Habitats of the Future: Digital Cities

Cities across Africa and South Asia are expanding at unprecedented speed. As urban populations surge, governments and city leaders face increasing pressure to deliver services that are not only affordable and inclusive, but also resilient to climate shocks. At the same time, cities themselves are evolving into digital organisms - with connectivity acting as the nervous system that keeps them functioning.

This session explores how mobile and digital infrastructure can underpin the cities of the future. From smart utilities and advanced metering to early-warning systems for floods and extreme weather alerts, we will examine how connectivity can enable more responsive, resilient and people-centred urban services.

Bringing together voices from government, mobile network operators and the innovation ecosystem, the discussion will focus on what it takes to turn connectivity into a true public good - particularly in low- and middle-income countries. What are the opportunities, the trade-offs and the policy choices that will shape digital cities in Africa, Asia and beyond?