The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), together with the Finnish Embassy in Manila, held the first leg of its Future Cities Forum on October 27, 2022, at the Spaces - BGC in Taguig City. The main objective of the forum was to draw the attention and commitment of smart city stakeholders so they can effectively address the challenges of climate change, a rapidly increasing population, community engagement, establishing sustainable infrastructure, and increasing industrialization. 

The session held on October 27 featured “Smart City Solutions from Finland” through which industry players on smart city project developments in the Philippines shared their insights, best practices and solutions, as well as the important role of LGUs to initiate smart city initiatives and programs. Finland is leading the way in smart city development in Europe, and it is acknowledged as one of the greenest cities in the world. Finnish smart city solutions encompass smart building and planning, smart connectivity, sustainable mobility, citizen participation, circular economy, and energy transition, among others. The need to establish and maintain digital and sustainable transformation in our cities will support the efficient online delivery of public services, climate change adaptation, better health security, safer mobility and logistics, and digital community participation, among others.

Architect Felino “Jun” Palafox, Jr. was among the speakers, alongside other esteemed guests such as Lars Wittig, President of the ECCP; H.E. Juha Pyykkö, Ambassador of Finland to the Philippines; Mika Klemettinen, PhD; Fernando Gerard Espero III of BIODEV Inc.; Anthony Mejilla of Nokia Enterprise Philippines; and Markus Nisulaof KONE Philippines.

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