The Brazilian Charter for Smart Cities is a democratic political document that expresses a public agenda for the digital transformation of cities. It was done collectively by people from various sectors of society. The objective is to help Brazil take a firm step towards better cities for people.
Launched in March 2019, The Charter formulation process included internal and external discussion and formulation stages. This collective effort lasted almost two years and made it possible to prepare a document that encompasses multiple views and consolidates:
- - A concept for smart cities in the Brazilian context.
- - Five guiding principles and six guiding directives.
- - Eight strategic goals and 163 action recommendations.
The Charter brings digital transformation into the urban environment and expands what is meant by smart cities. It is common to associate the term only with information and communication technologies, without making a connection with the concrete problems of Brazilian cities. It is also common to associate it with specific technological solutions to urban problems, which do not seek to solve the real historical causes of these problems.
The heart of the Charter is the Eight Strategic Goals and their 163 Recommendations. But one should avoid reading this section as a formula. We invite people and local institutions from various segments to adjust goals and recommendations according to the context of each municipality. Only concrete actions in cities will improve people’s living conditions.
The Eight Strategic Goals:
- 1. Integrate transformation into sustainable urban development policies, programs, and actions, respecting diversities and considering the inequalities present in Brazilian cities.
- 2. Provide equitable quality internet access for all people.
- 3. Establish data and technology governance systems, with transparency, security, and privacy.
- 4. Adopt innovative and inclusive models of urban governance and strengthen the role of public authorities as managers of the impacts of digital transformation in cities.
- 5. Foster local economic development in the context of digital transformation.
- 6. Stimulate sustainable urban development financing models and instruments in the context of digital transformation.
- 7. Foster a massive and innovative movement in public education and communication for greater engagement of society in the process of digital transformation and sustainable urban development
- 8. Build up means to understand and evaluate, continuously and systematically, the impacts of digital transformation in cities.
Click here to access the short version of the Brazilian Charter for Smart Cities.
Click here to access the e-book.
