With converging pressures from climate change, aging infrastructure, and the rapid pace of digital transformation, cities around the world are searching for new ways to plan, build, and operate their urban environments. At the upcoming 2026 summit, held in conjunction with London Climate Action Week, urban leaders and technology partners will gather to discuss how these agendas intersect—and how cities can move from strategy to practical action. Among the most anticipated sessions is an on-demand panel discussion focused on digital twins and artificial intelligence as the intelligent operating layer for cities.
Digital twins and AI as the city operating system
The panel explores how cities can adopt a more strategic, risk-based approach to infrastructure resilience. Digital twins provide a living digital replica of physical assets, systems, and processes, allowing city administrators to simulate scenarios, monitor performance in real time, and predict failures before they occur. AI adds a layer of intelligence that turns the vast amount of data generated by sensors, IoT devices, and government systems into actionable insights. Together, digital twins and AI act as an intelligent operating layer, enabling cities to optimise traffic flows, manage energy consumption, coordinate emergency response, and plan long-term investments with greater confidence.
During the discussion, experts are expected to share real-world examples and practical frameworks for deploying these technologies across different urban departments. The emphasis will be on moving beyond pilot projects toward scaled, integrated solutions that deliver measurable outcomes for citizens and the environment. The session will also highlight the importance of governance, data interoperability, and cross-sector collaboration in realizing the full value of a city-wide digital twin.
Shaping energy systems through local authority action
Another summit session will delve into how energy systems can be shaped by local authorities through renewables, flexibility, storage, and smarter networks. Cities are responsible for a significant share of global energy consumption, and many have set ambitious carbon reduction targets. By taking an active role in energy planning, municipal governments can accelerate the transition to clean energy, reduce energy poverty, and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure.
The panel will discuss innovative models for local energy generation, demand-side flexibility, battery storage integration, and the development of smart grids that respond to real-time conditions. It will also address the regulatory and financial barriers that cities must overcome to implement these strategies effectively. Key takeaways will include how to engage community stakeholders and utilities in co-creating an energy vision that aligns with broader climate action plans.
AI-powered innovation in Southeast Asia
Malaysia is positioning itself as a leader in AI-powered urban innovation, and the first Southeast Asian Smart City Expo in Kuala Lumpur will showcase the latest developments in the region. The expo is expected to attract city officials, technology providers, investors, and researchers from across the region, creating a platform for knowledge exchange and partnerships. Demonstrations of AI-driven solutions for traffic management, waste reduction, public safety, and digital services will highlight how emerging technologies can address urban challenges in emerging economies.
Malaysia’s Smart City Framework aims to guide local governments in adopting digital tools that are contextually appropriate and citizen-centric. The expo will also explore the potential for AI to leapfrog traditional infrastructure investments, enabling cities to provide high-quality services using data-driven platforms and mobile applications. This session underscores the growing importance of cross-border collaboration in spreading successful smart city practices.
Sunderland: digital infrastructure and low-carbon innovation
The latest City Profile focuses on Sunderland, a city in the North East of England that is repositioning itself as a leading smart city. By investing heavily in digital infrastructure and low-carbon innovation, Sunderland is building a resilient, future-focused economy. The profile highlights the city’s investments in full-fibre broadband, smart street lighting, and a fiber optic network that connects public buildings and businesses. This digital backbone supports a range of services, from remote health care to intelligent transport systems.
Sunderland is also developing a low-carbon energy district that will provide renewable heat and power to homes and businesses, reducing emissions and creating new local jobs. The city’s leadership has emphasised that a smart city strategy must place equal weight on social inclusion and economic growth, ensuring that no community is left behind. The profile provides a detailed look at the governance structures, funding models, and performance metrics that Sunderland is using to track progress.
Dublin’s digital twin projects and traffic reduction
Dublin is innovating to improve experiences and services for its communities through a range of smart city initiatives, including digital twin projects, traffic reduction measures, and economic growth strategies. The city has developed a digital twin of its flood management systems, allowing officials to simulate extreme weather events and optimise responses. In addition, Dublin is using data analytics to reduce traffic congestion by adjusting signal timings, promoting active travel modes, and providing real-time travel information to citizens.
The city’s Smart Dublin programme coordinates partnerships with universities, start-ups, and citizens to develop and test new solutions in the urban environment. Dublin’s approach demonstrates the value of collaborative innovation, with residents often piloting new sensors or apps in their own neighbourhoods. Economic growth is supported by making the city attractive to tech companies, while ensuring that the benefits of smart city investments are distributed equitably across different districts.
Sovereign AI for cities
A recent podcast episode explores the concept of sovereign AI for cities, with Youssef Nadiri from PNY Technologies as the expert guest. Sovereign AI refers to the idea that governments and municipalities should have full control over the data, algorithms, and infrastructure that underpin their AI systems. This is particularly relevant for cities that rely on external vendors for cloud storage and data processing, as it raises questions about security, privacy, and data residency.
In the episode, Nadiri discusses the technological requirements for building sovereign AI, including on-premises storage solutions, edge computing, and localized training of algorithms. He also highlights the benefits of maintaining control over data, such as increased trust among constituents and the ability to tailor AI models to local contexts. The conversation provides a primer for city CIOs and technology officers who are considering adopting AI while respecting regulatory and ethical standards.
Resilience lessons from Quezon City
In another Urban Exchange episode, officials from Quezon City in the Philippines share a first-hand account of the city’s resilience measures following unexpected extreme rainfall. The event, which overwhelmed drainage systems and caused widespread flooding, put the city’s emergency preparedness to the test. Quezon City’s response included the activation of rapid response teams, the use of social media to disseminate warnings, and the deployment of mobile pumps and rescue assets to affected areas.
The officials reflect on the importance of investing in robust infrastructure and community-based early warning systems before disasters strike. They also discuss the need to integrate climate resilience into all urban planning decisions, from zoning regulations to park design. The session offers practical lessons for cities facing more frequent and intense weather events due to climate change.
Smart sensors for indoor safety
How can smart sensor networks help improve indoor safety? By detecting risks early, improving situational awareness, and supporting healthier, more secure and sustainable buildings. Sensors embedded in offices, schools, hospitals, and residential complexes can measure air quality, temperature, humidity, and occupancy levels, providing real-time data that facility managers can watch for anomalies and potential hazards.
Smart sensors can also detect smoke, heat, intrusion, or even changes in structural stress, allowing for quicker intervention and prevention. The integration of sensor data with building management systems enables automated responses, such as adjusting ventilation when CO2 levels rise or notifying security when unusual activity occurs. The article emphasizes that sensor data must be handled with care to avoid privacy risks, but when deployed thoughtfully, these networks create safer and more efficient indoor environments.
ST Engineering on the evolution of urban AI
Gareth Tang, President of Urban Solutions at ST Engineering, explains how urban AI applications are set to evolve, detailing projects where AI is already making significant impact. Tang describes AI as a transformative force for cities, particularly in areas such as predictive maintenance, security analytics, and autonomous systems. He points to examples like AI-driven video analytics that can detect accidents or criminal activity in real time, allowing police and emergency services to respond faster.
Looking ahead, Tang predicts that urban AI will move from single-function applications to integrated platforms that share data across services, enabling a more holistic view of the city. He also stresses the importance of designing AI systems with human oversight and clear ethical guidelines, ensuring that automation enhances rather than undermines public trust. His insights provide a forward-looking perspective for city leaders who are planning their digital investments.
Preparing for AI: the data groundwork
An on-demand webinar titled “Preparing for AI: Understanding the data groundwork” focuses on the importance of data readiness before implementing AI in city government. The session uses the city of Sunderland as a case study, exploring how its investments in secure, interoperable data architecture laid the foundation for future AI projects. Without clean, structured, and accessible data, AI models are likely to fail, and council services can only benefit from automation if data is aligned with legal frameworks and data governance principles.
The webinar offers a step-by-step roadmap for building a data strategy, including data inventory, migration, and establishing common standards. It also addresses the cultural changes needed within organizations to encourage data sharing and collaboration across departments. Attendees will gain an understanding of how to avoid common pitfalls and build a business case for AI that is grounded in clear objectives.
AI for personalised government services
A trend report panel discussion examines how AI can be used to create personalised government services while building trust and inclusivity in cities. As adoption of AI expands, governments are exploring how to customize digital services to the needs and preferences of individual citizens, from benefit reminders to public health alerts. However, personalisation must be balanced with privacy protection, transparency, and fairness.
The panel brings together researchers, civic officials, and technology experts to explore best practices for designing inclusive AI systems. Topics include mitigating algorithmic bias, engaging marginalised communities in co-design, and providing mechanisms for recourse when automated decisions impact individuals. The discussion emphasizes that AI-driven personalisation should not simply optimise efficiency but also strengthen democratic engagement and public trust. For ongoing coverage of these topics and more, the editorial newsletter offers a daily and weekly digest of the latest news, interviews, special reports, and guest opinions, delivered directly to subscribers’ inboxes.
Source: Smart Cities World News