Lima was the venue for a series of conferences on smart cities, which addressed the application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in urban operations given their important role in “structural and mentality changes” to promote development.
Held on November 29-30 at Atton San Isidro Hotel, the event saw negotiations on possible public-private bilateral cooperation areas.
Said talks allowed different Peruvian jurisdictions to focus on citizens through talent, investment, inclusion and sustainability.
"Meetings with different jurisdictions have been useful, because people often believe that only technologies should be applied, but a smart city also involves human capital and good governance practices," said Jose Larios, Senior Specialist of Fiscal and Municipal Management of the Inter-American Development Bank.
Likewise, Mr. Larios stressed the need to create smart cities in Peru thanks to articulated efforts between Finance and Housing Ministries.
"At urban planning level, the target is to expand green areas and reduce temperatures,” stated Manuel Castillo Cara, Head of Smart Cities research laboratory in the CTIC at Universidad Nacional de Ingenieria in Peru.
“As per infrastructure, the idea is to promote the scope and participation of citizens, thus contributing to the economic rebound of every jurisdiction across the country,” he added.
The gathering also featured Spain Ambassador to Peru Ernesto de Zulueta Habsburg-Lorena; Karin Fassbender of the National Council of Science, Innovation and Technology (Concytec); the Economy and Finance Ministry and; Director-General for Innovation and Promotion of the City Council of Madrid Roberto Sanchez.
The meeting was held by the Spanish Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Office in Lima and the Spain’s export and investment promotion agency—ICEX, in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the National Council for Competitiveness and Formalization (CNCF).
(END) NDP/LIT/JHM/RMB