The Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), the leading global event for cities and smart urban solutions, has announced its first keynote speakers for the 2024 edition. Held in Barcelona from November 5-7 at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue, the event will center around the theme “Live Better,” exploring how cities can transform to become more livable and sustainable.
SCEWC 2024 is bringing together a diverse lineup of over 600 speakers and experts, including prominent figures like Ruha Benjamin, Majora Carter, and Stephanie Hare. These individuals are shaping the future of urban living by advocating for ethical development as a cornerstone of the next urban era.
Ruha Benjamin, a renowned scholar at Princeton University, specializes in the intersection of race, technology, and society. Her work investigates the impact of emerging technologies and scientific advancements on social justice and inequality. Benjamin sheds light on the growing concern of technology-based inequity in an increasingly urban and technological future.
Majora Carter, an urban revitalization strategist and environmental advocate, is known for her impactful efforts in transforming her hometown, the South Bronx. She champions green spaces, sustainable economic development, and equitable community engagement. Carter’s work has earned her numerous awards, including recognition from the National Geographic Society and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Stephanie Hare, with expertise in both academia and industry, focuses on the impact of technology on public policy, human rights, and social justice. She has worked on crucial issues related to data privacy, surveillance, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Hare’s research examines the implications of emerging technologies on society, advocating for policies and practices that promote fairness, protect individual rights, and ensure technology serves the public good.
Beyond the keynote speakers, SCEWC 2024 will host a vast exhibition area featuring 1,100 exhibitors, including companies, cities, and institutions from around the world. Exhibitors will showcase their innovative projects and solutions for creating smart and sustainable cities. Some of the prominent exhibitors include Saudi Aramco, Axis Communications, Dahua Technology, Dassault Systèmes, Dell/Nvidia, FCC Medio Ambiente, Hail City, KHNP, KPMG, Madinah City, MDEC, Microsoft, New Murabba, Nova Cidade, PNY, PWC, Roshn Group, Smart Ports – Piers of the Future, and Veolia.
As a global hub for urban innovation, Fira de Barcelona will host SCEWC 2024 alongside other important events like Tomorrow.Mobility, an event focused on developing a new and sustainable urban mobility paradigm. The second editions of Tomorrow.Building, dedicated to innovative construction, and Tomorrow.Blue Economy, aimed at leveraging the full potential of ocean resources for sustainable economic growth, will also take place.
SCEWC 2024 will also explore the role of startups in developing new technologies by debuting the Innovation Playground. This dedicated space will serve as a connection point for the global innovation ecosystem, bringing together startups, investors, governments, corporations, and research centers.
With its focus on ethical development, diverse speaker lineup, and extensive exhibition area, SCEWC 2024 promises to be a crucial platform for shaping the future of urban living. The event will showcase the latest technological advancements, inspire innovative solutions, and foster collaboration among key stakeholders to create more livable, sustainable, and equitable cities.
