Doha: Experts, academics, and policymakers gathered at the MWC25 Doha conference to deliberate on the potential of innovation in building inclusive and safe digital cities. The round table, titled "Governance for Smart Societies: Policy, Trust, and Urban Data," addressed the increasing reliance on digital technologies and the need to balance innovation with citizen protection and flexible cybersecurity measures.
According to Qatar News Agency, the session, moderated by Dr. Saba Mansour Qadhi, Dean of General Studies, featured notable participants including HE President of Qatar University Omar Al Ansari. Discussions focused on transitioning governance models from mere technology deployment to ethical stewardship, ensuring transparency in urban data collection and use, and designing adaptive regulatory frameworks for AI, IoT, and automated decision systems.
HE President of Real Estate Regulatory Authority Khalid bin Ahmed Al Obaidli emphasized the critical role of research and development in the government sector, particularly in real estate, as a pillar for future decision-making. He highlighted the importance of clear communication and collaboration with the private sector and academia to foster an environment conducive to technological adoption.
HE Ambassador of Japan to Qatar, Naoto Hisajima, shared Japan's efforts in enhancing smart city policies and stressed the value of international collaboration. He highlighted the experiences of the European Union and ASEAN countries, advocating for partnerships among governments, the private sector, and citizens to advance smart city development.
Dr. Aiman Erbad, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at Qatar University, underscored the significance of integrating modern technologies with a focus on social dimensions. He stressed the role of universities in conducting real-world experiments and fostering a culture of innovation to bridge research outcomes with societal needs.
Dr. Mohammed Al Sada, Director of the KINDI Center, discussed the evolution of modern societies amidst rapid technological transformations. He advocated for clear regulatory frameworks to ensure the equitable use of AI technologies, emphasizing the need to protect user privacy and regulate data handling.
Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Chief Human Resources and Sustainability Officer at Ooredoo Group, emphasized the importance of inclusive policies and continuous human oversight in data management. She highlighted the need for collaboration between ministries and data collection to enhance smart city capabilities.
CEO of Sigma Fit, Omar Al Munir, spoke on the rapid pace of technological advancement, noting a significant increase in innovation speed since 2022. He described the current stage of AI as primitive compared to future developments, stressing the need for adaptation in this fast-paced environment.
The session concluded with a collective emphasis on strengthening cybersecurity, promoting inclusive digital cities with human-centric approaches, and fostering collaboration among academia, policymakers, and industry to advance ethical innovation.