IEEE Smart Cities Futures Summit 2024

Program

11:00 am –
11:15 am
Keynote Speech

Smart Cities as Drivers of Sustainable Development in Africa

H.E. Dr. Edward A. Christow

UNDP Resident Representative in Morocco

11:15 am –
11:30 am
Keynote Speech

Opening Speech

Dr. Antonio Luque

Associate Professor, University of Seville, Spain | IEEE R8 Past Director

11:30 am –
11:45 am
Keynote Speech

Opening Speech

Dr. Mohamed Essaaidi

General Co-Chair of IEEE SCFS

11:45 am –
12:45 pm

Networking Break

11:45 am –
12:10 pm
Keynote Speech

Decoding Brahmam

Mr. Sampath Kumar Veeraraghavan

President, Brahmam Innovations

12:10 pm –
12:45 pm
Panel Discussion

Delivering Transformational Global Social Innovation Programs Using Emerging Technologies

The audience will learn how Brahmam is building a strong global network of social innovators and empowering them to deliver impactful innovations to benefit their local communities. This session will also present ongoing global efforts, our success stories, experiences of global partners, and share insights for future collaborations. We will be announcing the Brahmam next-generation social innovation programs focused on Africa and Middle Eastern regions at Gitex Africa.

Dr. Abdelilah Kadili

President, Tamkine Foundation, Morocco

Dr. Mohammed El Kayyali

President, USA, International Federation of Global and Green Information Communication Technology (IFGICT)

Eng. Mohamed Aboud

VP for Membership Development and Marketing, IEEE TEMS

Dr. Mohamed Essaaidi

Global Chair, IEEE SIGHT | EMSI, Morocco

Mr. Sampath Kumar Veeraraghavan

President, Brahmam Innovations

12:45 pm –
02:45 pm
Technical Session

Technical Session #1

Session Chairs:

Dr. Mohamed Bakhouya

Professor, International University of Rabat, Morocco

Dr. Sultan Al Sultan

CEO, Environmental Center Of Remote Sensing, Ryiadh, KS

12:45 – 01:05 :

SCF-01 The Smart-City Caravan: Living Labs on the Go, Leaving No One Behind

Mahir Chekkouri (UNDP, Morocco); Antonio J. Jara (Research and Development Department Libelium Murcia, Spain)

01:05 – 01:25 :

SCF-02 – Smart Districts as Key Elements of Livable and Sustainable Smart Cities

Alexander Viehl, Jana Deckers, Fabian Kern and Anna Soßdorf (FZI Research Center for Information Technology, Germany); Benjamin Zeilfelder (FZI Forschungszentrum Informatik, Germany); Ömer Şahin Taş (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) & FZI Research Center for Information Technology, Germany); Rüdiger Dillmann (Forschungszentrum Informatik, Germany)

01:25 – 01:45 :

SCF-03 – The Integration of Two Smarts in the Era of Industry 4.0: Smart Factory and Smart City

Mutaz Ryalat, Mohammad Almohammadi and Natheer Almtireen (German Jordanian University, Jordan); Hisham Elmoaqet (Germam Jordanian University, Jordan)

01:45 – 02:05 :

SCF-04 – Optimal Planning for On-Route Charging of Battery Electric Buses in Public Transit Networks

Ehsan Sobhani, Abdulsalam Yassine and Amir Ameli (Lakehead University, Canada); Shahin Riahinia (Sharif University, Iran)

02:05 – 02:25 :

SCF-05 – ChirpPark: A Smart and Sustainable Parking System Protocol for Smart Cities and Multi-Agent Vehicles

Giovanni Campo, Fabrizio Cipria, Miriana Russo, Corrado Santoro and Federico Fausto Santoro (University of Catania, Italy)

02:25 – 02:45 :

SCF-06 – CyberSecurity Resilience Act (CRA) in Practice for IoT Devices: Getting Ready for the NIS2

Antonio J. Jara (Research and Development Department Libelium Murcia, Spain), Iris Cuevas Martinez (Libelium Lab, Spain), Jaime Sanchez Sanchez (Libelium Lab, Spain)
 
02:45 pm –
04:45 pm
Technical Session

Technical Session #2 – Virtual

Session Chairs:

Dr. Mohamed Bakhouya

Professor, International University of Rabat, Morocco

Dr. Sultan Al Sultan

CEO, Environmental Center Of Remote Sensing, Ryiadh, KS

02:45 – 03:05 :

SCF-07 – Optimization of the Performance of the Alibori Medium Voltage Electricity Network (Benin) Through Preventive Maintenance of the Power System

Cossi Télesphore Nounangnonhou and Arouna Olouladé (University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin); Maurel Richy Azagnandji (National University of Agriculture, Benin); Lamidi Taohidi Alamou (EPAC-UAC, Benin); Guy Clarence Sêmassou (University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin); François Xavier Nicolas Fifatin (01 BP 4844 Cotonou & Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Benin)

03:05 – 03:25 :

SCF-08 – MobiAlert: A Data-Driven Embedded System Approach to Enhance Safety for Cyclists

José Miguel Ferreira (University of Porto & FEUP University, Portugal); João Carlos N Bittencourt (University of Porto, Portugal & Federal University of Recôncavo Da Bahia, Brazil); Daniel G. Costa (University of Porto, Portugal)

03:25 – 03:45 :

SCF-09 – An Experimental Hybrid Modelling Approach in Urban Energy Optimization: A Case Study in South Italy

Amro Issam Hamed Attia Ramadan (University of Salento & Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, Italy); Sujit Kumar Sikder and Martin Behnisch (Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, Germany); Antonio Leone and Antonella Longo (University of Salento, Italy)

03:45 – 04:05 :

SCF-10 – Smart Cities for Equitable Societies: Promoting Digital Equality, Trust, and Ethical Governance

João Carlos N Bittencourt (University of Porto, Portugal & Federal University of Recôncavo Da Bahia, Brazil); Daniel G. Costa, Paulo Portugal and Francisco Vasques (University of Porto, Portugal)
 
04:45 pm –
04:55 pm
Poaster Session

Poster Session – Virtual

Session Chairs:

Dr. Mohamed Bakhouya

Professor, International University of Rabat, Morocco

Dr. Sultan Al Sultan

CEO, Environmental Center Of Remote Sensing, Ryiadh, KS

04:15 – 04:25 :

SCF-11 – Integration of Advanced Filtration and Conversion Technologies for Air Quality Improvement in Smart Cities

Shahd Ahmed (Sohag STEM School, Egypt)”Shahd Ahmed (Sohag STEM School, Egypt)
 
10:00 am –
10:30 am
Keynote Speech

The New Internet based on IPv6 empowering Smart Cities with Emerging Technologies

The IPv6 Deployment worldwide is becoming a reality now with some countries achieving more than 60% user penetration with France (75%), Belgium (65%), USA (50%) and India (68%) at the top ranking (http://6lab.cisco.com/stats/) and reaching double digits v6 coverage on Google IPv6 stats. May Autonomous Networks (ASN) reach more than 90% with v6 preferred or v6 capable:

(http://labs.apnic.net/ipv6-measurement/Economies/US/). Over 2.5 Billion users are accessing Internet over IPv6 and probably not even knowing it. If this trend continues, we should achieve 90% by 2025 which would be the inflection point when the full roll-out of IPv6 becomes a strategic plumbing decision of the networks to move to IPv6-Only and start sunsetting IPv4 from the Internet. The US Government has already set some dates to move to IPv6-Only by 2025.

New topics are more on the lime light such as 5G/6G, Web3, Cloud Computing, Internet of Things, AI, Blockchain. However, these fields are taking IP networking for granted designing them on IPv4/NAT building non-scalable and non-end to end solutions:

Web3: Web3, also known as the decentralized web, is an evolving concept that aims to reshape the internet by incorporating decentralized technologies, such as blockchain and peer-to-peer networks. Unlike the traditional web (Web2), Web3 focuses on giving users more control over their data, eliminating intermediaries, and enabling direct peer-to-peer interactions. It empowers individuals and promotes a more open and transparent online ecosystem.

IPv6 based 5G/6G: By leveraging IPv6, these next-generation networks enable faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity to support the growing number of connected devices and emerging technologies.

Cloud Computing: IPv6-based cloud computing offers a larger address space, enables direct communication between cloud resources, simplifies auto-configuration, enhances security, promotes interoperability, and provides future-proofing capabilities. By leveraging IPv6, organizations can build scalable and secure cloud infrastructures that meet the growing demands of modern applications and services in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Internet of Things (IoT): IPv6 is essential for the expansion of IoT by offering a larger address space, scalability, simplified configuration, enhanced security, improved QoS, and future-proofing. Its adoption and integration with IoT networks enable the seamless connection, communication, and management of a massive number of IoT devices, facilitating the growth and potential of the IoT ecosystem.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): the direct relationship between AI and IPv6 is primarily related to networking and infrastructure considerations. AI itself focuses on the development of algorithms, models, and techniques to process data and perform intelligent tasks. However, the adoption of IPv6 can provide the necessary foundation and scalability to support the growth and integration of AI technologies within the broader digital ecosystem.

Blockchain: By incorporating IPv6 addresses into a blockchain network, several advantages can be achieved: Enhanced scalability: IPv6 provides a significantly larger address space compared to IPv4, allowing for a higher number of nodes in the network. This scalability can facilitate the growth and expansion of the blockchain network. Improved connectivity: IPv6 offers better connectivity options, especially for devices that are part of the Internet of Things (IoT). With the increasing number of IoT devices expected to connect to blockchain networks, IPv6 can ensure seamless communication and integration. Address exhaustion prevention: IPv4 addresses have been running out due to the explosive growth of the internet. IPv6, with its vast address space, helps mitigate the issue of address exhaustion, ensuring that the blockchain network can continue to operate without running out of unique IP addresses. Simplified network configuration: IPv6 simplifies network configuration processes by eliminating the need for techniques like Network Address Translation (NAT). This simplification can contribute to easier deployment and management of blockchain nodes.

The IPv6 Forum is driving new initiatives to garner support and create awareness in these areas: www.ipv6forum.org.

Dr. Latif Ladid

Founder and President, IPv6 Forum 

11:00 am –
11:45 am
Panel Discussion

Emerging Technologies Transforming African Cities

This panel will delve into the dynamic landscape of technological innovation and its impact on urban development across the African continent. As cities in Africa experience rapid population growth, urbanization, and economic expansion, the adoption of emerging technologies presents unprecedented opportunities to address complex challenges and unlock new pathways for sustainable growth and development.
11:45 am-
02:05 pm
Technical Session

Technical Session #3
Session Chair:

11:45 – 12:05 :

SCF-12 – Smart City Connectivity: Integrating LEO Satellites With 5G/6G for IoT and PV Monitoring

Ali Bostani (American University of Kuwait & Microwavesoft, Canada); Amir Baniamerian (Concordia University, Canada); Ashraf A Zaher (German International University, Egypt); Mohammad Alshammari (MicrowaveSoft, Kuwait)

12:05 – 12:25 :

SCF-13 – Optimal Planning for Off-Service Charging of Electric Public Transit Networks

Ehsan Sobhani, Abdulsalam Yassine and Amir Ameli (Lakehead University, Canada); Shahin Riahinia (Sharif University, Iran)

12:25 – 12:45 :

SCF-14 – Potential of Indoor Farming for Urban Consumers in the Philippines

Geraurd Josh M. Angeles (Philippines); Veronica Anne N. Buenaventura, Diony Jhen Y Oguing, Lead A Canada and Marianito P Gallego, Jr. (Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Philippines)

12:45 – 01:05 :

SCF-15 – 6G IoT: A Vision for AI-Enabled Sustainable Data Processing and Visualization in Mixed Reality

Ghazanfar Latif (Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia)

12:45 – 01:05 :

SCF-16 – Addressing Challenges and Opportunities in Data Sharing for the Common Good: The Case of Europe’s First Data Altruism Organisation

Vladimir Estivill and Manuel Portela (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain); Giovanni Maccani (Ideas for Change, Spain)

01:05 – 01:25 :

SCF-17 – Earth Observation Satellite Data-Based Service Supporting City Heat Mitigation Actions

Guy Perez (OHB France & OHB SE, France); Anita Bayer, Marco Spagnolli and Stephan Holsten (OHB System, Germany)

01:25 – 01:45 :

SCF-18 – Arabic Offense Text Detection in Social Networks Using Collaborative Machine Learning

Maria Alabdulrahman (Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia); Lara Bander Alotaibi (Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad University, Saudi Arabia); Ghazanfar Latif (Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia); Jaafar Alghazo (University of North Dakota, USA); Ahmed Abul Hasanaath (Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia)”
 
02:05 pm-
02:15 pm
Pitching Competition

Africa IoT & AI Challenge – Final Pitching

Africa IoT & AI Challenge – Final Pitching
 
10:00 am –
11:00 am
Panel Discussion

Fostering Cybersecurity Innovation: Challenges and Strategies for Local Product Development in Africa

This panel will explore the unique challenges and opportunities associated with cybersecurity innovation in Africa. Experts from the field will discuss strategies for overcoming barriers to local product development, such as limited resources, regulatory hurdles, and skills shortages. The panel will also highlight successful case studies and best practices, providing valuable insights into how local innovators can develop and deploy effective cybersecurity solutions to address the continent’s growing digital security needs. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the critical factors driving cybersecurity advancements in Africa and how to foster a more resilient and innovative cybersecurity ecosystem.
 

Dr. Ahmed Abdelhafez

Vice President, Cybersecurity Affairs, National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority NTRA, Egypt

Dr. Robyn Virginia Remke

Director of Higher Education, Templar Executives, UK

Panel Moderator: Eng. Ahmed Sedky

Managing Partner, Significa Ventures, Egypt

11:00 am –
12:00 pm
Panel Discussion

Sustainable Urban Mobility: Innovations in Transportation for Smart Cities

As urban populations continue to grow, the demand for efficient and sustainable transportation solutions becomes increasingly critical. The panel discussion on “Sustainable Urban Mobility: Innovations in Transportation for Smart Cities” will explore the latest trends, technologies, and strategies reshaping the future of urban transportation within the context of smart cities.

Dr. Mohamed Essaaidi

Global Chair, IEEE SIGHT | EMSI, Morocco

Mr. Hichem Turki

CEO, Novation City, Tunisia

Mr. Ahmed Abo Elmagd

Project Manager, Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship Company

Panel Moderator: Ms. Majda Bajji

Account Enrollment Lead

12:00 pm –
01:00 pm
Panel Discussion

Resilient Infrastructure: Building Robust Systems for Future Cities

This panel will discuss the critical importance of resilient infrastructure in the face of evolving urban challenges and climate uncertainties. As cities worldwide confront the impacts of climate change, rapid urbanization, and aging infrastructure, the need to build and maintain resilient systems becomes increasingly imperative. During this session, industry leaders, policymakers, and experts will convene to explore innovative approaches and best practices for designing, implementing, and maintaining resilient infrastructure solutions that can withstand and adapt to a wide range of disruptive events, including extreme weather events, natural disasters, and technological disruptions.

Dr. Fadel Daigham

National Telecom Regulatory Authority of Egypt (NTRA), Egypt | Chair of “Digital Transformation “ Study Group, Development Sector, ITU

Dr. Adel Smeda

Professor, Expert in Sciences and Technology, ICESCO, Morocco

Dr. Iris Cuevas Martinez

Head of Laboratory, Libelium Lab, Spain

Eng. Omar Agodim

Head of Experimentation, UNDP Morocco Accelerator Lab

Panel Moderator: Dr. Antonio J. Jara

General Manager Smart Cities, Libelium, Spain

01:00 am –
01:25 pm
Keynote Speech

Delivering high-impactful IEEE Humanitarian Technology Programs through Partnership

Mr. Sampath Kumar Veeraraghavan

Global President, 2023 IEEE Eta Kappa Nu | 2023 IEEE HTB Partnership Chair

01:00 pm –
01:30 pm

Coffee break with networking

01:30 pm –
02:15 pm
Keynote Speech

Smart Energy Solutions: Advancing Sustainable Power Systems IoT and Predictive Analytics Perspectives

Dr. Mohamed Bakhouya

Professor, International University of Rabat, Morocco

02:15 pm –
03:15 pm
Panel Discussion

Citizen Engagement and Participation: Smart City Governance

The topic of “Citizen Engagement and Participation: Smart City Governance” delves into the fundamental role of citizens in shaping the governance and development of smart cities. As urban landscapes evolve with technological advancements, the emphasis on citizen involvement becomes paramount. This panel explores strategies, tools, and initiatives aimed at fostering meaningful engagement between residents, government bodies, and other stakeholders in the smart city ecosystem. From participatory decision-making processes to leveraging digital platforms for feedback and collaboration, the discussion delves into how smart city governance can be inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of its citizens. Join us as we explore the transformative potential of citizen engagement in driving the evolution of smarter, more sustainable cities.

Dr. Eesa M. Al Bastaki

President, University of Dubai, UAE

Dr. Ilhem Kallel

Professor, University of Sfax, Tunisia

Dr. Vincent kaabunga

CEO, Marketplace Technologies, Uganda

Panel Moderator: Mr. Fahd Maatoug

Career Consultant, Ecole Marocaine des Sciences de l’ingénieur, Morocco

03:15 pm –
04:15 pm
Panel Discussion

Data-driven Decision Making: Leveraging Big Data for Urban Planning

In an era where data reigns supreme, urban planners are increasingly turning to big data to inform their decision-making processes. This panel delves into the transformative power of data-driven approaches in shaping urban landscapes. From traffic patterns and infrastructure development to demographic trends and environmental impacts, the utilization of big data opens up new vistas of understanding and possibility. Experts from diverse backgrounds will share insights on harnessing the wealth of information provided by big data to optimize urban planning strategies, foster sustainable development, and enhance quality of life for inhabitants. Join us as we explore the intersection of data science and urban planning, charting a course towards smarter, more resilient cities of the future.

Dr. Habib Kammoun

IEEE Africa and Middle East zone Representative | Head of Computer Science Dept, University of Sfax, Tunisia

Dr. Houda Chakiri

Assistant Professor, Al Akhawayn University, Morocco

Dr. Sultan Al Sultan

CEO, Environmental Center Of Remote Sensing, Ryiadh, KSA

Panel Moderator: Mr. Karim Kharrat

CEO & Chairman, Be Wireless Solutions, Tunisia

04:15 pm –
04:45 pm

Closing Ceremony