Session

As cities and regions require to handle the challenges of climate change and growing social inequalities, the need for inclusive, people-centred, participatory, and just urban transformations is becoming increasingly urgent. Digital technologies - ranging from participatory platforms and immersive environments to AI-powered decision-support systems - offer new opportunities to reshape governance and planning processes, empower marginalized communities, and foster equitable climate adaptation strategies.  This special session aims to explore the intersection of digitalization, climate neutrality, and social inclusion in urban planning. We welcome contributions that investigate how digital tools and participatory approaches can support people-centric planning, co-creation, and the co-implementation of climate-responsive solutions. Of particular interest are case studies, conceptual frameworks, and methodological innovations that demonstrate how digital technologies can amplify underrepresented voices, bridge knowledge gaps, and foster long-term, inclusive engagement in planning and governance processes. Interdisciplinary perspectives combining urban studies, digital innovation, environmental justice, and stakeholder engagement are strongly encouraged, as well as critical reflections on the limitations and ethical implications of digital approaches.  The topics of interest include, but are not limited to: 

• Digital solutions for inclusive and participatory urban planning

• Digital co-creation for inclusive climate adaptation strategies

• AI and data-driven methods supporting equitable urban decision-making

• Serious games, AR/VR, and digital twins for inclusive stakeholder engagement

• Evaluating the socio-spatial impacts of digital participation

• Case studies on digital empowerment in climate-resilient city transitions

• Digital support system for community-led energy practices and nature-based solution  

Presentations:

• 059 Mirzahosseini Barough Saba, Participatory Spatial Decision Support System for Nature-Based Solutions Planning and Monitoring: Bridging Co-Creation and Digital Innovation within the ClimaGen Project

• 067 Cipriano Piergiorgio, USAGE project: how to link urban Data Space and Local Green Deals with data

• 125 Azarmikhah Anis, Enabling Energy Resilience in Affordable Housing Through Smart Technologies and Climate-Sensitive Design in Planet Smart City Laguna

• 139 Al Mamlouk Dana, AI-based Digital Solutions for Generative Urban Design: A Systematic Literature Review using Artificial Intelligence Tools

• 158 Muccio Eugenio, Smart Data, Just Decisions: Towards an AI-Driven Methodology for Inclusive Urban Energy Planning

• 192 Han Jaewon, Evaluating Urban Thermal Comfort Using Large Language Models and Street View Images A Comparative Study with Conventional Simulation Approaches