WSDS 2025 Thematic Track: Beyond Blueprints: Reimagining Climate-Resilient Cities through Living Labs and Digital Democracy

Session Note

As cities become the frontline of the climate crisis, traditional urban planning approaches—often rigid, top-down, and siloed—struggle to keep pace with the increasing frequency and intensity of climate shocks. With growing urban populations, rising emissions, and expanding climate vulnerabilities, there is an urgent need to rethink how cities plan, implement, and govern climate resilience efforts. The time has come to move beyond static blueprints and embrace dynamic, participatory, and data-driven governance models that enable real-time, adaptive climate action.

This session will explore how Urban Living Labs (ULLs), participatory data platforms, and digital governance mechanisms are transforming cities into climate-resilient, people-centric ecosystems. Urban Living Labs serve as testing grounds for climate solutions, fostering collaboration between policymakers, researchers, private sector actors, and communities. Additionally, digital platforms, AI-driven climate analytics, and real-time data monitoring are emerging as powerful tools for democratizing climate decision-making and enabling cities to take proactive, rather than reactive, measures.

Session Objective

This thematic session will focus on how participatory urban climate action, digital tools, and Living Labs can be scaled from pilots to institutionalized frameworks. The session will highlight real-world examples, innovative financing mechanisms, and strategies for integrating climate intelligence into urban planning and governance.

What Will We Learn?

• How to institutionalize 'Urban Living Labs' within municipal governance structures to ensure continuity beyond pilot projects.
• The role of digital democracy in climate action—how open-source climate data, AI, and digital twin cities can empower citizens and policymakers alike.
• Financing participatory climate solutions at scale—understanding how to bridge gaps in funding, governance, and policy to drive systemic change.
• Best practices from successful 'Living Labs' and participatory platforms—both in India and globally—to develop scalable, community-driven urban resilience strategies.

Session Aim

By the end of the session, participants will have a clear roadmap on how to leverage participatory governance and emerging digital tools to build climate-resilient, inclusive, and adaptive cities. The discussion will identify the policy enablers, technological innovations, and financial models required to mainstream Urban Living Labs and data-driven climate governance in Indian cities.

Session Agenda (2:00 - 3:30 PM)

2:00 – 2:10 PM | Opening Keynote (10 mins)

Speaker: A leading voice in urban resilience and participatory governance

Theme: "Cities in Flux: Why Static Plans Won’t Save Us in a Changing Climate"

2:10 – 2:30 PM | Power Talks (20 mins – 3 speakers, 6-7 mins each)

• Talk 1: Beyond Master Plans – How Cities Can Become Adaptive to Climate Risks
• Talk 2: Data for the People: Digital Democracy and Open-Source Climate Solutions
• Talk 3: From Living Labs to Citywide Transformation: Lessons from Global Urban Climate Pioneers

2:30 – 3:00 PM | Panel Discussion (30 mins)

Topic: Scaling Urban Living Labs and Digital Governance for Climate Resilience Discussion Points:

• Institutionalizing ULLs within city governance structures
• Bridging climate tech & governance for real-time decision-making
• Funding participatory climate action at scale
• Ensuring equitable access to digital climate tools for communities

Moderator: Urban resilience expert / policymaker

Panelists: City government reps, urban innovation labs, community leaders, climate finance experts

3:00 – 3:15 PM | Case Spotlights (15 mins)

Interactive showcase of real-world initiatives, including:

• T-CAP: Using participatory climate data to co-design urban interventions
• E-transport & Carbon Lite Initiative: Scaling net-zero mobility in Indian cities
• Global Case: A successful Living Lab driving large-scale urban transformation

3:15 – 3:25 PM | Open House Discussion (10 mins)

An interactive segment where participants propose ideas, vote on key challenges, and brainstorm pathways to action.

3:25 – 3:30 PM | Closing Reflections (5 mins)

A summary of insights, commitments, and roadmap for future collaborations.