EuroCham, German NGO publishing urban future paper on capital
KONRAD Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) on November 16 will release their latest issue of digital insights: “The Future of Cities”, which will offer an in-depth analysis of Phnom Penh’s potential as a smart city.
KAS and EuroCham said in a November 11 press release on November Phnom Penh is a perfect example of a metropolis bursting at the seams with new inhabitants.
As urban developers plan to accommodate the growing influx of inhabitants to the country’s capital, it tries to determine the main factors at play.
The publication brings together experts from different sectors to provide theories and insights on Phnom Penh’s future.
The authors discuss the implications of digitalisation, waste management and transportation, among other key factors that will inform future city planning.
Daniel Schmücking, KAS representative to Cambodia and the Philippines, said cities account for 60-80 per cent of global energy consumption and 75 percent of global carbon emissions, despite occupying only 3 percent of the planet’s surface.
“Technology-driven advancements are expected to be at the forefront of solving the myriad challenges associated with urbanisation, but they must be properly understood and implemented effectively to ensure the cities of the future are cities we want to live in,” he said.
EuroCham executive director Tom Hesketh said urbanisation in Cambodia is growing at over three per cent per year. With a population of around 2.3 million people, Phnom Penh is quickly emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s newest commercial hubs.
“As the population grows, city planners must address rising air, light, and sound pollution.
“They will have to develop efficient energy, waste, and water management strategies to ensure that the city is safe and secure and that there are clean and green spaces for city dwellers to enjoy,” he said.
“The Future of Cities” aims to outline solutions to these problems by offering in-depth analysis of Phnom Penh and by looking at case studies of cities around the world.
The publication covers everything from blockchain technology and intelligent transportation to cybercrime and the future of education.
Each section of the book is written by different authors with a variety of backgrounds. It brings together some of the brightest minds in the city to help find solutions, as citizens increasingly flock to Phnom Penh to live and work.