Authors:
Abhay Kumar, Vidushi Dwivedi, Munira Mahmud, Oluwatosin Owolabi Lajuwomi, Kashak Soni, Sayma Akter Santa, Kashak Soni
ABSTRACT
Urbanisation is no longer a choice but a condition of the 21st century. With over half the world’s
population now living in cities—and much of that growth concentrated in the Global South—
the question is not whether cities will expand, but whether they will do so equitably,
sustainably, and humanely. This research reimagines cities as not just engines of economic
growth but as ecosystems of care, coexistence, and collective well-being. Against the backdrop
of infrastructural decay, informal settlements, and deepening inequalities, this paper proposes
a reframing of “smart cities”—not as technologically saturated spaces but as inclusive,
adaptive, and just habitats that respond to the needs of all, not just the privileged few.
Drawing on the metaphor of legacy cities as outdated cars, the paper calls for a deep structural
overhaul rather than superficial digital upgrades. Smartness, it argues, must be infused with
empathy, equity, and sustainability. Case studies from India, Colombia, Kenya, Austria, and
South Africa illustrate how data-driven technologies and nature-based solutions can transform
access to basic services such as water, transport, safety, and sanitation—particularly in
marginalised urban zones.
At the core is the proposed 3A Framework: infrastructure must be Adaptive to climate and
systemic shocks, Accessible to historically excluded communities, and Agile enough to evolve
with dynamic urban needs. The study critiques how dominant urban models marginalise the
lived experiences of women, LGBTQIA+ persons, migrants, and non-human species by
prioritising top-down, technocratic planning.
Gender-inclusive planning, the integration of mental health and psychosocial support
(MHPSS), and recognition of animal life as part of urban ecosystems emerge as critical pillars
of inclusive smart cities. From Pune’s trans-inclusive toilets to Nairobi’s digital literacy for
LGBTQIA+ youth and Jaipur’s humane animal control programs, the study documents how
cities can be reimagined as sites of belonging and dignity.
The research also calls for transforming urban governance into a co-governed, multi-actor
process that breaks down institutional silos and embeds ethics in planning. Ultimately, it
presents a blueprint for building cities in the Global South that are not only digitally enabled,
but emotionally, socially, and ecologically intelligent. It asks: What if smart cities were not just
about better tools—but better values?
