May 30, 2019
Brian Mandell, Division Director of Curriculum and Communications, participated as a Fellow in the Salzburg Global Seminar titled Parks for the Planet: Partnerships for Urban Well-being and Resilience. The program explored the topics of Cities and Nature, Transforming Urban Systems, Disruptive City Leadership and Nature, and Priorities for Green Investment all within the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). Cities and Nature are critical topics to consider since by most estimates, over 75% of the world’s population will be living in towns and cities by 2050. Sustainable design of urban environments represents a critical driver for the health of our planet. During the seminar, Mandell was asked to participate as a panelist discussing the topic of Smarter Cities, Smarter Citizens under the topic of Disruptive Leadership. Panelists discussed what makes a smart city, “smart”, whether smart cities were an opportunity or menace and how smart cities can help catalyze green innovation and investment. Panelists also explored how AI and the idea of “collective intelligence” could be used to improve the health of health and well-being of its citizens. The topics and network of thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers who participated in the seminar will add incredible perspectives and expertise to the upcoming Smithsonian Science for Global Goals project focused on Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Read more at https://www.salzburgglobal.org/multi-year-series/parks/pageI...