Experiences on digital transformation in Cuba, seen as a logical and evolutionary continuity of the process of computerization of society, were discussed on the first day of the First Workshop on Smart and Sustainable Cities.

How can we make our cities have more services and be more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally and human friendly?

The debate on the first day of the First Workshop on Smart and Sustainable Cities focused on that question, a meeting organized by the Ministry of Communications (MINCOM), the Union of Cuban Informatics (UIC), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Articulated Platform for Integral Territorial Development (PADIT).

At the meeting, Ernesto Rodríguez Hernández, Deputy Minister of Communications, emphasized that experiences on the digital transformation of the country, seen as a logical and evolutionary continuity of the process of computerization of society, were discussed.

He added that, in Cuba, more than cities, we should speak of intelligent municipalities and ratified the fact of incorporating the people's participation, a vital and basic aspect in the urban scenario.

On the other hand, the deputy minister of the sector, Ana Julia Marine López, emphasized that this is an enriching experience to outline future work guidelines that contribute, in a progressive manner, to the evolution of our cities.

From UNDP, Edith Felipe, Program Officer, pointed out that digital transformation is one of the development objectives and contributes, in turn, to achieve greater impact in less time.

Specialists analyzed how to promote territorial development and decentralization, tools for citizen participation in smart cities, infrastructure in Cuba for the deployment of these projects and sustainability in accordance with the country's environmental policy.

They also learned about EnZona as an e-commerce enabling platform; Varadero as a Digital City, and the project "Havana's Historic Center towards a smart city model."

Smart cities are those that use artificial intelligence technologies, internet of things, high-speed connectivity, big data, augmented and virtual reality, among others, all with the aim of improving the quality of life of their inhabitants. From public transportation to waste management, security and lighting, all areas of the city can benefit from smart and easy-to-manage solutions.

Innovation and digital transformation have been identified by UNDP in Cuba as two catalytic axes of the efforts towards a sustainable and inclusive development, in the context of the 50th anniversary of the collaboration of this organization with Cuba.

The smart cities workshop aims to articulate these innovative digital solutions according to Cuba's strategic priorities for sustainable development, as expressed in the Economic and Social Development Plan until 2030.

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