Challenges are set to be huge for the next generations, mainly to those who manage and live in the city. The ongoing conversation about these themes cannot be isolated. Nowadays, integrated thinking and global city vision is what defines a Smart City. It isn't just about technology, but obviously, technology is a tool, an unlocker and a habitat also. However, the big issue that the world will have to face is the increasing number of people living in cities. The challenge is how we should organize services, infrastructures, how to promote peaceful aging, how to run and manage energy, water and other resources, those of which are becoming more scarce, how to aspire for better quality of life for our citizens, by improving the environment and promoting good nature protective practices.

There are a few good examples throughout the globe that embody these initiatives, such as Copenhagen, Toronto, Vancouver and many others. How do they do it? "Some start do adopt smart technology to improve the environment and living conditions" according to Head of Housing and Development Board of Singapore, Cheong Koon Hean. What is "smart technology"? Basically it comes down to devices and platforms that allow the gathering and analysis of data (IoT/Big Data).

It is foreseen that, up until 2025, will exist 88 Smart Cities, even though the label isn't enough or sometimes misunderstood. Specific policies, strategies, investments and behavior are required. It isn't just about "Smart People" or "Smart Technology"; everything has to make sense to the government and its citizens. Habitat III will be playing a massive role. We continue to have a big problem hitting cities and every political leader: Housing. Cheong Koon Hean oversees the development and management of some 1 million public housing flats in 23 towns. She formulated a roadmap to develop better designed, more sustainable and community centric towns. The first woman to head the Urban Redevelopment Authority, she led the planning of the Marina Bay precinct, creating a signature skyline for Singapore and a vibrant live work-play destination.

And what is a Smart Town? "It is a project which integrates functions similar to those of the human body", she says. Buildings compare to muscles; lungs are rivers, parks, and green areas. Roads and means of communication are the veins and arteries in which everything has to flow harmoniously. Finally, the intense layer of sensors is equal to our brain's five senses, collecting and processing all data "in order to maintain knowledge and permanent awareness of the environment, allowing growth", she explains. A Smart Town must be welcoming, efficient, sustainable and safe. To achieve this goal we must have smart planning, environment, public services, housing, etc. Once again, there's a need for syncing every agent and institution that leads, plans, executes and lives in cities through the same Smart tuner.

There's another component that goes beyond technology itself. For example, cities like Detroit, which have hit rock-bottom in the past, are now catching their breath, thanks to this little aspect that sets it apart from the other cities: it is economically viable for the creative industry professionals to live in Detroit. Rents are low and, for the past 2 years, this increasing interest has made Detroit rise from the ashes in a Phoenix-like fashion. It still has its problems of course, but many cities are trying to find their own attractiveness formula, failing in that process.

Hello Cities fighting each other, can we just get over it and be friends?

Yes, cities are competing with each other. All of them look to attract the most remarkable, creative, intelligent, innovative personalities and citizens. At the same time, they're competing for tourists, companies, investments. It is a mindless competition, many times aggressive and senseless. Not even very smart. If, by 2050, 75% of the world's population is living in cities, we need to find out which cities are those going to be. Not all of them will have attractive capacities and will eventually lose population. The next world conference Habitat III that will take place in Quito, and the work fields at the World Urban Campaign also have an important role in discovering and analyzing which solutions are best to help avoid other cities of holding the monopoly, or else, some will break down and collapse.

On the other hand, we have to be able to interpret and debate possible solutions to avoid population exodus from other cities, whose future will be compromised if no measures are taken. Up until now, and in the opinion of some specialists, analysts and academic investigators, not enough solutions are being put forward for this hypothetical future drama.

We will have the opportunity, through technology, global forums, urban and environmental specialists, ONG's, corporations and associations, to debate serious solutions and, more importantly than testing and experimenting, what is necessary is a consistent, coherent dialogue between local and national governments. This will give local governments the chance for them to solve their own problems effectively.

Thus, cities and metropolitan areas would be the heroes in putting an end to their dramas with intelligence, dialogue and, mainly, technique, but also with political will and true commitment.