This session will explore the work completed to date by both technology companies and European governments and cities. Attendees will benefit from learning how this work has helped to tackle climate change at city, national and EU level. Attendees will benefit from learning about the benefits of climate mitigation and adaptation and the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement, and how EU policymakers are helping cities and Member States across Europe to tackle climate change.

• Who are the changemakers shaping Europe’s future cities? What impact are they having on climate action?
• What company strategies are currently in place to cut Europe’s carbon emissions and achieve net-zero?
• What new business models are emerging to ensure sustainable long-term growth? How are these working alongside existing smart city strategies?
• What role can technology and innovation play in accelerating cost-friendly, green and sustainable transformation across Europe?
• What are the business benefits of climate change adaptation and mitigation?
• What work is being done by city governments and Member States across Europe to support European objectives?
• To what extent have European cities and Member States been successful in tackling climate change to date?
• What work has been done at EU level to support cities and Member States accelerate their green and digital transformation?
• What current partnerships exist to support EU climate objectives?

This session will focus on the future connectivity requirements at city and national level in order to meet EU climate targets. Speakers will explore the role of EU policymakers, Member States, cities and industry in rolling out 5G and to what extent it has been successful to date. The session will also address the anticipated impact of 6G, as well as the key enabling technologies and applications set to make cities smarter and more sustainable, and how these will help to contribute to the overall success of Europe’s green and digital transition.

–     What future networks and technologies will best support our fight against climate change and what industries and applications will lead the way?

–     Specifically, what role can 5G, 6G and other key technologies, such as AI, play?

–     What support do innovators need from policymakers?

–     How are policymakers supporting the roll out of future networks and smart city technologies?

–     What regulatory and political environment is required to support businesses meet EU targets?

Finance drawn from public, private or alternative sources is a critical enabler for solving climate change and speeding up Europe’s green and digital transition. In August 2020, the European Commission created the Recovery and Resilience Task Force (RECOVER) to help the EU emerge from the pandemic and to make Member States better prepared for the challenges posed by the green transition. Across the plans approved to date, we have already seen Member States exceed agreed targets by allocating almost 40% of the spending to climate measures and 26% to digital transition. This session will explore how companies and cities can benefit from the remaining funds available to help support Europe’s green and digital transition further. This session will also explore how private funds and other sources of finance are supporting technology companies and cities achieve their climate goals and support wider EU objectives.

–     What help is available to support companies and Public Administrations access EU funds to enable the  green transformation?

–     What is being done to mobilise finance to tackle climate change?

–     What private sources of investment are available to speed up the green and digital transition?

–     Who are the key drivers?

–     What other support is available to the next generation of entrepreneurs and technology companies?