The galloping pace of technological advances in the 21st century has simultaneously enhanced the lives of millions of people around the world, mainly in urban areas, while broadening the gap between the haves and have-nots, and between the urban and rural populace. The technology-driven Smart Cities initiative around the world only accentuates the disparity, and the upcoming Artificial Intelligence based solutions will drive a deeper wedge between the rich and the poor and between the developed and developing global communities. It is therefore imperative that we conceive, strategize and develop innovative solutions under the umbrella of “Smart Villages” to ensure that the village-based and other rural communities enhance their quality of life that is at pace with that of the urban communities. This would cover areas of healthcare, sanitation, water treatment, education, sustainable development and sustainable income generation for economic prosperity.

The presentation will include the enablers for a Smart Village implementation to minimize inequalities between communities and discuss resources potentially needed to commission a smart village.