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Jakarta has taken an innovative approach to urban transportation by integrating diverse transport modes and streamlining operations. This holistic strategy has resulted in a substantial increase in ridership within a short timeframe, providing insights into transport solutions for other cities facing similar challenges.
Despite being the capital of a major global economy and boasting a rich history, Mexico City grapples with significant challenges, including poverty and overpopulation. Amid entrenched bureaucracy and social inequality, solutions to these problems have proven elusive. However, signs of progress, albeit slow, are emerging, as the Digital Agency for Public Innovation coordinates government efforts and technological innovation to address complex urban problems. By leveraging digital tools and fostering cross-departmental collaboration, Mexico City is demonstrating that it is possible to improve the lives of its citizens even in the face of daunting obstacles.
While the IT sector's direct contribution to climate change is currently relatively small compared to sectors like transportation and industry, its growing footprint and increasing demand have led to concerns about its future impact. Estimates suggest that the IT sector, which currently contributes between 1.8% and 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, could account for as much as 14% by 2040. This looming environmental challenge has prompted a global response.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented global challenge, exposing vulnerabilities in policymaking and healthcare systems that led to shortcomings in crisis management. However, some countries resorted to innovative approaches that helped mitigate the impact of the crisis and proved their worth in becoming part of mechanisms to support preparedness for future health emergencies. Canada was one such country, embracing big data to track population movement to inform decision-making in the face of COVID-19.
Extensive efforts are made by big cities to plan and invest in ensuring the provision of the most crucial natural resource, which is water, especially in the face of climate change challenges that can adversely affect the availability of water in urban areas in two ways. It exacerbates water scarcity and contributes to accelerating population growth in cities due to the increasing migration of rural residents to cities, as environmental conditions suitable for agriculture decline in certain areas. In this context, Cape Town stands as a prominent case worthy of study in facing this challenge.
In recent years, several countries have launched initiatives to harness advancements in information and communication technologies and electronic payment methods to unify various transportation services onto a single platform. This platform aims to provide consumers with unprecedented convenience in planning their journeys, selecting the best transportation options, booking, and purchasing tickets—all under the concept of "Mobility as a Service" (MaaS). However, these initiatives are still in their early stages and are generally limited in scope due to various challenges. In the United Kingdom, where multiple MaaS initiatives have been introduced, the government has recently issued a Code of Practice for MaaS concepts and applications. This code serves as a reference for standards and guidelines that align with the government's vision for the UK's transportation landscape, emphasizing social inclusivity and ensuring accessibility for all user groups.
To address a difficult challenge, the City of Phoenix, Arizona launched the Mobile Career Unit (MCU) project, which provides job seekers with training, guidance, and support until they find a job opportunity. The project represents a shift from centralized, static models to dynamic, community-oriented approaches, and offers valuable lessons in urban management and public service delivery. The MCU project's success has led it to be recognized by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Mayors Challenge.
Advances in smart cameras, sensors, data transfer, and artificial intelligence are prompting major cities to explore integrated technological solutions for traffic congestion. Two notable examples of this trend are pilot projects initiated by Wellington City Council in New Zealand and the New York City Department of Transportation.
Estonia presents a unique model in the global technology landscape, leveraging national strengths, fostering public-private partnerships, building technological literacy among its citizens, and embracing rapid digital transformation as a key driver of entrepreneurial growth. These efforts are empowering Estonia’s vision to nurture deep tech startups.
To harness the promising technological horizons in developing local administration, the Tunisian municipality of Beni Khallad has started a major shift in its operations. In cooperation with a private sector partner, they've implemented a suite of technologies – including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), smart applications, and a live dashboard – to streamline service delivery, boost operational efficiency, and foster a more transparent and participatory civic environment. This digital transformation paves the way for sustainable community development.
