About Session
Digital Transformation in Urban Governance: Insights from European and Arab Cities
DATE
12 May 2025
TIME
10:00 – 11:00
VENUE
SUMMARY OF THE SESSION
This session explores the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in urban governance through a discussion led by mayors and elected officials, highlighting successful initiatives and recent trends across Arab and European cities.
KEY OBJECTIVES
- Understand digital transformation efforts in urban governance and identify technology adoption and implementation gaps.
- Share best practices and discuss service efficiency, inclusivity, low-resource city challenges, and implementation mechanisms.
- Discuss common challenges in applying digital technologies in urban management, including resistance and strategies to address it.
- Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among city leaders on the limits and opportunities of digitalization in diverse urban contexts.
PANELISTS
Moderator
Mr. Patrick Penninckx, Former Head of Information Society Department, DG I, Council of Europe
Manama
H.E. Mr. Mohammed Saad Al-Sahli, Director General of Manama Municipality (Bahrin)
Ramallah
Mr. Issa Kassis, Mayor of Ramallah (Palestine)
Turin
Mr. Stefano Lo Russo, Mayor of Turin (Italy)
Sarajevo
Mr. Predrag Puharić, Mayor of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
TRANSLATION AVAILABILITY
English, Arabic, French & Spanish
PARTICIPATION
Open to All Attendees
