This paper does not address all possible challenges such as equity, performance and effectiveness, and design of cities. Instead it focuses on a few critical issues which have an impact on the livability and sustainability of cities.

This paper focuses strongly on the need for a commitment to engagement and building better systems and networks. We need to see the changes that we need to make in how we plan and manage our cities as a public imperative. It is an imperative that requires a network of stakeholders to contribute to the success of the whole, coordinated by city authorities or a cluster of local leaders with a mandate to encourage change.

The paper is informed by a thirty-year journey focused on the development of smart and intelligent communities, and on practices to attract industry, tourism, and develop social projects.

Some key questions we may ask ourselves:

• What policies can ensure that the economic and social benefits of urbanization help the broadest segment of the population?
• How can we manage land, housing, telecommunication, energy, water, air quality, and transportation to become sustainable and contribute to quality of life?
• How can we increase engagement from all demographic segments, cultures, and organisations?
• A sober reality is the pace of change that we must confront: How can we get up and running fast enough?