"The important thing about a smart city is that it is not about technology but the people. The government needs to involve the community and society. The change is not to be done to the people but with the people. Take the people with you."

George Ferguson, former mayor of Bristol, the United Kingdom

"Technology is only one of the domains that need attention. Other domains such as environmental issues, public policies, economy and culture issues must interact with the technology. They are interdependent. It is a mistake for us to lean on the technology over others."

Cecil Steward, founder and CEO of the Joslyn Institute for Sustainable Communities

"I'm hugely impressed by the improvement of Guangzhou since 2011. The air seems cleaner, the traffic less congested and I applaud the mayor's decision to expand the metro."

Celia Wade-Brown, former mayor of Wellington, New Zealand

"My understanding is cities are like people - we have our fingerprints, and we are different - but I'm sure some experience can be replicated and people have already tried and learnt the good and bad aspects. I'm sure Guangzhou will take advantage of those experiences and benefit from the awards."

Alioune Badiane, former UN habitat regional director