Communities across the Global South face interconnected challenges of climate change, livelihood insecurity, energy poverty, and unequal access to technology and productive infrastructure. While decentralized renewable energy systems have expanded significantly, enabling communities to effectively access, use, and benefit from these technologies remains a critical challenge.

The 2027 IEEE Smart Village Symposium builds on IEEE Smart Village's proven approach of integrating energy access with enterprise development and education. The symposium will explore community-centered pathways that transform energy and technology access into sustainable livelihoods, while examining the challenges, lessons, and scalable models emerging from enterprise-led development.

Bringing together practitioners, researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, development agencies, industry leaders, and community organizations, the symposium will foster dialogue on practical, replicable solutions for inclusive and resilient development. Hosted in Kochi, Kerala, and informed by field initiatives such as the CRE Hub, it will provide a global platform to share experiences, strengthen partnerships, and advance community-led development across diverse contexts.