Sunderland named among world’s smartest cities 2025
Written by Xiyue Qiao on 4th November 2025
Sunderland is proving that it’s not just a city of bridges and beaches — it’s a city of connectivity.
And tomorrow (November 5) it will discover whether it has won a prestigious international award for its digital growth.
The city has been shortlisted as one of the top three finalists in the World Smart City Awards 2025, standing alongside Saudi Arabia and Luxembourg in the Enabling Technologies category.
Chosen from over 4,600 global entries, Sunderland has gained international recognition for its innovative use of technology to improve life for residents, businesses, and visitors.
The city has been at the heart of several digital-first projects, from 5G connectivity and autonomous shuttle buses to smart homes supporting vulnerable and elderly residents.
Over the past four years, free Sunderland wi-fi usage has surged by 110%, connecting more than 300,000 users each month. Thirty digital hubs have also been launched, helping over half a million people access online services and training.
Coun Alison Smith, city council cabinet member for Corporate Services and Equalities, said: “Every one of us uses digital technology every day — whether we realise it or not. Being recognised globally for these efforts shows how far we’ve come as a connected city.”
City council chief executive Patrick Melia OBE added: “It’s fantastic to reflect on how far Sunderland has come and how digital innovation is shaping a better future for all.”
The winners will be revealed at the World Smart City Awards in Barcelona on November 5, but one thing is already clear — Sunderland is fast becoming a city where smart ideas meet everyday life.
