Mohamed Jouahri: Casablanca Sensible Metropolis “constitutes an actual catalyst for the digital transformation of our metropolis”

In a context marked by speedy metropolisation and rising city challenges, the eighth version of Casablanca Sensible Metropolis, which takes place on June 5 and 6, 2024, is organized below the theme “From the Sensible Citizen to the Sensible Metropolis”. Mr. Mohamed Jouahri, Managing Director of Casa Occasions, particulars for our readers the ins and outs of this occasion.

La Nouvelle Tribune: Casablanca Sensible Metropolis is in its eighth version. What evaluation would you make since 2016, and what are the primary classes you have got discovered?

M. Mohamed Jouahri: As an integral a part of the territorial advertising program, Casablanca Sensible Metropolis was in a position to deliver collectively from 2016 to 2023 greater than 36,000 members, 521 audio system, 150 cities and 365 exhibitors. This occasion constitutes an actual catalyst for the digital transformation of our metropolis; it thus contributes to strengthening the positioning of the town of Casablanca as an African Hub and promotes its affect on a nationwide, regional and worldwide stage.

Among the many foremost classes discovered we will cite the significance of citizen involvement in decision-making and the necessity for shut collaboration between completely different stakeholders, significantly residents; furthermore, this was mirrored within the chosen theme of this version centered primarily on the citizen, specifically: “From the Sensible Citizen to the Sensible Metropolis”.

Certainly, this version goals to rethink and reposition the idea of “smartness” on the coronary heart of the sensible metropolis. She’s going to current completely different initiatives that promote the citizen as a central actor in city transformation whereas exploring human-centered options to satisfy up to date city challenges.

Thus, this version will emphasize participatory governance, citizen-oriented providers, the gathering and evaluation of city knowledge in addition to the promotion of sustainable administration of metropolitan assets.

What roles do new applied sciences play within the resilience and sustainability of a metropolis?

New applied sciences are important to enhance the resilience and sustainability of metropolises. They permit extra environment friendly administration of assets, equivalent to water and power, and likewise facilitate city mobility by way of clever transport options, thereby decreasing the carbon footprint.

In what methods can the instance of Casablanca assist the event of different Moroccan and even African cities?

Casablanca, as a pioneer of sensible cities in Africa, gives a mannequin of built-in and inclusive city transformation. Our method can encourage different cities to undertake technological options tailored to their particular contexts, whereas highlighting the significance of citizen participation. Partnerships and exchanges of experience between cities throughout this occasion can speed up the dissemination of fine practices and promote harmonious and sustainable city growth throughout the continent.

A wise metropolis, to totally specific its potential, should have a inhabitants conscious of those ideas, who will be actors in its growth. What do you suppose is the extent of maturity of Casablanca residents on these factors, and the way is it evolving?

The extent of maturity of Casablanca residents relating to sensible metropolis ideas is consistently rising. Because the launch of Casablanca Sensible Metropolis, we’ve seen a rise in citizen curiosity and engagement in digital initiatives. Nonetheless, there may be nonetheless a option to go for widespread adoption. We proceed to put money into the popularization of this idea by way of Sensible Metropolis Join which gives immersive experiences for residents of all ages on the Arab League Park for 5 days to make sure that each citizen understands and turns into acquainted to this idea of “smartness”.

Casablanca was the primary African metropolis to affix the sensible metropolis rating. Sadly, it has not been a part of this rating since 2023. What tasks do you suppose must be prioritized for the White Metropolis to re-enter this rating?

For Casablanca to re-enter the rating of sensible cities, it’s essential to prioritize sure tasks. First, we should strengthen our digital infrastructure and proceed to digitize public providers to make them extra environment friendly and accessible. It’s important to advertise innovation by way of incubators and partnerships with know-how startups. Furthermore, on the sidelines of the conferences, we provide younger stratups the chance to current their options and pitch in entrance of a jury.

Lastly, it’s crucial that we intensify our consciousness and training efforts to make sure that each citizen can play an energetic function on this transformation.

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