Bogotá, Colombia – The air hums with excitement as the heart of Latin America braces for a transformative event. Smart City Expo Bogotá 2024, set for September 25-27, is not just another conference; it’s a pivotal moment in the journey toward building smart, sustainable cities across the region. Organized by Fira de Barcelona International and Corferias Bogotá, this gathering of leaders, visionaries, and innovators promises to unveil a future where technology weaves into the fabric of daily urban life, creating spaces that are more connected, efficient, and environmentally conscious.
For three days, Bogotá will be a vibrant hub, sparking conversations that hold the power to shape cities across the globe. As attendees step into Corferias, they will find themselves immersed in a world of emerging technologies, bold ideas, and actionable solutions. From interactive workshops to insightful debates, the event will explore the most pressing challenges that cities face today and chart new paths forward.
Six Pillars of Urban Transformation
At the core of Smart City Expo 2024 are six thematic pillars designed to address the critical needs of modern cities. These pillars will guide the event’s discussions and provide a blueprint for future urban growth:
- Innovative and Productive Territories
- Emerging Technologies
- Energy and Environment
- Safe Cities
- Urban Mobility
- Sustainable Communities
Through these lenses, experts will delve into how cities can leverage data, technology, and collaboration to not only survive but thrive in a rapidly changing world.
One of the most anticipated moments of the event will be the keynote address by Dr. Ott Velsberg, Chief Data Officer of Estonia. In his talk, titled “Leveraging AI and Emerging Technologies: Estonia’s Journey Toward Enhanced Efficiency and Innovation in Public Services,” Dr. Velsberg will share Estonia’s groundbreaking approach to using artificial intelligence in public services. His story is a beacon for what is possible when governments fully embrace technology’s potential to drive efficiency, innovation, and public trust.
Collaboration for a Brighter Future
The power of collaboration will be a key theme throughout the event. Leaders from across Latin America will gather not only to showcase their successes but also to forge new alliances aimed at solving shared urban challenges. Companies like ETB, one of Bogotá’s leading telecommunications firms, will be at the forefront of these discussions. Alex Blanco, President of ETB, emphasized the importance of the company’s role: “Our mission is clear. We are committed to transforming Bogotá into the smart city that its citizens deserve, where technology serves as a tool for a better life.”
Blanco highlighted some impressive statistics that underscore ETB’s impact. “From 2020 to today, we’ve doubled our fiber optic customers, reaching 556,000 households, while the average internet speed has surged from 30 to 232 megabits per second. In the small business sector, we’ve grown 227%, and our Smart Cities and Enterprise Solutions segments have seen a 44% increase in revenues.”
The Promise of Data-Driven Cities
Iván Fernando Herrera, Executive Director of Analytics and AI at SAS Colombia, will also take the stage to discuss the crucial role that data plays in building smart cities. “In today’s world, cities that harness the power of data to make fast, informed decisions are the ones that will thrive,” Herrera explained. For local governments, this means not only greater efficiency but also enhanced budget management and stronger public trust.
The Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data analytics will be key topics as cities seek to integrate these technologies into their public services. According to Herrera, “The adoption of these tools not only boosts technological innovation but also improves how cities manage their resources and serve their citizens.”
Bogotá’s Leading Role in Urban Innovation
The host city, Bogotá, is no stranger to urban transformation. Under the leadership of Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, Bogotá has become a shining example of how cities can harness technological advancements to improve urban management. At the Smart City Expo, Galán will share his vision for the future of the capital, focusing on mobility, energy, and sustainability.
Bernardo Baranda Sepúlveda, Latin America Director for the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), will further spotlight the need for sustainable transportation policies in cities. Meanwhile, Ernesto Pardo, CEO of Inteia, will drive home the urgency of environmental sustainability, advocating for the reduction of carbon footprints and the integration of green technologies into the urban landscape. “Building smart cities is not just about technology,” Pardo noted, “it’s about creating a sustainable future for all.”
The Future is Here
As the event draws closer, the anticipation builds. Smart City Expo Bogotá 2024 is not merely an exhibition of technological wonders; it is a call to action for governments, companies, and citizens to work together to create cities that are safer, greener, and more efficient. In a world that increasingly relies on technology, this event reminds us that the ultimate goal of any smart city is to improve the lives of its people.
