Parramatta has been named one of the world’s top 21 smart communities, making its debut on a global stage that includes cities from Spain to Taiwan, and Brazil to Iceland. The recognition comes from the International Community Forum (ICF), a New York-based think tank, which announced the Smart21 list at its annual awards program in Canada.
The honour places Parramatta alongside just 20 other communities selected from nine countries, and it is the only Australian city on the list this year. The ICF evaluates cities on six criteria—connectivity, employment, innovation, engagement, digital inclusion and sustainability. The program aims to highlight cities that are using technology not for the sake of tech alone, but to improve quality of life, support economic growth and boost inclusivity.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the recognition reflects years of planning and investment in positioning Parramatta as a modern urban hub.
“Parramatta has entered a new era of global transformation and we’re laying the foundation to create a more connected City that unlocks a world of opportunities for our community now and in the future,” Cr Zaiter said.
The Council’s Smart City and Innovation Strategy, which includes one of Australia’s first Smart City Master Plans, is central to this effort. Zaiter pointed to Parramatta’s drawcard institutions and award-winning developments such as PHIVE and the Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) as further signs that the city’s vision is starting to materialise.
“Our investment in digital infrastructure, sustainability, and inclusive growth isn’t just on paper. It’s happening across the city, and this international recognition is a sign we’re on the right track,” he added.
From the ICF headquarters, Executive Director Matthew Owen said Parramatta’s inclusion speaks to the growing global movement around smarter urban governance.
“The emergence of Intelligent Communities worldwide demonstrates the universal appeal of our message that any place a person calls ‘home’ can become a liveable, sustainable, and prosperous community,” Owen said. “Parramatta has done just that and earned its place among the global list of intelligent communities.”
The current Smart21 list includes:
- Alcobendas, Spain
- Assaí, Paraná, Brazil
- Bilbao, Spain
- Brightlands-Limburg, The Netherlands
- Bursa, Türkiye
- Chiayi County, Taiwan
- Coral Gables, Florida, USA
- Durham Region, Ontario, Canada
- Fairfield/Jefferson County, Iowa, USA
- Grey County, Ontario, Canada
- Hilliard, Ohio, USA
- Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Konya, Türkiye
- Langley City, British Columbia, Canada
- Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain
- Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
- Pingtung County, Taiwan
- Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
- Reykjavík, Iceland
- Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Spain
- Warner Robins, Georgia, USA
Parramatta now joins these cities in the running for the next stage—applying for a place in the ICF’s Top7 Intelligent Communities of the Year, to be announced in Spain this June. The final winner will be revealed at the ICF’s Global Summit in Vietnam this October.
The announcement aligns with Parramatta’s long-term strategy, anchored in the Parramatta 2050 vision, which outlines ambitions for economic leadership, sustainability, and innovation-led growth over the next 25 years.
As Sydney’s second CBD continues its evolution, the ICF accolade lends external validation to a transformation many residents have been witnessing first-hand—on construction sites, in education precincts, and through improved transport and digital infrastructure.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
