SmartCitiesWorld Summit 2026: connecting climate action, resilience and urban innovation

As cities confront the combined pressures of climate change, infrastructure resilience and digital transformation, the SmartCitiesWorld Summit 2026 will bring together urban leaders and partners during London Climate Action Week to explore how these agendas intersect – and how cities can translate strategy into practical action.

COP26: 10 guiding principles to be reflected in the final agreement

Ahead of COP26, SmartCitiesWorld has written an open letter to international political leaders consisting of 10 major guiding principles that we believe should be reflected in any final agreement at the conference in Glasgow in November. Here, we break down those principles, addressing the challenges within each and the importance of cities receiving full backing from central governments as they look to a greener future.

Smart Cities Reports

SmartCitiesWorld City Profile – Sunderland

Find out how Sunderland is repositioning itself as a leading smart city – using digital infrastructure and low-carbon innovation to build a resilient, future-focused economy in the latest SmartCitiesWorld City Profile.

SmartCitiesWorld City Profile – Dublin

Find out how Dublin is innovating to improve experiences and services for its communities in the latest SmartCitiesWorld City Profile, including digital twin projects, traffic reduction, and economic growth.

Podcasts

Opinions

Rebuilding green: Analysing the Biden infrastructure plan

John Fitzgerald, Project Director, Linesight, explains why major reskilling, outreach work by government and the right messaging will be key to realising benefits.

22-26 June 2026: Find out more

Latest City Profile

SmartCitiesWorld City Profile – Sunderland

Smart Cities Reports

Find out how Sunderland is repositioning itself as a leading smart city – using digital infrastructure and low-carbon innovation to build a resilient, future-focused economy in the latest SmartCitiesWorld City Profile.

Latest Trend Report

Trend Report: The impact of AI and data on transportation operations and services

Trend Series

Delve into how cities are addressing the challenges of building intelligent transport systems and using AI and data to transform operations and user experience.

Latest Webinar

Panel Discussion (30 Jun): Unlocking value in cities from buildings, data and AI

Webinars

Explore how AI, building data and connected urban infrastructure can help cities improve sustainability, resilience and operational performance.

Latest Podcast

Cities Thriving on Lighting, Episode 3 – What global cities are learning from smart lighting

Podcasts

Join the final episode of Cities Thriving on Lighting to discover how global cities are approaching smart lighting and the related cybersecurity risks today.

Latest Summit Speakers
(22-26 June)

Lord Marvin Rees OBE

Former Mayor

Bristol City Council

Find out more

Julie Foley OBE

Director of Flood Risk Strategy & Adaptation

Environment Agency

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Sherelle Fairweather

Digital Strategy Lead

Manchester’s Digital Strategy

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Jaromir Beranek

Deputy Mayor for Transport

City of Prague

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Liz St Louis

Smart City Director

Sunderland City Council

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Cllr Susan Aitken

Leader

Glasgow City Council

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Mark Wheeler

CIO

Montgomery County

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John Moran

Mayor

Limerick City and County Council

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Matjaž Rakovec

Mayor

City of Kranj

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Erin Mendenhall

Mayor

Salt Lake City

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Julia King

The Baroness Brown of Cambridge DBE FREng FRS

House of Lords

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Latest Urban Exchange Podcast

Urban Exchange Podcast Episode 32 – Flood and energy resilience in Quezon City

Urban Exchange Podcast

Tune in for the latest Urban Exchange where we get a first-hand account of city resilience measures from Quezon City following unexpected extreme rainfall.

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Most Popular

How Edinburgh is adapting to climate change

Vancouver pilots digital maps to improve accessibility for all

Data tool aims to help developers meet biodiversity metric

Columbus turns entire city into an AI-connected destination

London mayor invests £4.6m to boost green and blue spaces 

SmartCitiesWorld Newsletters (Daily/Weekly)

Our editorial newsletter pulls together our latest news items into one email, direct to your inbox. We also feature our latest city interviews, Special Reports and Guest Opinions.

Home | Urban Space | Pedestrianisation

Pedestrianisation

The latest news on pedestrianisation in smart city projects across the world.

Vancouver pilots digital maps to improve accessibility for all

Vancouver pilots digital maps to improve accessibility for all

Inclusivity04 Jun 2026

Park Board improves visitor experience in Vancouver’s destination parks through digital accessibility mapping in partnership with digital platform AccessNow.

Buffalo breaks ground on Middle Main Streetscape Project

Buffalo breaks ground on Middle Main Streetscape Project

Planning and redevelopment19 May 2026

The project aims to improve safety, accessibility, green infrastructure, beautification, and quality of life along one of Buffalo’s most important corridors.

LA launches first Capital Infrastructure Programme

LA launches first Capital Infrastructure Programme

Policymaking05 May 2026

It will enable LA to plan, prioritise, and finance significant capital projects and maintenance programmes with greater accountability, clarity, and purpose.

LA breaks ground on community-focused project

LA breaks ground on community-focused project

Pedestrianisation02 Mar 2026

The $152m Avalon Pedestrian Bridge and Promenade Gateway project will transform 12 acres of former industrial land into community-centred spaces for residents.

Vancouver approves zoning updates for Villages initiative

Vancouver approves zoning updates for Villages initiative

Planning and redevelopment20 Jan 2026

Villages form part of the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan and are centred on existing retail clusters that will transform into vibrant neighbourhoods.

Boston to build first hotel under new Net Zero Carbon Zoning

Boston to build first hotel under new Net Zero Carbon Zoning

Climate action19 Jan 2026

One of five projects to be approved under the initiative, the building will improve the public realm with landscaping, street trees and pedestrian connections.

Tallinn master plan focuses on human-centred environment

Tallinn master plan focuses on human-centred environment

Planning and redevelopment16 Jan 2026

Estonian capital’s 2026 budget and master plan aims to create a high-quality living environment with everyday services conveniently accessible to residents.

Glasgow to trial people-first zone in city centre

Glasgow to trial people-first zone in city centre

Pedestrianisation06 Jan 2026

Work begins in February on a redesigned, fully accessible, step‑free junction where Queen Street meets Ingram Street with priority given to pedestrians.

UAE’s first integrated smart work resort launched in Sharjah

UAE’s first integrated smart work resort launched in Sharjah

AI and Machine Learning05 Nov 2025

The AI-designed smart work resort District 11 project aims to set a new benchmark for urban innovation and economic vitality in Sharjah and the wider UAE.

Los Angeles launches free community wifi in Crenshaw Corridor

Los Angeles launches free community wifi in Crenshaw Corridor

Inclusivity24 Oct 2025

Pairing wifi technology with existing city infrastructure unlocks a platform for Los Angeles to further develop smart city assets and public service delivery.

Most Popular

What is ‘Smart City’ and why do we need them?

Smart city is the framework based on Information and Communication technologies that enable the development of sustainable practices to address the urbanisation challenges. Leveraging the technology is one of the foremost pillars of ‘smart cities’ in order to increase efficiencies and improve the quality of resident’s life and the city’s services.

ST Engineering to provide smart city platform for Lusail City

The company will build and operate a smart city platform with citywide network connectivity for the Qatar city using advanced AI and data-driven technologies.

Solar city goes live

Trina Solar’s PV modules have begun operations in the 10MW Sustainable City in Dubai, which aims to use only clean energy sources

Never fear, Watson is here!

Currently, the average data breach takes organisations an average of 201 days to identify and an average of 70 days to contain

Swedish city on path to smart

Energy company Mälarenergi is working with ABB to develop smart city solutions for the city of Västerås

SmartCitiesWorld Newsletters (Daily/Weekly)

Our editorial newsletter pulls together our latest news items into one email, direct to your inbox. We also feature our latest city interviews, Special Reports and Guest Opinions.

Guest Opinions