BARCELONA, Spain, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), the leading international event on cities and smart urban solutions organized by Fira de Barcelona, will hold its 2026 edition from November 3 to 5 at Barcelona's Gran Via venue, bringing together 1,000 cities, more than 25,000 attendees, over 1,000 exhibitors and 600 speakers. Under the theme "Urban Solutions, Real Impact," this year's edition will place special focus on housing, one of the most pressing challenges facing cities worldwide, while showcasing technologies designed to deliver tangible, scalable impact. The congress program is structured around seven tracks — Enabling Technologies, Energy & Environment, Mobility, Governance & Economy, Living & Inclusion, Infrastructure & Building, and Blue Economy — spanning digital transformation, artificial intelligence, green energy, governance and social equity. Over 600 experts will take part in the sessions, including Nikolas Badminton, Chief Futurist and Think Tank leader at Futurist.com, who will share his vision on the future of cities. An artificial intelligence expert, Badminton helps companies and institutions build strategic foresight capabilities, identify the trends shaping the world, anticipate unforeseen risks, and prepare for complex, evolving environments through long-term thinking and scenario planning. Ayumi Moore Aoki, founder of Women in Tech Global, will also participate in the congress. Her work focuses on the importance of diversity and inclusion as key drivers of innovation in the urban context. Moore Aoki underscores how inclusive leadership can support sustainable urban development at scale. The conference also features Bibiana Aido of UN Women, Bilel Jamoussi of the ITU, and Chiara Corazza of the Women's Economic Forum, among others. SCEWC will host the first edition of HOWS Barcelona, a new housing world summit that will focus on topics such as urban planning and land policy, housing regulation, social and affordable housing, and building renovation
Sep 7, 2026 · via prnewswire.com
From cutting-edge technology to smart cities and cultural heritage, international guests at the Asia-Pacific Media Forum shared their impressions of a rapidly changing China. For them, China’s "cool" is not only about innovation, but also openness, cultural vitality and opportunities for shared development.
Sep 7, 2026 · via english.news.cn
- Featured services2026 Global AI Report: A Playbook for AI LeadersWhy AI strategy is your business strategy: The acceleration toward an AI-native state. Explore executive insights from AI leaders. Access the playbook - Services View all services and productsLeverage our capabilities to accelerate your business transformation. - ServicesAI - ServicesApplication Services - ServicesBusiness Process Services - ServicesCloud - ServicesConnectivity - ServicesConsulting - ServicesCX and Digital Products - ServicesCybersecurity - ServicesData and Analytics - ServicesDigital Workplace - - ServicesEnterprise Networking - ServicesEnterprise Application Platforms - ServicesGlobal Data Centers - ServicesInfrastructure Solutions - ServicesSustainability Services Accelerate outcomes with agentic AIOptimize workflows and get results with NTT DATA's Smart AI AgentTM Ecosystem Create your roadmap - - 2026 Global AI Report: A Playbook for AI LeadersWhy AI strategy is your business strategy: The acceleration toward an AI-native state. Explore executive insights from AI leaders. Access the playbook - Discover how we accelerate your business transformation 2026 Global AI Report: A Playbook for AI LeadersWhy AI strategy is your business strategy: The acceleration toward an AI-native state. Explore executive insights from AI leaders. Access the playbook - Careers 7 September 2026 NTT DATA and Red Sea Global Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement - Agreement to accelerate AI-driven innovation and smart industry solutions in Saudi Arabia and international markets. - Combining Red Sea Global's destination development expertise with NTT DATA's global technology capabilities to co-create next-generation digital solutions. - Focus areas include smart cities, hospitality, infrastructure, real estate and AI-driven industry solutions. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 7 September 2026 – NTT DATA, a global leader in AI, digital business and technology services and Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations; The Red Sea and AMAALA, today signed a strategic partnership agreement. The agreement establishes a framework for a joint venture that aims to accelerate
Sep 7, 2026 · via services.global.ntt
| News By Tag Industry News News By Location Country(s) Industry News | Plots in Dholera Gain Attention as Smart City Development Creates New Opportunities By: Omana Projects Dholera Residential Plot, a real estate platform associated with Omana Projects, provides information and property options for buyers exploring residential and mixed-use land opportunities in the Dholera region. The company focuses on helping buyers understand plot locations, Town Planning (TP) schemes, land-use classifications and available property options before making an investment decision. The growing interest in Plots in Dholera is closely connected with the region's broader development story. Dholera SIR is planned as a greenfield smart-city development with industrial, residential, commercial and supporting infrastructure. Recent attention around semiconductor and technology-related investment has further strengthened Dholera's position as an emerging economic destination. A recent company-published visual also highlights the potential role of Dholera in Gujarat's developing technology and semiconductor ecosystem, including expectations around employment generation and industrial activity. Such developments can influence future housing and land demand, although property appreciation remains dependent on actual infrastructure delivery, market conditions and individual project fundamentals. For residential buyers, the distinction between simply purchasing land near Dholera and purchasing a properly documented residential plot within an applicable planning framework is particularly important. The company's current property listings include residential and mixed-use opportunities associated with specific TP schemes and locations. For example, its property information identifies residential plotting in Bhangadh under TP 4-B2, while other listed opportunities cover different locations and land-use categories. Buyers considering a Plot in Dholera are therefore encouraged to examine documentation, title records, applicable land-use permissions, TP scheme details, road access and surrounding infrastructure rather than making decisions solely on projected future returns. Dholera Residential Plot also advises buyers to independently verify legal and regulatory documentation before completing a transaction. About Dholera Residential Plot:
Sep 7, 2026 · via prlog.org
Saudi property buyers are now looking beyond just the unit and are increasingly shopping for a masterplan. As Saudi Arabia builds out its smart cities and pushes the property transaction chain online, the questions a buyer needs answered before they sign have gotten considerably harder. Shabab Al Qarni (LinkedIn), general manager of Holo KSA, talks to us about how the definition of a good location is shifting, why more information hasn’t made buying any simpler, and what the next phase of digitization has to fix. EnterpriseAM: How is smart-city development reshaping demand in the Saudi real estate market? Shabab Al Qarni: Smart-city development is changing how buyers assess real estate in Saudi Arabia. The question is no longer just where a property is located, but what is being built around it — and how that location will evolve over time. Infrastructure, mobility, connectivity, and access to services are becoming increasingly important in determining a property's long-term value and suitability. Buyers are therefore looking beyond the individual unit and considering the wider ecosystem they are buying into. From where we sit at Holo, that makes access to information increasingly important. Buyers need a clearer picture of both the property itself and the development taking shape around it to make more informed decisions. E: How are the priorities of Saudi property buyers changing as those cities come online? SAQ: Price and location will always matter, but the definition of a good location is becoming broader. As the Kingdom develops more connected communities and invests in infrastructure and quality of life, buyers are increasingly looking beyond the property itself to the wider community — its accessibility, services, connectivity, amenities, and development potential. Property decisions are therefore becoming more informed and complex. The question used to be “Can I afford this property?” Now, it’s:
Sep 7, 2026 · via enterpriseam.com
| News By Tag Industry News News By Location Country(s) Industry News | Plot in Dholera Attract Growing Interest as Gujarat's Planned Smart City Develops into a Major Hub By: Omana Projects Dholera is being developed as a planned greenfield urban and industrial region in Gujarat, with dedicated infrastructure designed to support manufacturing, technology, logistics, residential communities and commercial activity. As development progresses, interest in land opportunities around the region is also increasing. Dholera Residential Plot, a property platform associated with Omana Projects, is providing information and property options for people researching residential plots, mixed-use land and other real estate opportunities in and around Dholera. The platform is designed to help prospective buyers explore available properties while understanding location, land use and development considerations. The increasing demand for a Plot in Dholera is closely linked to the region's broader infrastructure story. Dholera SIR has been planned with modern urban infrastructure and connectivity, while major road, airport and industrial developments are expected to strengthen access to the region. The emergence of technology and semiconductor- For prospective property buyers, however, the growing popularity of Dholera Plots also makes due diligence increasingly important. Buyers should evaluate the exact location of a property, applicable Town Planning (TP) scheme, land-use classification, ownership and title documentation, access roads and surrounding infrastructure before making a purchase. Company's approach focuses on the long-term potential of Dholera rather than short-term speculation. Property values can vary significantly depending on location, documentation, infrastructure access, development progress and market conditions. Buyers are encouraged to independently verify all legal and regulatory information before entering into a property transaction. As Dholera continues to develop its industrial and urban ecosystem, Plots in Dholera are expected to remain an important consideration for individuals exploring Gujarat's emerging real estate markets. For buyers with a long-term perspective, selecting
Sep 7, 2026 · via prlog.org
Smart City Electric Bus Drivers Maintain Strike In Dehradun 07 Sep 2026 2 Min Read CW Team Share Drivers of Smart City electric buses in the provisional state capital continued a work boycott on Wednesday as unfulfilled demands remained outstanding. Residents have faced difficulties reaching destinations owing to the unavailability of electric buses, resulting in increased reliance on alternative transport. The strike has disrupted scheduled routes and prompted travellers to seek alternatives, extending journey times and contributing to congestion on major corridors. The disruption has affected routine commuting patterns across the city and raised concerns among local commuters. Smart City Kalyan Samiti secretary Gulshan Kumar stated that there are around 30 electric buses operating in the city, staffed by about 60 drivers. He indicated that all 30 buses were non-operational as the drivers were boycotting their work. The buses form part of the urban transport plan intended to improve connectivity, and the absence of services has placed pressure on other modes of public transport. Kumar alleged that one driver, who assumed a managerial role and misbehaved with colleagues, imposed his own driving rules and operated buses after consuming alcohol. The matter was raised with the relevant authorities with a request for the removal of that driver. Kumar claimed that, rather than taking action, the authorities backed that individual and instead terminated the employment of several e-bus drivers, including himself. The termination has heightened tensions and prompted the union to press for reinstatement and an inquiry into conduct and disciplinary decisions. He added that a letter had been sent to the concerned authorities but no remedial action had been taken to date. The work boycott is to continue until the drivers' demands are addressed, according to the union position. Municipal and transport officials have been urged to intervene to restore services
Sep 7, 2026 · via constructionworld.in
Letter to the Editor By Assoc Prof Dr Nadzirah Zainordin When we imagine Sarawak’s future, we often picture cities. We see a more connected Kuching, digitally enabled public services, intelligent transport systems, modern infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and new economic opportunities created through technology. These are important aspirations, and they reflect Sarawak’s determination to position itself for a rapidly changing global economy. Yet, as we look towards this future, perhaps we should ask a slightly different question: what happens beyond the city? For a State as geographically extensive and socially diverse as Sarawak, development cannot be defined by its urban centres alone. Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, and other cities and towns will undoubtedly remain important engines of economic activity, education, healthcare, innovation, and public administration. But they exist within a much larger landscape of smaller towns, villages, and rural communities. These communities are sometimes discussed primarily in terms of distance, infrastructure gaps or limited access to services. Perhaps it is time to look at them differently. Sarawak’s smartest future may begin in its villages. This is not an argument against urbanisation. Cities matter. They concentrate talent, institutions, businesses, infrastructure, and knowledge, and they will continue to play a central role in Sarawak’s economic transformation. The opportunity, however, is to connect the strengths of these cities with the strengths of the communities beyond them. The smart city concept provides a useful starting point. Around the world, cities increasingly use sensors, data analytics, artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and connected infrastructure to improve how they function. These technologies can support transport management, environmental monitoring, public services, infrastructure planning, and economic activity. Sarawak’s own digital transformation creates considerable opportunities in this regard. But for Sarawak, the smart-city conversation should not end at the city boundary. Perhaps the next question should be whether we can build
Sep 7, 2026 · via dayakdaily.com
At the forum themed "Creating a Digital, Green, and Sustainable Future: From Strategic Commitment to Substantive Action," Prime Minister Hung called on the two nations need to intensify cooperation grounded in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. He stressed the need to explore and promote joint cooperation models in areas such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, smart cities, sustainable agriculture, startup incubators, and R&D centers. This strategic direction is aimed at deepening the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and making it substantive and effective, according to the Prime Minister. He urged localities in both countries to clearly identify priority and key sectors with complementary strengths, and to propose specific, feasible cooperation initiatives and projects for immediate implementation. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and mutual understanding as the foundation for long-term cooperation. Prime Minister Hung called for a focus on developing tourism products, opening new air routes connecting localities, enhancing people-to-people exchanges, promoting heritage values and cultural industries, and boosting cooperation in green transformation, climate change response, and disaster prevention capabilities. He also called on local governments and businesses from both sides to shift their models from mere "cooperation" to "co-facilitation," and from "technology transfer" to "joint development." Japanese enterprises should view Vietnam as a hub for manufacturing, innovation, and sustainable supply chain connectivity that serves both Japanese localities and the national economy, the Prime Minister said. The Vietnamese Government, ministries, agencies, and localities will continue to stand alongside Japanese investors, vigorously improve the investment and business environment, and establish a streamlined institutional framework to facilitate effective and substantive cooperation in this new phase of development, he added. In a message addressed to the forum, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae said "the vitality of localities is the vitality of the nation." She expressed the hope that the
Sep 7, 2026 · via vovworld.vn
Hanoi is accelerating digital transformation and applying science and technology to urban governance with the core goal of serving the people and improving management efficiency. Hà Nội Mới•07/09/2026 The deployment of utilities such as the "Flooding Map," autonomous vehicles operating under a sandbox mechanism, and the Hanoi Smart Police application demonstrates the commitment to building a safe, smart, and transparent capital city. From a "shield" against natural disasters to the foundation of future transportation. In the context of complex global climate change, frequently facing unusually heavy rainfall causing localized flooding and severe traffic congestion, the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology has launched the mini-app "Flooding Map," a specialized utility directly integrated into the iHanoi Digital Citizen platform, to address this problem. Unlike scattered information sources on social media, the "Flooding Map" is built on a proprietary data platform, directly connected via API to the monitoring system of the Hanoi Drainage Company (HSDC). The application provides accurate, real-time technical parameters such as location coordinates, rainfall amount, and flood depth in meters. Right on iHanoi, users can easily switch between the Hanoi base map or Google Maps, and simultaneously track the risk classification scale using intuitive colors, from green representing a safe level to purple corresponding to a severe level. The breakthrough of this utility lies in its ability to personalize the user experience. When a flooded area is touched, the system will display a detailed information window, allowing people to proactively change their travel route. Users can also customize the alert radius from 1km to 100km and the time frame to suit their personal schedule. As soon as the first flooding point appears, the system will automatically send a push notification to the device. The Department of Science and Technology stated that the application is expected to be a "digital
Sep 7, 2026 · via vietnam.vn
Better Buildings, Lower Emissions: The Solutions and Strategies Driving Urban Decarbonization
Across cities, the push to reduce emissions is reshaping how buildings and infrastructure are designed, upgraded, and managed. What was once a series of isolated interventions is becoming a more coordinated effort, bringing together buildings, energy systems, and urban infrastructure. Retrofitting existing assets, improving energy performance, and adopting low-carbon materials are now central strategies, alongside the integration of renewables and smarter energy management. At the same time, resilience is moving up the agenda, influencing how infrastructure is designed and maintained. Delivering on these ambitions requires new approaches to financing, governance, and collaboration across the entire urban ecosystem.
Stage: Cities X People
Speakers
Parent Session
- Decarbonization Thursday 05, 13:30h - 15:05h | Stage: Cities X People All Passes
Sep 7, 2026 · via smartcityexpo.com
Cheap real estate prices are shocking: Beware of deceptive tactics used to lure customers. (CLO) Villas and townhouses advertised for sale or rent at unusually low prices are increasingly appearing online. However, behind these attractive prices may be incomplete information, the property may already be sold, or a tactic used by brokers to lure customers into buying a different property. Công Luận•06/09/2026 Shockingly low real estate prices: Is it just a marketing ploy? Recently, social media has seen an increasing number of advertisements for the sale and rental of real estate at surprisingly low prices. Villas and townhouses are being advertised at significantly lower prices than the market average, accompanied by attractive images and enticing descriptions. However, behind many of these surprisingly low prices are tactics aimed at attracting attention, gathering customer information, or luring buyers to meet with brokers. Mr. Do The Hien ( Hanoi ) said that he recently came across some advertisements for villas for rent in Gia Lam (Hanoi) at a price of only about 7 million VND/month, along with information about long-term contracts. This price is significantly lower than the average rental price of similar villas in the area, attracting the attention of many customers. However, when contacting the advertised phone number, Mr. Hien was informed by the broker that the price of 7 million VND only applied to the first month. From the second month onwards, the rent would be calculated at a different rate. "The information posted online only stated the price as 7 million VND/month and a long-term contract, but when I called to inquire, I found out that this was only the price for the first month. If customers only look at the advertisement, it's easy to assume that it's a fixed rental price for the entire contract period," Mr. Hien
Sep 6, 2026 · via vietnam.vn
SpaceX’s AI arm, SpaceXAI, has named Australian digital consultancy Fabric Group as one of its first strategic partners in Asia-Pacific, in a multi-year deal aimed at expanding AI-assisted software development across Australian enterprise organisations. The agreement makes Fabric Group one of SpaceXAI’s first official partners in Australia and across the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region, according to the companies. Fabric Group said it will invest in training and certifying its engineering workforce to meet expected demand for AI-assisted development. SpaceXAI said Australia is among its first markets outside the US for its channel partner programme, citing “organic adoption” by individual developers and positioning the partnership as part of a move into enterprise deployments. “Australia has consistently demonstrated that it is one of the APJ’s most progressive and mature enterprise technology regions,” said Simon Green, President APJ at SpaceXAI. “While SpaceXAI has already seen remarkable organic adoption from individual developers here, we are now entering the next phase of our growth by helping enterprise organisations fundamentally rethink how they build software. “AI is reshaping the entire software development lifecycle, allowing engineering teams to spend less time on repetitive implementation and more time solving complex business problems, designing better customer experiences and accelerating innovation. “For one of our first regional partners we wanted an organisation that shared our vision for transforming software engineering, and Fabric’s combination of deep technical capability and strategic consulting expertise offers that. This made them a great choice.” The partnership is being announced amid wider adoption of AI coding assistants, which are increasingly positioned as tools for generating code, identifying bugs, and producing documentation. The companies said the shift has implications beyond technology firms, arguing that most large organisations rely on software engineering and could see productivity impacts if AI-assisted development becomes more common. Laurent Behan, CEO
Sep 6, 2026 · via australiancybersecuritymagazine.com.au
SpaceX’s AI arm, SpaceXAI, has named Australian digital consultancy Fabric Group as one of its first strategic partners in Asia-Pacific, in a multi-year deal aimed at expanding AI-assisted software development across Australian enterprise organisations. The agreement makes Fabric Group one of SpaceXAI’s first official partners in Australia and across the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region, according to the companies. Fabric Group said it will invest in training and certifying its engineering workforce to meet expected demand for AI-assisted development. SpaceXAI said Australia is among its first markets outside the US for its channel partner programme, citing “organic adoption” by individual developers and positioning the partnership as part of a move into enterprise deployments. “Australia has consistently demonstrated that it is one of the APJ’s most progressive and mature enterprise technology regions,” said Simon Green, President APJ at SpaceXAI. “While SpaceXAI has already seen remarkable organic adoption from individual developers here, we are now entering the next phase of our growth by helping enterprise organisations fundamentally rethink how they build software. “AI is reshaping the entire software development lifecycle, allowing engineering teams to spend less time on repetitive implementation and more time solving complex business problems, designing better customer experiences and accelerating innovation. “For one of our first regional partners we wanted an organisation that shared our vision for transforming software engineering, and Fabric’s combination of deep technical capability and strategic consulting expertise offers that. This made them a great choice.” The partnership is being announced amid wider adoption of AI coding assistants, which are increasingly positioned as tools for generating code, identifying bugs, and producing documentation. The companies said the shift has implications beyond technology firms, arguing that most large organisations rely on software engineering and could see productivity impacts if AI-assisted development becomes more common. Laurent Behan, CEO
Sep 6, 2026 · via australiancybersecuritymagazine.com.au
On September 6th, the People's Committee of Lam Dong province approved the general planning task for five urban wards of Da Lat until 2050. The planning scope includes Xuan Huong, Lam Vien, Xuan Truong, Cam Ly, and Lang Biang wards. Planning underway for 5 wards in Da Lat to develop green and smart cities. TPO - Lam Dong province has just approved the general planning task for 5 urban wards of Da Lat until 2050, with the goal of building a modern, green, and smart city. According to the plan, the planned area covers more than 68,000 hectares. By 2050, the population is projected to be over 756,000 people; of which the urban population will be approximately 485,000, and the converted population from tourists will be approximately 271,000. The number of tourists is expected to reach approximately 17.4 million per year. The plan aims to develop Da Lat into a green, smart, and modern city while preserving its unique identity. Specifically, Lam Dong province prioritizes the development of a comprehensive infrastructure system, improving urban quality, and simultaneously preserving cultural heritage values and distinctive natural landscapes. One of the key focuses is researching and improving the transportation system, urban space, technical infrastructure, parking lots, and underground spaces to meet the long-term demands of population growth and tourism. The plan also aims to transform the five wards into a center for sustainable tourism, services, and economy; and to enhance resilience to climate change and environmental protection. According to the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, the general planning for the five wards must ensure continuity and consistency with the provincial planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050; while also addressing bottlenecks in land use planning, transportation, and technical infrastructure. According to the new plan, the urban planning is expected to
Sep 6, 2026 · via vietnam.vn
How can we Finance Affordable Housing When Public Budgets are Never Enough?
Delivering affordable housing at scale requires more than political commitment. It demands financing models that can mobilise public and private capital at sufficient volume, distribute risk appropriately, and keep homes affordable over time. As public budgets alone are often insufficient, the session will focus on how cities, development banks and investment institutions can combine funds, guarantees, and public-private partnerships to make projects viable, manage risk, and ensure that investment supports long-term affordability rather than short-term market dynamics.
Stage: HOWS BARCELONA
Speakers
Parent Session
- Financing Affordable Housing Thursday 05, 12:55h - 14:00h | Stage: HOWS BARCELONA All Passes
Sep 6, 2026 · via smartcityexpo.com
Ludhiana: Few places in the industrial city of Ludhiana offered people a lush green getaway like Sidhwan canal waterfront once did. For residents of Sarabha Nagar and nearby areas, it was once a place for walks and yoga sessions in the inviting greens. Today, the stretch lies desolate, with sand covering large swathes. Walkers have all but disappeared. The situation worsened after water supply lines were laid beneath the waterfront a couple of months ago as part of the surface water supply project. While the area was supposed to be restored after the work, residents say the damaged stretch has been left unattended. Ironically, the waterfront project won an award in Aug 2022 for its landscaping and beautification work along the Sidhwan Canal under the Smart City Mission. The award was conferred by the Smart Cities Council India. The Rs 5.2 crore project was aimed at improving the environment and green cover, creating social infrastructure and making optimum use of leftover land along the canal. Conceptualised and executed under the Smart City Mission, the project started on Aug 28, 2019, and was completed on Nov 30, 2020. It covered a 1,100-metre-long stretch, with a width of 20-22 metres. A BRS Nagar resident, Inderpal Singh, said, âThere was a time when special yoga sessions were held early in the morning and residents used to enjoy the morning vibes here. Now, things have changed. We can understand if water supply pipelines had to be laid, but the area should have been restored immediately afterwards.â He said while authorities wait for roads to settle after sewer or water supply works, restoring the waterfrontâs green cover should not require much time. He also claimed that residents now avoid the stretch, with only a few people visiting it, and recalled incidents of theft in the
Sep 6, 2026 · via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
| | | | | Prime Minister Le Minh Hung speaks at the 2026 Viet Nam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum in Hue city on September 6. | The forum, focusing on building a digital, green and sustainable future, was jointly organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, the Japanese Embassy in Viet Nam and the central city. It brought together representatives from 18 Japanese localities and more than 100 leading Japanese corporations and businesses. In his remarks, PM Le Minh Hung said after four decades of Doi moi (renewal), Viet Nam has become the world’s 32nd largest economy and one of the 15 largest trading nations, participated in 17 free trade agreements and connected with 60 major economies. Per capita GDP has increased nearly 50-fold compared with the beginning of the reform process. Against the backdrop of rapid and complex global changes, Viet Nam remains steadfast in maintaining stability to promote development and pursuing development to consolidate stability, he said. The country is determined to achieve double-digit economic growth during 2026-2030 while maintaining macroeconomic stability and promoting rapid, sustainable development based on science and technology, innovation and digital transformation. | | | | | Prime Minister Le Minh Hung poses for a photo with delegates attending the 2026 Viet Nam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum in Hue city on September 6. | PM Le Minh Hung stressed that Viet Nam seeks to attract foreign investment projects featuring advanced technologies, knowledge, modern governance, research and development, high-quality human resources and substantive links with domestic enterprises. He proposed five orientations for future cooperation. First, Viet Nam and Japan should work to become partners in high-quality growth and strategic autonomy based on science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, and promote cooperation models in digital technologies, AI, semiconductors, smart cities,
Sep 6, 2026 · via en.qdnd.vn
1The authors wish to inform readers that one of them was an engineer with the Shinsegea Group and professionally involved in the initial planning of the Hwaseong International Theme Park Project. While this position provided a privileged vantage point from which to observe the development of the new city and its technological and social infrastructure, this paper was subject to the duty of discretion and confidentiality clauses inherent in the employee’s role. Therefore, all information used in this article is publicly available, in order to avoid any conflict with the confidentiality obligations to which any employee working for a private operator is bound by law and contractual commitments. 2In a world facing complex urban challenges ranging from climate change and demographic shifts to infrastructural degradation, city planning stakeholders are increasingly expected to strike a balance between economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. Designed to address these multi-dimensional issues, a new paradigm has gained international traction for urban development: that of sustainable smart city, which integrates digital innovation with long-term social and ecological goals (de Jong et al., 2015; Caragliu et al., 2011). This shift reflects a broader recognition that sustainability must not only be an environmental concern, but also a governance challenge and a matter of citizen empowerment. 3South Korea stands out as one of the early adopters of smart city strategies, beginning with its Ubiquitous City (U-City) model in the early 2000s. This model aimed to enhance administrative efficiency through ICT-based infrastructure and public service platforms. However, its supply-driven, infrastructure-centered nature revealed key limitations over time—especially in fostering citizen participation and adaptive urban governance (Kang et al., 2015). According to the 2017 “Act on the Promotion of Smart City Development and Industry”, a smart city in South Korea is defined as a sustainable urban environment built on integrated
Sep 6, 2026 · via journals.openedition.org
KUWAIT: Kuwait is participating in the 64th Executive Council meeting and 20th General Conference of the Arab Towns Organization, scheduled in Dhofar, Oman, Monday. Held under the theme "More Innovative and Sustainable Cities," the meetings are sponsored by Dhofar Governor Marwan bin Turki bin Mahmoud Al-Said, with participation from Arab cities and municipalities. The meetings will address key challenges facing Arab cities and ways to develop municipal work, strengthen cooperation, and exchange expertise and experiences. Kuwait's delegation includes Secretary-General of the Arab Towns Organization Bader Al-Askar, Director General of Kuwait Municipality Manal Al-Asfour, and several municipal officials. It also includes a representative of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate and Dr. Fay Bin Salama and Hadeel Maarefi from Hawalli Governorate. Kuwait's participation reflects its longstanding role in the Arab Towns Organization, established in 1967 and headquartered in Kuwait City as a specialized Arab platform for municipal affairs. The Executive Council meeting, held annually, will discuss the organization's programs, activities, and future priorities, while enhancing coordination among member cities. It will also address emerging municipal challenges, including urban planning, environmental protection, climate change, transport, water, waste management, and urban development. The 20th General Conference gains particular importance amid rapid changes facing cities, including urban expansion, population growth, infrastructure development, improved services, digital transformation, climate change, and environmental sustainability. The challenges require improved urban management and greater use of innovation and modern technologies to build more efficient, resilient, and future-ready cities. Held every three years, the conference continues a series of general conferences addressing the development and future of Arab cities. Kuwait hosted the 15th conference in 2010 under the theme "Knowledge Cities and the Future of Youth", and subsequently hosted the 17th conference in 2016.The conferences have evolved from focusing on knowledge, development, and services toward greater emphasis on sustainability, smart cities, digital transformation,
Sep 6, 2026 · via kuwaittimes.com