Digital tools launched to improve Nicosia's urban life

Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Proutzos emphasized the importance of enhancing citizens' quality of life through smart technologies, stating, "Our goal is not just the digitization of services, but the improvement of life for all citizens. By embracing these technologies, we can streamline our infrastructure, reduce energy consumption, and ultimately create a more efficient urban ecosystem."

Speaking at the Digital Agenda Cyprus Summit at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Proutzos introduced two new initiatives aimed at digitally transforming the capital.

The first initiative is the Novoville Citizen management application, which provides real-time tools for residents to report issues, participate in surveys, and learn about city events. The second initiative, Nicosia Together, is a unified community engagement platform connecting residents and local organizations with opportunities to contribute according to their skills, passions, and expertise. Users who register become part of a growing network dedicated to positively impacting Nicosia. Through Nicosia Together, individuals, companies, NGOs, and public entities can contribute in five areas: environment, social cohesion, emergency assistance and disaster relief, culture and events, and economic development, offering support through donations, time, or money.

Proutzos also highlighted the role of CYENS, a center of excellence in research and innovation, in leading the digital transformation of local governance and services. He noted, "CYENS focuses on key areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Vision, and Emerging Technologies, providing essential tools and knowledge for businesses and public organizations. Through multidisciplinary teams and international collaborations, CYENS accelerates the adoption of digital technologies in sectors like Digital Twins, Health, Education, and Cultural Heritage, aiming to create a more connected and responsive city."

Moreover, he pointed out that the center supports innovation by fostering startups and entrepreneurs through incubation programs and specialized training, reinforcing Nicosia's position as a leader in digital innovation. As Nicosia evolves into a smart city, data collected from smart city platforms and other sources can be integrated into AI-based models to improve urban planning, disaster management, and citizen services. This proactive approach not only supports sustainable urban development but also enables local authorities to effectively utilize technology and data to meet the growing demands of informed and engaged citizens.

Proutzos mentioned that the municipality is already leveraging valuable data from waste management, smart parking, and air quality applications to inform critical urban strategy decisions. He stressed the need for inclusion in these initiatives, stating, "Technology should bridge divides, not widen them. Our digital initiatives will be designed to engage all community members, providing access to education and resources that empower every citizen to thrive in a digital world."

He concluded by inviting policymakers, innovators, and community leaders to collaborate in shaping a sustainable and technologically advanced future for Nicosia. "Let's share our ideas, learn from one another's experiences, and work together to create a city that reflects our shared values of innovation, sustainability, and participation. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter, greener, and more connected future."