astronaut Katya Echazarreta; Jose Antonio Merino, Head of the Public Innovation Digital Agency; Juan Ramon de la Fuente, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Relations; Natalie Kitroeff, New York Times Bureau Chief for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean; and a host of other global leaders.
Ahead of the summit, I had the opportunity to speak with Patricia E. Harris, CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies, about Mexico City’s selection as host city, the expectations for Bloomberg CityLab 2024, and the future of our cities.
Atenea Morales:
Why Mexico City? What made it the perfect location for Bloomberg CityLab 2024?
Patricia E. Harris:
This is our 11th edition, and we’re incredibly excited. Bloomberg Philanthropies has a longstanding partnership with the government of Mexico City. During Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, our government innovation team partnered with the city to digitize over 220 public services, now reaching 80% of Mexico City’s residents. We also worked together on deploying the world’s largest free urban WiFi network, launching a major campaign on the consequences of impaired driving, joining the Partnership for Healthy Cities to reduce motorcycle accidents, revitalizing public spaces through Asphalt Art Projects, and providing pro-bono consulting services to improve public safety. These are just a few of the initiatives we’ve worked on together.
Atenea Morales:
As CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies, and on a personal level, what excites you about Mexico City?
Patricia E. Harris:
We choose a different city each year, focusing on those that are leading the way in urban innovation and from which other mayors can learn. Mexico City is a center for local innovation that is about to be taken to a national level, making it the perfect place for leaders to learn from each other.
Atenea Morales:
People living in Mexico City are aware of the city’s challenges. From your perspective, what can other global leaders learn from us?
Patricia E. Harris:
Bloomberg CityLab was founded on the principle that innovation is happening at the local level and that global impact can be achieved when cities share solutions and information. By bringing together mayors, public servants, leaders, innovators, and creative thinkers, we can discuss solutions and share ideas. Bloomberg CityLab is a platform for sharing ideas and addressing current challenges.
Atenea Morales:
What’s your personal definition of innovation in cities?
Patricia E. Harris:
Cities face similar challenges and have a lot to learn from each other, but every city is different. Cities love to share ideas.
Atenea Morales:
What do you believe is the key to the success of Mexico City’s digitalization efforts? Is this something we see in other Latin American cities?
Patricia E. Harris:
We like to provide support and help to develop and grow initiatives that are already underway. The city can then take it from there and expand it. We invest in and challenge new ideas. If it works, the city can scale it and share it with others.
Atenea Morales:
Within the agenda for Bloomberg CityLab 2024, are there any particular topics that excite you?
Patricia E. Harris:
I’m excited about the theme of replicating and sharing global ideas, even when cities are different. I’m excited about the energy this summit can generate and to see all our attendees together, sharing what they do.
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