The realization of truly smart cities is reaching an inflection point in the 2020s with the rise of 5G, smart infrastructure, the Internet of Things (IoT), and most importantly, smart citizens. With the widespread acceleration of digital transformation and innovation, the wealth of data produced can future-proof cities when utilized transparently and responsibly. In this session, Matthias Rebellius outlines how advancements in smart cities will transform urban living, help achieve decarbonization, and enable agile, evidence-based, and human-centered policymaking.