Led by its co-leaders Prof Gong Ke, Executive Director of the Chinese Institute of New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies at Nankai University, Ms Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director of the Center for Nature and Climate at the World Economic Forum (WEF), and Prof Dirk Messner, President of the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA), the expert group of the Special Policy Study (SPS) “Dual Green and Digital Transformation of Cities” within the research framework of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED) undertook a research trip to Vienna and Helsinki from 23 to 26 July to explore best practices in sustainable and digital urban planning and development. It was the second meeting of the group after a first research trip to the cities of Ordos, Inner Mongolia, and Beijing at the end of May. While the stay in Vienna focused on the governance of digital and sustainable cities, the group was able to look at the implementation of smart and climate-friendly city development in Helsinki. The SPS Team Leads and Experts Workshop was kindly hosted by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Vienna. A closing workshop was held with experts of the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) in Helsinki. The Sino-German Environmental Partnership supported the trip and contributes expertise for the SPS.

Source: CCICED

Vienna: Governance of digital and sustainable cities

The trip began in Vienna, focusing on the governance of digital and sustainable cities. The group visited Urban Innovation Vienna (UIV), which supports the city’s transformation efforts. Key discussions were held with representatives from Vienna’s Departments for Climate Affairs, Forest Management, Urban Renewal, Smart City, and Social Housing. The Vienna Climate Council also participated, sharing insights on the city’s climate policies.

The welcome address was followed by presentations highlighting Vienna’s strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change, emphasizing the new Vienna Climate Protection Act. This law aims to make climate protection more efficient and binding across all decision-making levels.

The city’s digitalization strategies were also discussed, linking them to the Smart Climate Strategy. The role of digitalization in enhancing resilience and mitigating climate change was emphasized. Projects using big data analytics for urban development were presented, including geospatial data analysis and the development of a high-resolution digital city twin.

The importance of inclusive urban planning was stressed, ensuring equal participation across gender, age, and social background. The group then visited Vienna’s Urban Lakeside “Seestadt,” a major urban development project focusing on functionality, environmental responsibility, and well-being.

Helsinki: Implementation of smart and climate-friendly city development

The group continued to Helsinki exploring the practical implementation of smart and climate-friendly urban development. Guided tours through the districts of Jätkäsaari and Kalasatama showcased innovative urban planning paradigms. Jätkäsaari, an extension of Helsinki’s city center, is characterized by extensive tram connections and functional bicycle and pedestrian routes. Kalasatama, a former industrial area, is being transformed into a smart residential district with a focus on intelligent resource use.

The research trip concluded with a workshop at the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE). Presentations on water risk management and sustainable regional planning were given by SYKE experts. The workshop ended with discussions on the next steps for the SPS study, which was finalized in September and will be presented at the CCICED Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024 in Beijing.