KEY stakeholders came together on October 4 in New Clark City with the aim of establishing partnerships and new forms of cooperation to develop advanced urban areas in the Philippines with the launch of “Philippines-Sweden Smart City Collaboration,” cohosted by the Embassy of Sweden in Manila and Business Sweden.

IN PHOTOS: DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade delivered a message at the Philippines-Sweden Smart CIty Collaboration in Clark (04 October 2018)#DOTrPH ??#BUILDBUILDBUILDhttps://t.co/blnDC3yGkr pic.twitter.com/nuSWDnSodY — DOTrPH ?? (@DOTrPH) October 4, 2018

Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade inspired the audience about the importance of increasing mobility and connectivity to ensure future growth and sustainable development.

Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines Harald Fries highlighted the importance of collaboration and continuity, then stated that progress could not be achieved through one-time events.

In all, almost 150 participants gathered to listen to speakers from a number of Swedish companies. Several representatives of the Philippine government were also present and shared their visions and plans for a number of upcoming large infrastructure projects.

A recurring theme throughout the day was that of “quality of life.” Putting citizens at the center, it was emphasized by many of the speakers that an urban environment that is clean, safe and efficient has enormous benefits, both economic- and health-related, for people living in the cities.

To achieve sustainable progress in these areas, more efforts are to be made to find innovative solutions, as well as learn from best practices.

Three different breakout sessions were organized to explore possible ways forward, as ABB headed a session on energy. Volvo and Sweco focused on urban mobility, while Axis Communications shared experiences from working to improve public safety in metropolitan cities.

As the Philippine government makes a big push for infrastructure building, as well as developing world-class smart cities, and with Swedish companies at the global forefront of sustainability, the embassy is upbeat about the future of this Philippine-Swedish collaboration.

It also said that more Swedish companies are beginning to discover opportunities in the Philippines, as the latter has shown a genuine willingness to work with foreign companies to improve the urban situation around the archipelago.