An international congress focused on building happier, more sustainable cities through artificial intelligence and strategic communication concluded successfully in Havana. Hosted by the National Institute of Economic Research (INIE), the event brought together global experts to address urban development challenges in the digital age.
The conference, jointly sponsored by Plaza de la Revolucion Cultural District, the University of Sao Paulo’s International Center for Innovation and Development of Thousand Cities (CIIDCMIL-USP), and the Center for Studies in Evaluation and Measurement of Communication and Marketing, achieved its primary objective of disseminating innovative approaches to urban happiness. According to Felipe Chibas-Ortiz, executive coordinator of CIIDCMIL-USP, the gathering specifically targeted overcoming cultural barriers and countering hate narratives through effective communication strategies.
The comprehensive program featured expert panels examining media literacy, creative economy models, institutional ethics, and family dynamics. Additional sessions explored gender equality considerations, public health promotion, robotics integration, and practical guidance for developing AI-enhanced urban projects. The congress attracted participation from nine countries through both physical attendance and virtual engagement platforms.
Distinguished participants included Cuban intellectual Miguel Barnet, Cuban Association of Social Communicators President Rosa Maria Gutierrez, INIE Director Maile Yiser, and University of Zaragoza Vice-Rector Carmen Marta-Lazo from Spain. UNESCO representation featured several high-level officials, including Paris Office Director Alton Grizzle and Media Literacy Network Director Manuel Perez Tornero.
The event culminated in two significant cultural contributions: the presentation of the book ‘Thousand Cities: Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’ and a special cartoon exhibition titled ‘Thanks to the Thousand Cities’ by renowned Brazilian artist Dorinho Bastos.