World Cities Day 2025: Building People-Centred Smart Cities in Bogotá

As cities around the world race toward rapid technological transformation, global leaders are asking a central question: How can innovation truly serve people — especially as urban populations soar? 

That question anchors this year’s World Cities Day, celebrated in Bogotá, Colombia, under the theme “People-Centred Smart Cities.” The event, organized by the UN’s urban agency UN-Habitat, gathers mayors, urban experts, and community leaders to explore how technology, data, and design can make cities not only smarter, but also fairer, greener, and more inclusive. 

By 2050, nearly 70 percent of humanity will live in urban areas, placing immense pressure on housing, services, and climate resilience. In his message for the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged that innovation must bridge divides rather than deepen them: 

“A truly smart city puts people first, especially the most vulnerable,” he said. “When we place people at the centre, digital innovation can help drive fairness and sustainability for all.” 

Bogotá has earned international acclaim for merging technology and citizen engagement. Initiatives like TransMilenio, its pioneering bus rapid transit system, and Ciclovía, which transforms streets into car-free public spaces every Sunday, illustrate how urban design can foster sustainability and social connection. 

According to Elkin Velásquez, UN-Habitat’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, the city represents a global model: 

“The global observance here will foster dialogue on people-centred smart cities — where technology enhances quality of life and strengthens community bonds.” 

Among the keynote speakers, Carlo Ratti, architect and director of the MIT Senseable City Lab, challenged the conventional notion of “smart cities.” 

“I’m not fond of the term ‘smart city,’” Ratti said. “It often implies a top-down system guided by technology alone. Cities must first and foremost be about people — responsive, inclusive, and adaptive.” 

Ratti praised Bogotá’s experimental spirit, citing TransMilenio and Ciclovía as global case studies. He emphasized sustainability through reuse and retrofitting, urging designers to learn from nature: 

“In terms of energy and circularity, a tree is still much smarter than any building we can design.” 

Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, highlighted Bogotá’s holistic approach to smart cities. Projects such as Ecobarrios and Mi Casa promote resilience and sustainability, while Chatico, an AI-powered virtual agent, helps citizens access public information and participate in policymaking. 

“These are good examples of technology and innovation that serve people and communities,” Rossbach noted. “It’s vital that such experiences are shared globally, allowing other cities to adapt these lessons to their own contexts.” 

World Cities Day marks the conclusion of Urban October, UN-Habitat’s month-long campaign for sustainable urbanization. The Bogotá observance aims to leave a legacy of collaboration and shared commitment to equitable urban futures. 

For more information, visit UN News.