Eduardo Paes is the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, a sprawling, complicated, beautiful city of 6.5 million people. He shares four big ideas about leading Rio – and all cities – into the future, including bold (and achievable) infrastructure upgrades and how to make a city “smarter.”
- A city of has to be environmentally friendly. Finding open spaces in the concrete jungle and making sure people have access to those spaces is key. Think green.
- The city of the future has to deal with the mobility and integration of its people. Commuting is a necessary and time-consuming part of a person’s day. Finding cheaper alternatives to high capacity transportation must be done quickly and effectively to avoid the buildup of traffic jams and delays.
- Social integration. The slums are not always a problem; they can be a solution sometimes. The vicious circle can be changed into a virtuous one if you bring high quality education and health facilities in the slums, as well as infrastructure and community spaces. A city is made stronger when it offers all its citizens equal chances.
- The city has to use technology to be present. The introduction of the Operation Centre of Rio meant that the city could be governed from afar. Technology can help implement a model of governance with “No files, no paperwork, no distance, work 24/7”.
Source: TED Talks; Photo: Captain Travel
