By Pat Edouard
On a brisk San Francisco evening, leaders, innovators, diplomats, and entrepreneurs from around the globe converged at the Smart Cities Council Summit Opening Reception event—a dynamic convening that emphasized unity, ingenuity, and a bold vision for the cities of tomorrow.
The event, held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, offered an electrifying atmosphere charged with optimism and strategic intent. From high-level policy dialogue to lighthearted anecdotes, the gathering exemplified the human side of global innovation.
Opening Remarks from a Visionary Leader
Corey Gray, President of the Smart Cities Council, took the stage with a powerful and personable welcome. A scientist, engineer, artist, and global thought leader, CEO Gray emphasized shared values and connectivity as the driving forces behind successful urban transformation.
“What we are here to do is make a difference, not just through infrastructure, but through shared purpose, values, and friendship,” Gray declared. “This is a room full of people who not only have the will—but the capacity—to reshape the future.”
Gray highlighted the Council’s mission to overcome the historic fragmentation among smart cities stakeholders and foster meaningful, global collaboration. He thanked a wide array of partners—from Leading Cities and Smart Cities America to the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA), underscoring the importance of cross-sector and cross-border alliances.
International Momentum: Partnerships, Innovation & Expansion
The evening featured major announcements and insights from prominent international partners:
- Holger Schlechter, CFO of the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA), revealed the opening of a new free zone in Panama, expanding their global footprint beyond the UAE. He emphasized how free zones create fertile ecosystems for businesses to flourish—welcoming 1,500 new companies per month at IFZA’s Dubai location alone.
- Arthur Borovsky, a pioneer in media technology and demographic analytics, shared personal and professional reflections. He honored San Francisco as a symbol of resilience and reinvention—comparing its spirit to that of the global smart cities movement.
“Today’s frontier is not just AI, but human-centered psychology and collaboration,” Borovsky said, reinforcing that smart cities must marry tech with empathy, equity, and cultural relevance.
Thematic Priorities
Several key themes emerged throughout the evening:
- Social Transformation through Innovation: Speakers consistently pointed to business ecosystems as vehicles for positive change, emphasizing equity, education, and well-being over mere economic output.
- Shared Global Values: From Poland to Panama, Hong Kong to the Democratic Republic of Congo, guests embodied a common goal—developing cities that serve people, protect the environment, and embrace diversity.
- The Human Future of Cities: Whether discussing urban art, artificial intelligence, or demographic shifts, the tone remained deeply human. As Gray put it, “We’re not just building cities—we’re building futures for our children.”
Key Takeaways
- Global Collaboration Is Non-Negotiable: Smart cities must work across sectors and borders to unlock sustainable growth.
- Free Zones Are Catalysts for Innovation: With thousands of new enterprises launching monthly, zones like IFZA are redefining entrepreneurship in the 21st century.
- Culture Matters: From music and art to behavioral science, smart cities must reflect and uplift the communities they serve.
- AI Is a Tool—People Are the Priority: Technology should enhance human flourishing, not replace it.
- San Francisco’s Legacy Lives On: As a historic hub of innovation, the city remains a beacon for global dialogue and reinvention.
As the lights dimmed on Tuesday evening, one message rang clear: the Smart Cities Council is not just convening events—it’s building a movement. With over 18 countries represented, and a growing ecosystem of partners, the Council continues to redefine what’s possible when cities—and people—come together for a better future.
Stay tuned for highlights and session recaps, and follow the conversation across media channels using #SmartCitiesCouncil and #GlobalUrbanFuture.
