Publications

U4SSC Key Performance Indicators for People-Centered Cities for city leaders

The United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are a comprehensive, globally recognized framework designed to help cities measure and track their progress in becoming smarter, more sustainable, and more people-centered, while aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Supported by 19 UN agencies, these KPIs provide cities with a standardized approach to collect data, evaluate performance, and drive people-centered digital transformation

Published in December 2024

U4SSC Brochure – Connecting communities, empowering people

U4SSC Brochure offers an overview of the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC), a global initiative supported by 19 UN entities committed to driving the sustainable digital transformation of cities and communities.

Published in October 2024

Policy benchmarks for digital transformation of people-centred cities

The U4SSC Deliverable on Policy benchmarks for digital transformation of people-centred cities outlines key benchmarks for cities aiming to prioritize people in their digital transformation strategies. It provides guidelines on how urban areas can leverage digital technologies to improve citizen well-being, enhance inclusivity, and ensure sustainable urban development. The report emphasizes the importance of people-centred policies in the context of smart city initiatives.

Published in September 2024

Data and API requirements for centralized smart city platforms

The U4SSC Deliverable on Data and API requirements for centralized smart city platforms focuses on establishing standardized data and API requirements to enhance the interoperability of smart city platforms. It emphasizes the role of centralized systems in managing urban data, aiming to improve city governance, efficiency, and sustainability. The report provides guidelines for data management, integration, and API standardization, essential for cities looking to adopt a centralized approach to smart city technologies.

Published in September 2024

Guiding principles for artificial intelligence in cities

The U4SSC Deliverable on Guiding principles for artificial intelligence in cities provides a broad set of suggested principles, enablers, governance methods, policy instrument alternatives and a simple methodology for instilling AI principles in cities.

The U4SSC Deliverable on Guiding principles for artificial intelligence in cities is complemented by the following case studies:

• Case study – Hong Kong [Read online]
• Case study – Dubai [Read online]
• Case study – Buenos Aires [Read online]
• Case study – Singapore [Read online]
• Case study – Copenhagen [Read online]

Published in February 2024

Reference framework for integrated management of an SSC

The U4SSC developed Reference framework for integrated management of an SSC supports cities in identifying strategic, operational, and connectivity needs for integrated Smart Sustainable City management. It covers basic principles, critical success factors, risks, and a high-level methodology for urban digital infrastructure implementation. It also addresses GovStack Initiative’s Building Blocks alignment, transformation elements, and city technicians’ needs to assess digital transformation and fulfill citizens’ demands while adhering to regulatory requirements.

Published in July 2023

Procurement guidelines for smart sustainable cities

The Guidelines support city officials and their collaborators to embrace digital commercial approaches that support achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By looking more broadly and holistically across the full public spending lifecycle of digital transformation, the Guidelines support improving the well-being of our people and our planet, today and for future generations. This includes focusing relentlessly on users, and delivering outcomes that address the problems that get in the way of meeting users’ needs. Achieving this means leveraging smart and sustainable public procurement to improve public policy, governance, transparency, and accountability.

Published in May 2023

Compendium of practices on innovative financing for smart sustainable cities projects

The compendium provides a practical insight on the types of projects that can  improve sustainability and smartness of a city, combined with ideas on how they can be financed.  Given the focus on financing in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, innovative financing  of urban development projects is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)  globally.

Published in January 2023

Smart tourism: A path to more secure and resilient destinations

​This report is oriented towards demonstrating how technologies and the process of digitization are powerful tools for moving towards a tourism industry capable of ensuring its resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability in any scenario.

Published in October 2022

Redefining smart city platforms: Setting the stage for Minimal Interoperability Mechanisms

​This report provides guidance to governments and cities at all levels – with a focus on the local and regional – on setting up smart city platforms, as well as on procuring the requisite elements for building them. It also illustrates the current state of the art of interoperable smart city platforms, and provides recommendations for technical specifications.

Published in September 2022