UI Highlights Smart Urban Development at Global Sustainable Congress

RRI.CO.ID, Depok - The University of Indonesia (UI) has placed sustainable urban development at the center of its participation in the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Sustainable Development Congress 2026, held in Tangerang, Banten, from June 22–25.

Rather than focusing solely on advanced technology, UI emphasized the importance of governance, resilience, and inclusivity in reimagining how cities can evolve sustainably, shaping the future of urban development.

Speaking in Depok on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, UI Vice Rector for Planning, Finance, and Resources Ahmad Gamal, stressed that artificial intelligence, updated data systems, and cross-sector collaboration are essential to building sustainable smart city ecosystems.

His presentation, “From Smart Technologies to Smart Urban Management: Lessons from Indonesia and the Global South,” underscored a paradigm shift in smart city development.

According to Gamal, success in building smart cities is no longer defined by technological sophistication alone, but by the ability to strengthen urban governance, drive sustainability, and ensure social equity.

He noted that challenges such as flooding, spatial inequality, housing affordability, environmental degradation, and weak institutional coordination often stem not from a lack of data, but from the need to translate information into effective policy and action.

He outlined five key aspects of smart city development: data-driven spatial governance, urban growth management, sustainability indicators, climate resilience, and reducing inequality to ensure that the benefits of technology are shared broadly.

“Cities of the future will not be those with the most advanced technology, but those that use technology to create resilient, inclusive, and sustainable environments,” Gamal said, as quoted by Antara.

The international forum brought together universities, governments, industries, and stakeholders to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Through exhibitions and active participation in discussions, UI showcased international programs, sustainability partnerships, and green innovations developed by its academic community.

UI’s involvement in THE GSDC 2026 reflects its commitment to tackling global challenges while strengthening its role as a strategic partner in advancing sustainable development in Indonesia and beyond. ***