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- Русский
I am particularly pleased to be here today at the Local Government Awards ceremony and to have the opportunity to participate in the admittedly very interesting debate that will follow on the topic of smart cities.
As the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, we contribute greatly to the development of smart cities in Cyprus through innovation and technology, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life of citizens.
Around the world, cities today face a variety of challenges such as urban population growth, intensifying climate change, migratory flows and political changes.
We recognize that technology can provide smart and sustainable solutions to manage the problems facing our urban areas.
Prior to the establishment of the State Department, there was no unified approach to smart cities, as efforts were scattered and uncoordinated. As a result, we had many initiatives operating in different ways and at different speeds.
However, by decision of the Council of Ministers, we have taken on the role of coordinator for a national policy so that we can promote a new, unified approach.
We have at our disposal all the guarantees to become a smart and innovative city: a favourable physical and demographic environment, political will and collectivity on the part of local authorities, financial tools, and of course, we have technology as a weapon.
With the unified national strategy "CY Smart City Platform" that we are planning, we aim first of all to implement and finance three vertical solutions for the whole of Cyprus, according to the needs declared by the municipalities:
[*]smart parking systems, [*]smart lighting and [*]smart waste management.
These services will be provided by a platform manager, selected through an open tender, and will be financed with €35 million from the Recovery and Resilience Fund.
In addition, the manager will have the possibility to offer other smart solutions, according to the individual needs of each municipality.
At this point, I would like to stress the importance of cooperation. Smart cities cannot be developed by the state alone. The participation and contribution of local authorities and businesses is essential.
Only through collective effort can we create smart cities that promote innovation, sustainability and quality of life.
To sum up, smart solutions are a huge challenge.
We are starting with our municipalities and hopefully expanding to our communities. And on this occasion, I would like to welcome the interest shown by the Union of Communities.
This is an opportunity to apply innovation and technology to better manage our cities and communities and improve the quality of life of our citizens.
I am confident that with the determination and cooperation of all of us, we will achieve this goal and make Cyprus a model for smart and sustainable development.
Thank you.
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MK
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