In Episode 5 of our podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of urban development and decarbonisation. Join us as we engage in an insightful conversation between Narae Choi, an urban development specialist at the World Bank, and Romain Pison, CEO & Co-founder at Wiia.

Narae Choi provides valuable insights into the work of the World Bank's Global Team for Urban Disaster Risk Management, Resilience, and Land Global Practice. She shares her experiences managing and supporting World Bank finance projects in various African countries, highlighting the importance of inclusive and smart cities in sustainable urban development. Narae emphasizes the World Bank's commitment to promoting programs that benefit all citizens and utilize smart technologies to enhance city planning and management.

Drawing from historical examples, Narae Choi emphasizes the crucial role of urbanization in achieving middle-income status for countries. She discusses the World Bank's emphasis on subsidizing governments to facilitate development initiatives and the significance of cross-cutting approaches in addressing climate change-related challenges and disaster management. Effective land management emerges as a critical factor in ensuring the success of any development project.

Romain Pison joins the conversation, shedding light on the challenges faced in implementing smart city plans within urban development initiatives. He discusses the complexities of engaging companies, tech experts, and governments to promote advanced technologies for a sustainable urban lifestyle. Narae Choi highlights the collaborative efforts required to translate innovative ideas into actionable plans, fostering urban development with a focus on smart technologies.

Tune in to Episode 5 as Narae Choi and Romain Pison explore the World Bank's urban development initiatives and discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with creating sustainable, decarbonized cities in the face of climate change. Discover how these efforts shape the future of urban living and contribute to a greener and more resilient world.