On the Hot Chair, Irena Pavlova answered questions about how AI technologies have changed the world and what comes next. She noted that data sharing is very important if we want to make more reliable and trustworthy the results that AI-based tools give us and that are already being used for the better and more sustainable living.

Regarding the reasonable use of technologies, Irena Pavlova noted that the shortened cycle of new technologies coming to the market does not imply a guarantee of reliability and security. “Europe has adopted AI regulations to try to impose standards on existing and developing systems and technologies, but these regulations will need to adapt dynamically because they will be out of date for the technologies coming to market,” she explained. Prof. Desislava Petrova-Antonova took part in the discussion “What should a modern city look like in 2034?” together with Ivan Goichev, Deputy Mayor in the Department of “Digitalization, Innovation and Economic Development”, Sofia City Municipality, Kiril Kirilov, Manager, Kalos Estates, arch. Angel Zahariev, co-founder of “A and A Architects”, Martin Yanev, Managing partner, ACME, moderated by Ivan Velkov, President of FIABCI Bulgaria, Chairman of the Board of BGFMA and Member of the Board of BIA.

Prof. Petrova-Antonova spoke about the methodology and benefits of developing a digital twin of Sofia, with the district of Lozenets as a pilot area.  She also explained that the first 3D model of the city is based on an open standard and is continuously enriched by various dynamic data from sensors located in the capital. Based on the data and simulations, analyses of the urban environment are carried out and this knowledge can be used by institutions and citizens in planning and implementing real actions for the development of a sustainable urban environment and lifestyle.