Showing posts with label Press Releases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Press Releases. Show all posts

Friday, 26 July 2019

Government of Canada and WCCD launch Data for Canadian Cities Pilot Project

   
For Immediate Release
July 26, 2019
Toronto, Canada

 Today, speaking at the World Council on City Data (WCCD) offices in Toronto, Member of the Canadian Parliament Adam Vaughan announced the “Data for Canadian Cities Pilot Project.” Alongside WCCD President & CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney, Mr. Vaughan detailed how this new, three-year initiative will support the WCCD to work with fifteen municipalities across Canada.

“It’s a pleasure to be here on behalf of Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne,” stated Mr. Vaughan. “Today, we mark another important step in giving communities across the country the tools they need to build a better Canada. The Data for Canadian Cities Pilot Project will enable the WCCD to work with 15 municipalities across Canada to help collect a globally standardized data set that measures the quality of life and delivery of city services at the municipal level. ”
Adam Vaughan MP, and Patricia McCarney, WCCD President & CEO at the launch of the Data for Canadian Cities Pilot Project. 
“While the WCCD is a truly global organization, our roots are here in Canada. It is our hope that this Initiative will benefit Canadians across the country, and also serve as a global demonstration of Canada’s commitment to data-driven, evidence-based, decision making,” said Dr. McCarney. “Working with Canadian municipalities, and all levels of government across Canada – the WCCD will continue to work nationally – and globally – to help create the smart, sustainable, resilient, prosperous and inclusive cities and communities of the future. We look forward to working with Minister Champagne, the Government of Canada and municipalities across the country.”

 The WCCD is already working with 100 cities across 38 countries, including fifteen Canadian cities. This new cohort of 15 cities will join a group of cities across the country who have embraced ISO 37120 – the first international standard on city data - and have been essential in building this high calibre, globally comparable and independently verified city-level data. This Initiative with the Department of Infrastructure and Communities - and the doubling of the number of Canadian cities within the WCCD global network - showcases Canada as leading globally in demonstrating an unparalleled dedication to building a culture of data and making Canadian cities and communities even more robust, liveable and prosperous.

 For more information, please contact:


James Patava
Vice President
World Council on City Data
416-966-2368
james.patava@globalcities.ca

Friday, 19 July 2019

WCCD & OECD Launch New Partnership in New York - Supporting Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Cities Worldwide

   

July 19, 2019
New York, New York

On July 18th, at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations, the WCCD President and CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney, and the OECD Deputy Secretary-General, Mr. Masamichi Kono launched a new partnership between the two organizations. The event was hosted by Ambassador Louise Blais, Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations with special responsibility for Agenda 2030 and Development.

From L to R: Ms. Catherine Adam, Senior ADM, Employment and Social Development Canada, Head of Canadian Delegation; Dr. Patricia McCarney, WCCD President &CEO; Mr. Masamichi Kono, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD

This WCCD-OECD partnership is born out of a shared recognition of the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but moreover, a very critical recognition of the need to effectively localize the Goals if the targets are to be achieved by 2030.  The success of each of the 17 SDGs rests with cities and regions where these goals and targets are truly being operationalized. City leaders, city planners, city designers, developers, city budget chiefs, mayors and citizens alike are on the front line of sustainability agendas and are operationalizing these goals “on the street” each and every day. Cities are leading – both in localizing the goals and in operationalizing them.

According to Mr. Kono: “Partnerships are key to deliver on the SDGs. This is particularly important for measuring progress, where several institutions are already working and developing indicators for SDGs. This is why we decided to join forces with the World Council on City Data, to better support cities - in OECD countries and beyond – to monitor progress on SDGs, to use data as a tool for policy dialogue and, ultimately, to improve their policies.”

The central need for high calibre and globally comparable data to measure progress on the SDGs and drive informed investment and policy to ensure the 2030 Agenda is within reach is a shared vision of the WCCD and OECD and a core value in this new partnership announced today in New York.  City and regional-level data to drive this progress is the starting point for the concrete next steps for which the partners are planning. With just ten years to reach the SDG targets, partnerships like this one, designed to support localizing and operationalizing the SDGs in cities, are vital to success.  

“From SDG localization, to driving public and private investment in cities worldwide, the WCCD-OECD partnership is truly a win-win,” stated Dr. McCarney. “ While our partnership initially focuses on the 2030 Agenda to localize and operationalize the SDGs in city halls across the world, it is even more ambitious. This WCCD-OECD partnership will be based on the centrality and importance of high-calibre, globally comparable and harmonised city-level data to support smart, sustainable and resilient city development worldwide.” 


From L to R: Ms. Catherine Adam, Senior ADM, Employment and Social Development Canada, Head of Canadian Delegation; Dr. Patricia McCarney, WCCD President &CEO; Ambassador Louise Blais, Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations with special responsibility for Agenda 2030 and Development

The WCCD-OECD partnership event also served as an opportunity to launch the City of Los Angeles’ “Voluntary Local Review.” Since 2014, the WCCD has been proud to count the City of Los Angeles as a  Foundation City of the WCCD  Earlier in 2018, the WCCD released it’s publication: “WCCD City Data for the Sustainable Development Goals 2018” with LA Deputy Mayor Miguel Sangalang. Los Angeles is a city that has truly embraced a culture of data and achieved the highest level of the WCCD ISO 37120 Cerficiation – Platinum and continues to embrace data as an essential element in its leadership.

For more information:

Please contact

James Patava
James.patava@globalcities.ca

Thursday, 27 June 2019

WCCD officially welcomes first Icelandic ISO 37120 certified city

   
While in Iceland for meetings with representatives of both local governments and national stakeholders, the World Council on City Data (WCCD) President and CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney, officially welcomed the Icelandic city of Kópavogur to the WCCD’s growing global network. Kópavogur is the first city in Iceland to become ISO 37120 certified, and the City achieved this certification at the highest possible, Platinum, level by reporting 97 of the 100 indicators within the Standard. 
Mayor of Kópavogur, Ármann Ólafsson and WCCD President & CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney
Credit: Kópavogur City

Speaking at the certification ceremony at the Kópavogur Art Museum, Dr. McCarney presented the City’s WCCD ISO 37120 Platinum Certification to Mayor Ármann Ólafsson.  “On behalf of the WCCD, I would like to congratulate Mayor Ólafsson, City Council and city staff for their dedication to open, standardized and comparable city data. This standardized data will help to increase the quality of life for all citizens while driving evidence-based decision making and data-driven solutions,” stated Dr. McCarney.  “The City of Kópavogur stands out globally as a leader in working to create a more smart, sustainable, resilient, inclusive and prosperous future for its residents.” 

 According to Mayor Ólafsson: “Kópavogur is extremely proud to be a part of the WCCD global network, alongside cities committed to working with high calibre data. In recent years, Kópavogur has worked to systematically improve the measurement of the City‘s operations. Monitoring the results of our city’s policies and objectives will lead to improved transparency and effective processes.”

 Kópavogur is using key ISO 37120 indicators to benchmark and monitor the City’s performance on the global stage, in addition to its year-over-year progress against internal goals. Data reported by the City in accordance with ISO 37120 will also be useful for measuring Kópavogur’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals – a key priority for the City. (Read More: WCCD City Data for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – Kópavogur 2019). 

 While setting a global example in the high calibre of its data, Kópavogur specifically excels on a number of ISO 37120 indicators. For example, 100% of the city‘s total energy is derived from renewable sources such as hydroelectric power and geothermal energy. Additionally, Kópavogur is at the forefront of economic development and prosperity by supporting employment within the city, evident in their low unemployment rate of 2.16%. The City has also committed to becoming one of the WCCD‘s “Early Adopters“ of ISO 37122 – Indicators for Smart Cities. 

 As a global leader in standardized data, the WCCD hosts a network of cities around the world who are committed to high-calibre data. The WCCD is now working with 100 cities across 38 countries. In addition to certifying cities against ISO 37120 – the first international standard for city indicators – the WCCD is inviting cities from around the world to become certified under ISO 37122 (Indicators for Smart Cities) and ISO 37123 (Indicators for Resilient Cities). For more information, please visit www.dataforcities.org, or contact info@dataforcities.org 

Wednesday, 12 December 2018

WCCD certifies the Canadian City of Mississauga at the WCCD ISO 37120 Platinum Level

   
For Immediate Release
December 12, 2018

This morning, the WCCD President and CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney, addressed Mississauga City Council and Mayor Bonnie Crombie, congratulating them on their WCCD ISO 37120 Platinum Certification. Joining a group of over 60 data-driven cities from around the world, Mississauga also joins a rapidly growing group of ISO 37120 certified cities in Canada.

 (Read more: Mississauga Joins Global Network of Data-Driven Cities - City of Mississauga Press Release)

(L to R): Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner Planning & Building; Harold Dremin, Manager, Business Investment and Sector Development; Janice Baker, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer; Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie; Dr. Patricia McCarney, WCCD President & Chief Executive Officer; Gary Kent, Commissioner, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer; Robin Uba, Manager, Corporate Performance & Innovation; Steve Czajka, Manager, Data & Visualization Studio; and Louise Donnelly, Researcher.
“On behalf of the World Council on City Data, it is a pleasure to welcome Mississauga to our global network of data-driven cities,” stated WCCD President & CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney. “Under the leadership of Mayor Crombie, and through the efforts of her team, Mississauga is now WCCD ISO 37120 certified at the highest, Platinum level, joining a group of cities that include London, Dubai, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Quebec City, Surrey and Toronto, amongst others. Harnessing this high calibre, globally standardised and independently verified city data will help to continue to showcase Mississauga locally, nationally and globally as an innovative and attractive city.” 

 “As a data-driven municipality, we’re focused on the importance of transparency and innovation to drive our city forward,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Being awarded this international, platinum-level certification reflects our ongoing commitment to becoming a smart, resilient and sustainable city.
Mississauga excels globally on numerous ISO 37120 indicators, for example, 11,790 Businesses per 100,000 Population and a Council made up of 50% women. Mississauga now joins the ranks of other data-driven Canadian cities by harnessing WCCD ISO 37120 certification to stimulate investment and innovation while further showcasing Mississauga’s competitive position on the global stage.
“Mississauga is now part of an international standard,” said Janice Baker, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. “Not only does it show how we are doing compared to other cities, but also serves as a benchmark in our planning process. It is important for us to be able to learn from other cities as we continue to build a world-class city.”

WCCD ISO 37120 certification comprises 100 indicators around 17 themes on city sustainability and quality of life. Cities are certified based on the recommendation of an independent third-party verifier who reviews the city data; ensuring conformity with the definition and methodologies of ISO 37120.

The WCCD is the global leader in standardised city data that helps to create smart, sustainable, resilient and prosperous cities. Mississauga’s membership in the WCCD gives the City the opportunity to compare best practices with other cities and actively participate in a worldwide organisation that uses standardised metrics to find innovative solutions to shared challenges. Mississauga’s ISO 37120 data is now viewable on the WCCD Open City Data Portal (accessible through www.dataforcities.org) which allows for local, national and international comparisons.

For more information, please contact:

James Patava
James.patava@globalcities.ca
+14169662368

Wednesday, 25 April 2018

WCCD partners with i-Valley to create world's first Smart+Sustainable Rural Region

   
                                                                                                 
For Immediate Release
April 25, 2018 
                                                                              

 Mayors Gather in Roundtable with VIP Guest as Global 

First Beckons for Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

The mayors in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada are gathering on April 30th to discuss the Valley’s certification as the world’s first ‘Sustainable and Smart’ rural region.  Dr. Patricia McCarney, President of the World Council on City Data (WCCD), is travelling from Toronto for the Executive Roundtable.  The WCCD certifies communities under ISO 37120, the first international standard for sustainable and smart communities.

The Executive Roundtable will focus on demonstrating the Region’s attractiveness for investment, through the use of standardized, community-level data in making communities prosperous, sustainable, resilient, smart and inclusive. “This initiative will help to create smarter, more sustainable, prosperous and inclusive communities,” said i-Valley President Terry Dalton.  “We will be compared to the most progressive global communities, through high-calibre, standardized and independently verified data.  This will be immensely attractive for global investors.”

“This mutual inquiry by our Valley Partners is an opportunity to inform our process and guide our future partnerships and collaborations,” said Peter Muttart, Mayor of the hosting Municipality of Kings.  “It crosses our artificial municipal boundaries and takes in the common needs and concerns of all of the citizens of the Valley.  We may well determine that positioning ourselves as being favourably, globally comparable through standardized ISO measurement, opens doors for other levels of government to partner with us, as well as enhancing and telegraphing our competitive position in the broadband-internet field – not just for our current citizens and businesses - but to future investors from all regions of the world.

“Globally comparable data is the starting points for smart and sustainable communities,” stated Dr. McCarney. “The WCCD believes that building a culture of data and having globally comparable, standardized city data enables communities to learn from each other and drive forward more prosperous communities. Standardized, globally comparable and independently verified community data is key to building the case for investment attractiveness. Gone are the days when companies were solely interested in tax and other incentives that communities were willing to offer. They increasingly want to know about air quality, the safety of citizens, and educational attainment in the community. ISO 37120 provides all of these measures in both a local and global comparative context.”

The Valley Regional Enterprise Network (Valley REN) has supported the project from the start.  Deborah Dennis, the newly-appointed CEO of the Valley REN explained, “We need to bring both rural and urban dwellers up to the best of global communications capabilities.  That is why we support the Smart Region initiative.”  Ms. Dennis, who is delivering the closing remarks at the Roundtable, added that “Data that is being gathered across major themes like economy, finance and education, will help with municipal management.  It will allow for informed decision-making based on analysis of evidence-based information and will benchmark areas for improvement that will support collective growth.”

Danny Silver, Director of Acadia University’s Institute for Data Analytics, added that he was pleased to bring his organization’s strengths to bear as a partner in the project:  “Digital technologies and data analysis make meaning out of the unprecedented amount of information available to managers today.”

About i-Valley, WCCD, ISO 37120
i-Valley is a not-for-profit movement to create Smart Regions and Communities in the Annapolis Valley and elsewhere in Nova Scotia. Smart Communities mobilize citizens to achieve faster economic growth, better health care and greater sustainability, through the use of advanced enabling technologies.
The Toronto-based World Council on City Data (WCCD) is leading the international and local implementation of ISO 37120 Sustainable Development of Communities: Indicators for City Services and Quality of Life, the first international standard; created by cities, for cities. ISO 37120 defines a comprehensive set of 100 standardized indicators that enables any city, of any size, to assess their performance and measure progress over time and also draw comparative lessons from other communities and cities locally and globally.
WCCD ISO 37120 Certification has a number of significant benefits for municipalities including the opportunity to demonstrate, through high calibre, independently-verified and comparable data the attractiveness of a city as a location for investment. A rapidly growing number of cities in Canada and globally are seeking and achieving WCCD ISO 37120 certification. For more information, please visit www.dataforcities.org.

For further information please contact Barry Gander, Co-Founder, i-Valley:  Barry.Gander@i-valley.ca or
James Patava, Vice President – Public Affairs, WCCD: james.patava@globalcities.ca


Thursday, 20 July 2017

WCCD Announces the Launch of Local Data Hubs Around the World at the United Nations

   
Location of the first WCCD Local Data Hubs to be hosted in WCCD, ISO 37120 certified cities throughout the world. 
On Monday, July 17th, the WCCD was in New York at the United Nations, participating in Local2030 – Hubs for Sustainability Solutions. At this event, organised by the Executive Office of the UN Secretary General, the WCCD announced the establishment of eight, “Local Data Hubs” around the world to harness standardised, globally comparable, city data as essential to tackling global, national and local agendas.

The first WCCD Local Data Hubs include Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cambridge, Canada; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Haiphong, Vietnam; Johannesburg, South Africa; Los Angeles, California; Makati, Philippines and Minna, Nigeria. Representatives from both Buenos Aires and Cambridge were present at the United Nations in New York to announce the formation of Hubs in their respective cities.
Gary Dyke - Chief Administrative Officer, City of Cambridge, Canada (Centre) announces the establishment of the WCCD-Cambridge Local 2030 Data Hub, together with Carlos Colombo (Left) (Buenos Aires), and Stefan Schweinfest (Right), Director of the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD)
Carlos Colombo, Undersecretary of Planning for the City of Buenos Aires signs the MOU towards establishing the WCCD-Buenos Aires Local Data Hub with the WCCD President & CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney 
These Local Data Hubs will focus on real action and results through four critical objectives:

Showcasing Leadership. The Local Data Hubs will provide a platform to grow the network of data driven cities in the country and region.

Demonstrating Results. Through annual reporting of WCCD ISO 37120 Certified Data, the Local Data Hubs will directly demonstrate year over year progress towards local, national and global goals

Catalysing Action. The Local Data Hubs will use data to inform infrastructure investment, planning and decision making and track impacts over time.

Enabling City-to-City Learning. The Local Data Hubs will support city-to-city learning and ‘solutions transfer’ across metropolitan areas, countries and globally

According to Dr. Patricia McCarney, WCCD CEO and Director of the Global Cities Institute at the Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design at the University of Toronto: “At the WCCD, we firmly believe that the time has come to harness standardized, independently verified, local level data to help drive transformational change on key global agreements, while also working with our dedicated network of cities globally to drive local change. The incredible commitment of the WCCD cities that have stepped up to host these hubs will allow for cities, states and provinces, and national governments to gather the kind of data required to move the needle on key issues such as climate change, while also serving to drive infrastructure investment.

The announcement of the Local Data Hubs followed the release of a major report: “WCCD City Data for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals” at the United Nations on July 17th, demonstrating that cities around the world are the true determiners of a sustainable future for the planet. Framed by the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the report is a comprehensive overview of the first 50 cities already armed with globally standardised data and certified by the WCCD under ISO 37120. Through this report, these cities showcase their dedication to sustainability, and moreover the economic and social power of local governments as agents of change.
His Excellency Abdullah Al Shaibani (Centre Right): The announcement is a reflection of Dubai’s global leadership efforts in strengthening the role of cities.

Pictured Centre Left: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai - Pictured far right: Senator Art Eggleton, Chair, WCCD Global City Leaders Advisory Board.

 The host cities of the Local Data Hubs are already speaking to their local and global importance. His Excellency Abdulla Abdul Rahman Al Shaibani - Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, spoke to the importance of the initiative following the 2017 WCCD Global Cities Summit, that Dubai hosted in March 2017. “In March, Dubai hosted the Global Cities Summit in partnership with the WCCD, and with the participation of a number of global and regional leaders and experts, from over 50 cities across five different continents, culminating in the adoption of the 'Dubai Declaration 2017', which established a framework for city data as the universal language driving forward three critically important agendas for 2030, including a commitment to inclusive cities, smart nations and a sustainable planet." The Secretary General underlined the importance of the establishment of the WCCD-Dubai-Local Data Hub in supporting the UAE’s commitments to achieve the Sustainable Development Agenda by 2030.

Speaking at the United Nations, Carlos Colombo, Undersecretary of Planning for the City of Buenos Aires: “Establishing the Buenos Aires – WCCD Local Data Hub will help the City to share the expertise we have developed with all the municipalities in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, enabling us to work together on planning at the metropolitan level. Through WCCD ISO 37120 data we can also understand and demonstrate how Buenos Aires is supporting progress towards the SDGs.”

Also speaking at the Local2030 event, Gary Dyke, Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Cambridge, Canada added: “"We are proud to be a champion for the use of standardized metrics to track performance and find shared solutions. For the City of Cambridge, hosting a WCCD Local Data Hub is an opportunity to learn from what other cities are doing while highlighting our own experiences. Cambridge is a key partner in Ontario’s “Innovation Corridor”, and the establishment of a hub will also buoy sustainability and economic diversification in our region. The more we grow internally by reaching out beyond our borders, the stronger we get. But the stronger  we get, the cooperation with our neighboring cities is key — in Ontario and further afield — and I think that’s what the hub will generate.”


For more information on the WCCD, ISO 37120 certification, please visit www.dataforcities.org or Contact Us.


For more information, please contact:
+14169703544

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

“A more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future is in the hands of cities worldwide,” says WCCD President & CEO Patricia McCarney

   




July 17th, 2017
New York, New York 
United Nations Headquarters

On Monday, July 17th, at United Nations Headquarters, the World Council on City Data (WCCD) launched “WCCD City Data for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals”- an exhaustive,  500-page report that demonstrates that cities around the world are the true determiners of a sustainable future for the planet.

Framed by the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the report is a comprehensive overview of over 45 cities, their dedication to sustainability, and moreover the economic and social power of local governments as agents of transformational change.


“Cities represent more than 80 per cent of global GDP,” says WCCD President and CEO, Professor Patricia McCarney. “This WCCD results-driven tracking empowers cities to direct and leverage investment, a core success factor in operationalizing each target across all of the SDGs. It is cities and globally standardised city level data that present an unparalleled opportunity for successful implementation of the SDGs by 2030.” The more than 300 data graphs presented in this Report are the result of dedicated cities reporting data on 100 indicators to the WCCD, in conformity with ISO 37120, which is third party verified. ISO 37120 is the first international standard for city data built by cities committed to building a culture of data so that cities can converse, exchange lessons and innovations with other cities globally."

 Professor McCarney, who concurrently serves as Director of the Global Cities Institute at the University of Toronto, underlined that City Data for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals highlighted how high calibre city level data is already building in breadth and depth. “It has the power to support local investment, to drive local climate change policy, and of course, to support the SDGs.  I firmly believe that this data is essential to the success of the SDGs, which will rise and fall in cities. City leaders stand at the pivotal points for global change in building a more sustainable planet,” McCarney continued. “The prosperity of nations and regions is, more than ever, dependent upon the economic performance of cities.  City leaders have the power and responsibility to direct and leverage investment, a core success factor in operationalizing each target across all of the 17 SDGs.”

 This week, the United Nations is holding its “High-Level Political Forum” – with countries from around the world represented at the Ministerial-level – to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. “WCCD City Data for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals” was launched at the UN Headquarters in New York in the WCCD Thematic Session on Data for the SDGs as part of Local2030: Hub for Sustainable Solutions.

For more information on the WCCD, ISO 37120 certification, please visit www.dataforcities.org or Contact Us.

 For more information, please contact:
James Patava (james.patava@globalcities.ca)
+14169703544
www.dataforcities.org

Friday, 27 January 2017

WCCD & Tata Trusts celebrate first cities certified under ISO 37120 – announce City Data for India Initiative

   
Tata Trusts Chairman, Ratan Tata, and Patricia McCarney, President and CEO, World Council on City Data, at the launch in Mumbai on January 20th. Credit: Indian Express
The City Data for India Initiative, a major joint initiative from the new partnership between the World Council on City Data (WCCD) and the Tata Trusts was announced in Mumbai on January 20th, in a bid to build high caliber data in Indian cities. At a national roundtable held in Mumbai, and opened by WCCD President & CEO Dr. Patricia McCarney and Chairman of Tata Trusts Mr. Ratan Tata, the assembled delegates also celebrated the WCCD ISO 37120 certification of the first, three cities in India - Pune, Surat and Jamshedpur.

WCCD President & CEO Dr. Patricia McCarney shared her impressions of the exciting new partnership and the WCCD ISO 37120 certification of the first three cities in India:

“The WCCD is committed to supporting cities across the globe to develop a culture of data, which drives a culture of innovation for a more inclusive and sustainable prosperity, which is the essence of smart cities and smart countries. Our first, three WCCD ISO 37120 certified cities in India have quickly become outstanding exemplars of the lessons learned throughout the WCCD network. With the assistance of our partners at The Tata Trusts – supported by PwC – this initiative has unequivocally proven that cities have the potential to drive a culture of data that will inform decisions, investments and transparent governance. Further, this data has the power to serve as a catalyst to create truly smart, sustainable, resilient, inclusive and prosperous cities of tomorrow dedicated to the principles that unite the cities throughout the WCCD network."

Speaking at the event Mr. Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Trusts, congratulated Dr. McCarney, referring to the City Data for India initiative as a new movement:

"Through the City Data for India Initiative, we are showcasing the true strength and importance of data for cities. Through our partnership, we are going beyond the age of looking at colored data, selected data to non-discretionary collection and capture of data, setting goals, evaluating ourselves against global peers. It gives me great pleasure to know that we are making a start with Surat, Jamshedpur, and Pune as cities who are willing to share their city data. It will enable people in both public and private sector to set civic goals, to evaluate outreach and impact of policy and initiatives.  This is an exceedingly important move in the long term. Tata Trusts is proud to participate in this and congratulate the three cities for being willing to be a partner in what could be a tremendously important movement towards a truly Digital India.”

As reported to The Economic Times, Mr. Tata also shared additional views on the importance of the City Data for India Initiative. "It has become clear that we are now giving the cities true strength by working on data and recognizing the importance of data...The impact of this profound usage is huge. It will enable both the government and private sectors to set civic codes, evaluate outreach and finally assess the impact of policy and initiatives."

The goal of the City Data for India Initiative is to contribute to improved infrastructure services and smart decision making in Indian cities as well as driving inclusive prosperity and quality of life for millions of Indian urban citizens. It will empower city leaders, decision-makers and citizens from cities across India to make data-informed decisions to improve city planning, infrastructure investment and operational performance management using ISO standardized, comparable city data.

The value of high-quality city data is particularly important in India, where the urban population is projected to grow from 410 million in 2014 to 800 million by 2050, placing enormous demands on city leaders, planners, and decision-makers in all tiers of government.

Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, Cabinet Minister of Finance, Planning, and Forest Departments, Government of Maharashtra gave a keynote address on the challenges and opportunities of India’s urban transformation and the value of data. Additionally, the three Municipal Commissioners of the City Data for India Initiative pilot cities – Pune, Surat & Jamshedpur – delivered presentations showcasing their existing city data related programs and to highlight the opportunities to enhance planning, decision-making, and infrastructure investment through internationally-comparable certified city data.

"The WCCD is now welcoming all Indian cities to become ISO 37120 certified and to join us for the 2017 Global Cities Summit in Dubai to exchange lessons with cities globally,” stated WCCD President and CEO Dr. Patricia McCarney. “We congratulate Pune, Surat, and Jamshedpur on receiving their WCCD ISO 27120 certification and celebrating their excellence within India while showcasing their achievements in relation to other peer cities across the globe. They have now joined the WCCD global network of cities where comparable ISO standardized data is driving innovation and city to city exchange.” 

The roundtable also saw the unveiling of key data highlights for Pune, Surat, and Jamshedpur, based on fundamental indicators and guidelines such as economic development, water and sanitation, environment and energy, public safety, governance, and, education and health in comparison to other WCCD certified cities globally.

For more information, please contact:

James Patava (james.patava@globalcities.ca)
+14169703544
www.dataforcities.org

For more information on Tata Trusts, please visit http://tatatrusts.org/

Tuesday, 29 November 2016

WCCD signs partnership with Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics and welcomes Eindhoven and Heerlen as WCCD ISO 37120 Platinum Certified Cities

   
November 28, 2016
Heerlen, The Netherlands

 World Council on City Data (WCCD) President and CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney is in the Netherlands this week, and has announced a new partnership between the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) and the WCCD. According to Dr. McCarney: “As the world's cities are increasingly at the forefront of addressing major societal challenges like climate change, smart infrastructure, public safety and inclusive economic development, it becomes particularly important to have reliable and consistent data available to cities and their citizens at the local level. Both the WCCD and CBS believe in the fundamental societal importance of reliable and consistent data. That is why we are working together to build city level data across the Netherlands.”


CBS Director General Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi and WCCD President & CEO Patricia McCarney sign new
 partnership agreement in Heerlen, The Netherlands
The new partnership was announced at the launch of the new CBS Urban Data Centre and Dr. McCarney signed the partnership on stage with CBS Director General Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi. According to the CBS, the CBS Urban Data Center/Heerlen will map out the regional impact of national developments.

 The new partnership is underpinned by three, general collaborative opportunities:
  • WCCD ISO 37120 Certification for Dutch Cities. The WCCD and CBS will work together to jointly support ISO Certification for Dutch Cities – building on the foundation of the four cities already certified. In addition to Heerlen and Eindhoven, both Amsterdam and Rotterdam are already WCCD ISO 37120 certified cities  this high calibre city data is important for both city leaders and their citizens as well as national leaders committed to building smart and globally integrated cities that will drive the economy of the Netherlands.
  • Facilitation of CBS data to support city-level WCCD Certification. In the Netherlands, 60 percent of the indicators in the ISO 37120 standard is data already collected and reported by CBS. This will rapidly facilitate Dutch cities achieving WCCD ISO 37120 certification.
  • Integration of WCCD Certification into the CBS Urban Data Centre model. Inclusion of WCCD ISO 37120 certification as a core component of the ‘CBS Urban Data Centre’ model for existing, planned, and future CBS Urban Data Centres.
In addition to the partnership announcement, Dr. McCarney also presented the cities of Eindhoven and Heerlen with WCCD ISO 37120 Platinum Certification.

WCCD President and CEO with city leaders from Heerlen and Eindohven

“It is a great pleasure to be here today with the city leaders of Eindhoven and Heerlen," stated Dr. McCarney. ”Both cities have shown tremendous dedication to creating a more sustainable, inclusive, resilient, smart and prosperous future. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Mayor Rob van Gijzel of Eindhoven and Mayor Ralf Krewinkel of Heerlen – as well as to their staff – for this profound commitment to the power of standardised urban data.”

 Both certified as WCCD ISO 37120 Platinum Cities, Eindhoven and Heerlen each reported more than 90 of the 100 indicators within ISO 37120. Four Dutch cities are now WCCD ISO 37120 certified at either the Gold or Platinum level.

For more information, please contact:
James Patava (WCCD) - james.patava@globalcities.ca
+14169662368

Tuesday, 8 November 2016

City of Surrey, British Columbia joins WCCD as an ISO 37120 Platinum Certified City

   
The WCCD is pleased to welcome the City of Surrey, British Columbia (Canada) as its latest ISO 37120 Platinum certified city.

WCCD President and CEO Dr. Patricia McCarney welcomed the city, highlighting its commitment to open date and sustainability.

“It is my pleasure to welcome the City of Surrey to the World Council on City Data as an ISO 37120 platinum certified city. In addition to being the fifth Canadian city certified, Surrey is also the first city certified in British Columbia and in fact, in western Canada. The dedication of Mayor Hepner, the Council and city staff to open, standardized and comparable city data will help to increase quality of life for all citizens while driving evidence based decision making and data driven solutions. The City of Surrey stands out in Canada and globally as a leader in working to create a more sustainable, resilient, inclusive and prosperous future for its residents.”  

For more information about the WCCD, or ISO 37210, please contact:
info@dataforcities.org
or - 416-966-2368.

(Please click the following link to below to download the full release)


Thursday, 22 September 2016

World Council on City Data and Philips Lighting embark on Foundation Partnership to promote improved energy efficiency in cities

   

Philips Lighting and the World Council on City Data (WCCD) have established a Foundation Partnership, providing a platform to demonstrate the enormous potential for cities to raise economic performance and capture significant environmental and social benefits through improved energy efficiency.

The partnership agreement was signed on stage at the opening of Climate Week NYC 2016 by Eric Rondolat, CEO, Philips Lighting and Patricia McCarney, WCCD President and CEO.

This Foundation Partnership will promote the role that ISO-standardized city data can play in driving the rapid market adoption of high-efficiency energy solutions, which will be critical if cities around the world are to achieve their ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. For example, a global transformation to LED-based lighting would reduce global electricity consumption for lighting by more than 45% and avoid 660 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

An initial priority of the partnership will be to work together to identify priority indicators for city-level energy efficiency and public lighting performance and testing these indicators in collaboration with leading cities in the WCCD network.

WCCD and Philips Lighting will also collaborate on a number of international events in 2016-17, including the WCCD Global Cities Summit in Dubai, encouraging a global dialogue on how ISO standardized city data demonstrate the diverse range of benefits for cities in pursuing smart and sustainable energy and lighting solutions.

Harry Verhaar, Head Public and Government Affairs at Philips Lighting said: “As cities hold the key to achieving the Paris climate goals, the need for data to support progress in cities has never been greater. We are pleased to join hands with the World Council on City Data to help cities as they strive towards a resilient, low-carbon future. Energy efficient LED lighting plays an important role in reducing energy bills and carbon emissions while improving cities safety and livability."

Dr. Patricia McCarney, President and CEO of the WCCD also expressed her views on the exciting potential for the new Foundation Partnership between the two organizations. “For a number of years now, Phillips Lighting has been a key supporter in the work that culminated in the WCCD’s ISO 37120 standard. Their keen insight in the realm of energy efficiency will play a pivotal role in moving forward the WCCD’s goal of creating the smart, sustainable, resilient, prosperous and inclusive cities of tomorrow.”

For more information, please contact:

James Patava (WCCD)
+14169662368 –
 james.patava@globalcities.ca

Notes to Editors:

The World Council on City Data (WCCD) (www.dataforcities.org) coordinates all efforts on open city data to ensure a consistent and comprehensive platform for standardized urban metrics. As a global leader on standardized indicators, the WCCD is also leading the efforts on global implementation of ISO 37120 – the first international standard on sustainable cities. The WCCD has created the first certification system and Global Cities Registry™ for ISO 37120.  WCCD Certification and Registration for ISO 37120 enables cities to participate in the WCCD Open Data Portal for comparative data analytics and informed decision making. The WCCD is a global hub for creative learning partnerships across cities, international organizations, corporate partners, and academia to further innovation, envision alternative futures, and build better and more livable cities. 

Thursday, 19 May 2016

Toronto based WCCD teams up with i-Canada to roll-out first international standard for cities across Canada

   
The Toronto-based World Council on City Data (WCCD) has teamed up with i-CANADA  to accelerate the roll-out of ISO 37120 - the first international standard on indicators for sustainable cities  - across Canada, helping to create the smart, sustainable, resilient and prosperous cities of tomorrow. 



“The World Council on City Data is solidly committed to ensuring that cities in Canada – and globally - are equipped with the tools to succeed in a world where cities are becoming global economic hubs for innovation. ISO 37120 can help cities plan for sustainability and resiliency while helping them to make smart decisions for accelerated economic development,” stated WCCD President and CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney.  “We look forward to working with i-Canada and with the “Rising Communities Caucus” and to the launch event to celebrate this new partnership at the World Future Cities Summit in Toronto from June 9-10.” 

Bill Hutchison, Chair of i-CANADA, stated that Canadian cities are early adopters’ of Smart City techniques:  “Canada is the world leader in awards for Smart Cities.  Being able to use these ISO standards will be an accelerator of the first order.”

WCCD member cities are identifying and implementing data-driven solutions for the myriad challenges faced by mayors and city leaders around the world.  With over 250 cities involved in the design of ISO 37120, the WCCD is inviting all Canadian cities to join this global initiative and be certified.
For more information about the World Council on City Data, or how your city can become WCCD ISO 37120 certified and entered into the Global Cities Registry™, please contact info@dataforcities.org. 



Additonally, for more information, please contact:
James Patava
World Council on City Data

About the World Council on City Data (WCCD)
The WCCD hosts a network of innovative cities worldwide committed to improving city services and quality of life with globally standardized city data As featured in the Huffington Post, The Atlantic, and Cities Today the World Council on City Data is globally operationalizing ISO 37120 – the first internationals standard for sustainable cities, and hosts the Global Cities Registry™ for ISO 37120.  For the first time, this new standard allows for the generation of globally comparative, independently verified open city data from over 30 leading, global cities with the goal of creating a global network dedicated to building more sustainable, prosperous, resilient and smart cities.  The WCCD hosts a network of innovative cities committed to improving services and quality of life with open city data. The WCCD Open City Data Portal showcases verified data for WCCD ISO 37120 certified cities of all sizes, from around the world.

For more on the WCCD see:  http://www.dataforcities.org/

About i-Canada
I-CANADA is the pan-Canadian movement dedicated to creating a nation of Intelligent Communities large and small, rural and urban, where all enjoy the economic development, job growth and social prosperity now available in the world’s leading communities. The i-CANADA Governors Council is comprised of provincial Premiers, Mayors and CEOs of major corporations.

About the WORLD FUTURE CITIES SUMMIT
The WORLD FUTURE CITIES SUMMIT connects Smart City leaders to problem-solving techniques that will from around the world.
Participants will get involved with world-leading topics and experts like:
  • The globe’s largest investment program, India’s Smart 100 Communities Program, and opportunities for involvement;
  • International Standards to measure Smart Communities, led by Canada’s own Patricia McCarney, President and CEO World Council on City Data;
  • The next level of Smart City development, from IBM's Steve Adler, an icon of data development who has created $Billion businesses that drive open cities; 
  • The new “killer apps” for Smart City acceleration;
  • The actual ROI from Smart City investment;
  • The new “Rising Communities” program  -  the first practical movement to create Smart Communities, co-chaired by the Mayors of Fredericton and Stratford; and
  • Financing options, with Mark Romoff, President and CEO, Canadian Council on Public Private Partnerships

The event includes the official launch evening of Luminato, Toronto's globally-recognized Festival of Arts and Creativity.  Guests will be in the first audience to see the heritage Hearn Generating Station venue as it has been reimagined for the Festival.  See:  https://luminatofestival.com/

Bill Hutchison, Chair of i-CANADA, has said that "Canada is the best country in the world for the creation of Smart Communities - Canada has won more "Intelligent Community" awards than any other nation.  The WORLD FUTURE CITIES SUMMIT will become a "must-attend" conference on everyone's agenda."   For more on the WORLD FUTURE CITIES SUMMIT see:


About the Rising Communities Caucus
Canada’s first comprehensive program of actionable steps to transform communities into “Smart Communities”, has been launched by i-CANADA and its partners.  The Co-Chairs of the Caucus are Brad Woodside, Mayor of Fredericton NB, and Dan Mathieson, Mayor of Stratford ON.  Both mayors have led their communities to become globally-acknowledged Smart Communities.  Members of the Rising Community Caucus obtain:
  • Mayors’ Meetings, live and online, for peer coaching on how to lead Smart Community development;
  • International Standards briefings that introduce a global outlook to your community, with partner MMMMMMMMMMMM;
  • Local Internet Assessments of speeds and branding potential, with partner the Canadian Internet Registry Authority (CIRA);
  • Economic Return-On-Investment Assessments for your community, from David Sandel Associates, showing the real value for business, employment and social development, of becoming a Smart Community;
  • Study of Current “Smart Community” Status to help assess what needs to be done to advance as a Smart Community;
  • Community Vision-Setting Workshop where the 5-year Vision is set out, with priorities for development for all Sectors;
  • Network Assessments with financial options, on what is needed to create the Vision;