The world changes rapidly due to the technological revolution influencing every aspect of our life. The increasingly spreading impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) includes economic, social, and environmental interactions with digitization and (IoT), in the same time, arises the debate regarding the vagueness of the best tactics used to utilize the fast paced technological innovation. Owing to the 4IR, the seaports future is encountering rapid and bold changes, and it will provide distinctive options that will also revolutionize Port-City dialogue.
As World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP) was launched in March 2018, the program aims to demonstrate ports contribution to the 17th Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. The program empowers port communities to become involved with business, governmental and societal stakeholders to achieve sustainability for the local communities and wider regions. That is implemented through some major themes (Infrastructure, Climate and energy, Community Outreach, Port-City Dialogue, Safety and security, Governance and Ethics), all serves achieving the sustainable development of ports.
Marlog 9 conference focuses this year on Port-City Integration, and how it is affected by the 4IR. “Port Cities” are becoming a great example in terms of progress, improvements and environmental development. With the optimum use of 4IR to better enhance economic activity, to involve social and businesses city issues, to seek environmental sustainability, and help port cities in coordinating all activities related to stakeholders involved in shipping, cargo traffic, it will eventually boost and regenerate a modern unconventional economic foundation and obtain an advanced pattern for port-city integration system.