The World Governments Summit Organisation has released a new strategic report calling for cities to evolve beyond smart technology and become "sentient," placing residents' needs, behaviours and aspirations at the heart of urban planning.
The report, titled "Urban Science Unlocking Sentient Cities," was developed in partnership with EY and outlines urban science as an emerging multidisciplinary field. It blends data analytics, artificial intelligence, environmental monitoring and behavioural science to help governments make evidence-based decisions and build cities that adapt to residents' daily lives.
According to the report, traditional planning models that prioritised infrastructure and efficiency are shifting toward human-centred approaches, positioning residents as active participants rather than passive beneficiaries of urban design.
Mohammad Yousef Al Sharhan, Managing Director of the World Governments Summit, said the concept represents the next phase of urban evolution, driven by rapid population growth and rising societal expectations. He noted that cities integrating innovation with a people-first vision will be best equipped to boost competitiveness and long-term resilience.
Samar Ibrahim, Director of Strategy, Innovation and Sustainability at EY, said urban science moves beyond simply making infrastructure smarter, instead treating residents as partners in shaping their cities.
The report sets out five strategic pillars, including integrated urban data platforms and digital twins, community-focused design, climate resilience, stronger governance collaboration and innovation districts that nurture talent and economic growth.
It cites London, Singapore, Melbourne and Copenhagen as examples of cities already using data-driven approaches to improve mobility, sustainability and civic participation.
The report concludes that success will depend not on the volume of technology deployed but on balancing innovation with ethics and human priorities, positioning sentient cities as the natural successor to the smart city model.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
