Professor Dimitrios D. Vergados presented the challenges and policies for Smart Sustainable Human-Centered Cities at the United Nations in Geneva.
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Professor Dimitrios D. Vergados presented the challenges and policies for Smart Sustainable Human-Centered Cities at the United Nations in Geneva
An important speech entitled "Smart Sustainable Human-Centered Cities: A Policy Perspective" was delivered today, October 9, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, by Professor Dimitrios D. Vergados, Director of the Master's Program (MSc) "Digital Culture, Smart Cities, IoT and Advanced Digital Technologies" at the University of Piraeus and holder of the UNESCO Chair "Creative Cities in Motion – Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources".
The speech was part of the 86th Session of the UNECE (Economic Commission for Europe/UN) and the Ministerial Meeting on Sustainability, where 30 ministers and representatives of member states committed to adopting and formulating new strategic priorities for sustainable development at the local level.
In his speech, Professor Vergados highlighted the critical policy issues involved in the transition to smart, sustainable, and people-centered cities, emphasizing the importance of developing integrated policies in the context of urban development. He also highlighted the decisive role of the UNESCO Chair "Creative Cities in Motion" Chair in international policy initiatives for sustainability, its participation in UN expert groups, and the Chair's contribution to the development of tools and policy guidelines for sustainable urban governance.
The Coordinator of the UNECE Committee and Initiative on Smart and Sustainable Cities congratulated Professor Dimitrios D. Vergados for the substantial work and initiatives of the UNESCO Chair, recognizing the Chair's contribution to policy-making for smart and sustainable cities. During the session, Mr. Vergados met with the Permanent Representative of Greece in Geneva, Ambassador Ioannis Gikas.
The UNECE Commission is the only intergovernmental body that addresses the challenges of urban development in a comprehensive manner, serving as the highest policy-making body on housing, urban development, and land management issues.
Ten years after the adoption of the Geneva Charter on Sustainable Housing, the ministers of the member states reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sustainable and affordable housing and creating policies that promote sustainability, innovation, and social cohesion.
The UNESCO Chair "Creative Cities in Motion Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources," under the guidance of Professor D.D. Vergados, will continue its efforts and international collaborations with the aim of developing the country and complying with the United Nations' sustainable development goals.
09 Oct 2025
