Sustainable Urbanization
Urban Sustainability in North Macedonia: Green Cities and Smart Solutions
This feature explores urban sustainability in North Macedonia, where technology, civic action, and innovation are transforming cities like Skopje and Kumanovo. From smart mobility and digital transparency to grassroots clean-up movements and green public spaces, these initiatives illustrate a growing culture of sustainable urban living. Despite challenges, local governments and citizens are shaping a vision of greener, smarter, and more resilient Macedonian cities.
Read MoreUrban Sustainability in North Macedonia: Green Cities and Smart SolutionsCentral Asia’s First Driverless Light Rail: The Future of Smart Urban Mobility in Kazakhstan
In the article, Huawei’s partnership with Kazakhstan is explored through the development of Central Asia’s first driverless light rail system. Using LTE-M technology, the project aims to enhance urban transit efficiency and passenger experience, with operations expected to begin in 2025.
Read MoreCentral Asia’s First Driverless Light Rail: The Future of Smart Urban Mobility in KazakhstanTranslating Systemic Intelligence into Urban Renewal – Vlorë, Albania
Vlorë, Albania, is redefining urban renewal through systemic intelligence — integrating data, design, and ecology into one adaptive framework. Guided by the IMM methodology and a cross-institutional collaboration, the city turns complexity into clarity, reconnecting people and nature. This case demonstrates how systemic intelligence transforms planning into a living process of regeneration.
Read MoreTranslating Systemic Intelligence into Urban Renewal – Vlorë, AlbaniaBuilding Smarter, More Human Cities: Interview with Ugo Valenti
In this exclusive interview, Ugo Valenti, Director of the Smart City Expo World Congress, talks about how the world’s leading event on urban innovation continues to evolve and inspire cities across the globe. As the 2025 edition approaches, Ugo shares…
AI, Ethics, and the City of Tomorrow: Lessons from Smart City Expo Miami 2025
Smart City Expo Miami 2025 gathered global urban leaders to explore how AI, ethics, and empathy can shape the next generation of human-centered cities. The discussions emphasized inclusion, transparency, and resilience as core elements of smart urban governance. From data strategy to climate action, the Miami event highlighted that the true intelligence of cities lies in their humanity.
Read MoreAI, Ethics, and the City of Tomorrow: Lessons from Smart City Expo Miami 2025GIS in Serbia: A Policy Tool for Smart Cities and Sustainable Development
GIS in Serbia is becoming a crucial tool for sustainable urban planning and evidence-based governance. By integrating spatial data, policymakers can monitor environmental quality, improve resource allocation, and enhance transparency. Case studies from Pančevo, Belgrade, and Novi Sad show how GIS supports pollution management, citizen participation, and energy transition. With proper investment in data infrastructure and skills, Serbian cities can align with European sustainability goals while ensuring healthier communities.
Read MoreGIS in Serbia: A Policy Tool for Smart Cities and Sustainable DevelopmentTrees-as-Infrastructure: How Urban Nature Builds Cool, Green and Resilient Cities
Trees-as-Infrastructure is redefining how cities integrate nature into urban planning. By treating trees as critical infrastructure, this approach enhances climate resilience, reduces heat and flooding risks, and improves community well-being. The methodology, tested in Stuttgart, offers a scalable model for greener, healthier, and more sustainable cities worldwide.
Read MoreTrees-as-Infrastructure: How Urban Nature Builds Cool, Green and Resilient CitiesAI in Smart Cities: How Artificial Intelligence Transforms Urban Life
Artificial intelligence is transforming smart cities by optimizing mobility, energy, safety, and citizen services. From digital twins to predictive analytics, AI in smart cities enables more adaptive and sustainable urban systems. Yet its success depends on addressing challenges and ethical considerations to build trust and accountability.
Read MoreAI in Smart Cities: How Artificial Intelligence Transforms Urban LifeCross-Border Smart City Ecosystem: How Helsinki and Tallinn Built a Shared Future
Helsinki and Tallinn joined forces to build a cross-border smart city ecosystem that bridges innovation and sustainability. Through the EU-funded FinEst Twins project, the cities piloted real-world solutions for clean energy, data, mobility, and healthcare. This model shows how collaboration across borders can scale urban resilience and improve quality of life worldwide.
Read MoreCross-Border Smart City Ecosystem: How Helsinki and Tallinn Built a Shared FutureBalkan Green Cities: Greening the Urban Fabric and Why It Matters
Across eight Balkan green cities, we compare total green infrastructure and accessible urban green using EEA metrics and municipal datasets. The piece traces how geography and planning traditions shape outcomes, then spotlights flagship projects—from Athens’ Ellinikon to Belgrade’s Linear Park and Tirana’s Orbital Forest. We conclude with tiered, finance-aware recommendations that help city leaders turn green on paper into green on foot.
Read MoreBalkan Green Cities: Greening the Urban Fabric and Why It Matters