CLGF scribe implores use of technology to address urbanization

The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), Carl Wright, has implored the smart use of technology to address the ever-growing global urbanisation challenge.

Wright made this appeal in a recent lecture he delivered on smart cities at the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) in London.

He noted that though the trend towards decentralised government in Commonwealth countries continues, urban centres also continue to grow, with greater need for efficiency in areas such as energy, public transport and other services.

According to him, smart city solutions through better use of technology will be essential to making our cities more efficient.

The lecture is fallout of the CTO’s new monthly lecture series initiated by host Secretary-General Shola Taylor earlier this year.

Also speaking, Mr. Taylor said, the CLGF provides unique support to local government authorities and communities among member countries.

He stressed that “They have a unique understanding of the growing social and demographic urban challenge as more rural and semi-urban populations continue to migrate to larger urban centres. Through e-government and other technology-centric solutions, ICTs provide us with opportunities to manage this change more effectively.”