For the first time, more than half of the population in low- and middle-income countries is using mobile internet. Cities around the world are taking advantage of this digital shift, adopting public financial technologies to improve the efficiency of various systems. In the latest research launched by R-Cities, Visa and State Up, ‘Cities that Thrive: Public Financial Innovation as a catalyst for urban resilience”, it was found that cities around the world are integrating public financial technologies into their resilience approach, for example, the widespread use of digital tax and fee collection services.
Despite these advances, there are still many opportunities that have not been realized. Some of the barriers identified through the research include gaps in infrastructure as well as digital exclusion. Cities are deploying various strategies to ensure as many residents as possible, including marginalized groups, are aware of, possess the know-how and have access to digital services through public financial innovation.
From promoting financial education from early years to providing access to traditionally unbanked residents including women in vulnerable neighborhoods, informal sector workers and the elderly, among others, cities are finding solutions to make sure no one is left behind in the era of digital and urban transformation.
In this session, in partnership with Visa, city officials from around the world will share their insights and lessons learned from various digital and financial inclusion initiatives to build Future Ready Cities for all.
📅 Thursday, 29 August 2024
🕘 9AM EST / 3PM CEST / 9 PM SGT
Dr. Duncan Booker
Group Manager, Green Economy Innovation & International, Glasgow City Council, UK
Samuel Araújo
Municipal Secretary of Innovation & Technology, City of Salvador, Brazil
Tulsi Parida (Co-host)
Director, Multilateral Partnerships, Visa Government Solutions
Nadine Burbar (Co-host)
Manager, Events & Partnerships, Resilient Cities Network
