La Academic

 To better understand the unique analytical approach taken by the contributors of this volume, it is helpful to revisit how the concept of the smart city first emerged. Around 2008, major technology firms—particularly CISCO and IBM—sought to expand their markets by offering digital solutions tailored to help cities manage infrastructure more efficiently. IBM introduced the use of the term “smart” to describe cities and regions managed through sensor-driven software systems. This initiative resonated with local leaders—especially mayors—who were grappling with increasing administrative and logistical challenges. In France, for instance, cities like Montpellier and Nice became early adopters, testing these innovations through collaborative projects with CISCO and IBM. As cities began to generate vast amounts of digital data, awareness grew about the strategic value of this information, further fueling enthusiasm for the smart city model. This momentum also opened the door for new pl...

 Climate change has caused widespread devastation, leading to natural disasters and loss of life around the world. In response, the United Nations has outlined Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action , which proposes concrete steps to address and adapt to the effects of climate change in a way that supports the planet’s long-term sustainability. These initiatives are targeted to be achieved by 2030 . In Africa, women and girls have often been overlooked in climate-related programs, despite being among the most affected—especially as access to essential resources like food and clean water becomes increasingly limited. These shortages directly impact their traditional caregiving roles. Therefore, a meaningful response to climate change must incorporate gender-based analyses across areas such as loss and damage, adaptation, mitigation, financing, and environmental justice. It is crucial that stakeholders focus on creating gender-responsive policies and strategies to ...