1) Cities are becoming home to more of the world's population, placing strain on infrastructure and the environment. Over 80% of greenhouse gas emissions come from cities.
2) Infrastructure renewal is needed to improve roads, rail, telecoms, electricity, and water systems, with an estimated cost of $71 trillion through 2030.
3) Smart city strategies aim to address these challenges through initiatives like sustainable development, green infrastructure, innovation districts, and cultural recognition of local identities. However, implementation faces issues like uneven participation between regions and a lack of resources.