At the core of the European Union's sustainability agenda is the pursuit of resilient societies, marked by the launch of the EU Green Deal aligning with the Paris Climate Agreement and the UN 2030 Sustainability Agenda. To achieve these goals, open dialogue and knowledge sharing are imperative. The upcoming Smart City Expo and World Congress in Barcelona (Spain) 7-9 November aims to provide such a space. It will not only showcase technological innovations but also provide an arena for dialogue, collaboration, and action.

The event unites diverse stakeholders, pooling expertise and perspectives for transformative discussions on climate neutrality, digitalisation and sustainability. At the forefront of these discussions, digitalisation is integrated into urban landscapes, particularly in the pursuit of climate neutrality and a just transition. Smart cities, armed with cutting-edge, data-driven technologies, are becoming the agents of change shaping a green future.

While the EU Green Deal and global policy frameworks recognise the pivotal role of digitalisation in climate action it is the local governments that play a decisive role in translating these policies into tangible action. They orchestrate equitable development, implement policies, engage communities and plan smart infrastructure. In this digital era, cities guided by local governance are crafting resilient, inclusive, and green public spaces.

Through initiatives like the EU Smart Cities Marketplace and the EU Intelligent Cities Challenge, ICLEI Europe actively supports on-the-ground interventions and the formulation of Local Green Deals in multiple cities. This approach emphasises locally tailored agreements for achieving climate neutrality, with participation from stakeholders and civil society to ensure alignment with the EU Green Deal's goals. ICLEI Europe also prioritises social equity by aiding cities in integrating justice into their plans and policies, in line with the EU's commitment to just and inclusive urban development, through programmes like Local Green Deals and the ICLEI Action Fund.

The Smart City Expo, therefore, becomes a pivotal event in this journey, offering a platform to assess progress, share insights, and foster collaboration. As cities worldwide prepare for COP28, contributing to the global stocktake, the Expo underscores the importance of global collaboration and ICLEI continues to support cities as they conduct their stocktake events.

Together, through sustainability, digitalisation, and just transition, cities are shaping a future where climate neutrality and inclusivity are the cornerstones of progress.