Working Group 8 on Guiding Principles and Frameworks for People-Centred Smart Cities in the AI Era
Co-leaders: Aline Matta (UN-Habitat) and Cristina Bueti (ITU)
Established under the U4SSC Thematic Group on Digital Transformation for People-Centred Cities, this Working Group helps cities turn digital innovation into tangible benefits for people and communities.
Bringing together expertise from across the UN system, cities, academia, industry and civil society, the Working Group provides guidance on innovative approaches and scalable tools to support cities in designing strategies and implementing digital, smart and AI-enabled solutions that place people at the centre of urban development. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from across sectors and disciplines, the Working Group fosters knowledge exchange, promote good practices and support the development of common approaches for inclusive, equitable and accessible urban transformation.
At the heart of its work is the U4SSC People-Centred Smart Cities Toolbox, a practical resource designed to help city leaders navigate the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies, including AI in ways that enhance quality of life, strengthen resilience and advance sustainable development for all.
The working group:
- Developed a toolbox that serves as a reference for urban planners and policymakers in designing smart city regulations, plans and strategies. The toolbox ensures equitable access to data, digital infrastructure, and digital services, support life-long education and training for all people, and promote transparency and accountability in cities and human settlements.
- Ensures the document reflects the common vision of the UN system regarding the challenges and opportunities posed by technology and innovation for cities and citizens.
- Reviews the toolbox regularly to ensure it captures emerging challenges and opportunities and integrates lessons learned from practical implementation while remaining cognizant of the fast-evolving pace of technology and digital transformation.
Toolbox for People-Centred Smart Cities in the AI Era
A major milestone: On 4 November 2026, U4SSC launched the first UN People-Centred Smart Cities Toolbox alongside its first deliverable, Guiding Principles and Frameworks for People-Centred Smart Cities in the AI Era, marking an important step towards helping cities put people at the centre of AI-driven urban transformation.
Join the Movement: Become a U4SSC Pilot City!
Málaga, Dubai and Baghdad are leading the way as the first pilot cities! ITU and UN-Habitat invite cities of all sizes to follow their example and put the new UN Guidelines for People-Centred Smart Cities in the AI Era into action in 2027. Test practical tools, measure impact, share experiences and help shape the next release.
Be part of this global movement! Express your interest and share feedback at u4ssc@itu.int by 31 March 2027.
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This Working Group holds regular e-meetings—join the sessions to stay engaged and contribute.
- 23 September 2026, 14:00-15:00 Geneva time
For any query related to the thematic group, please contact us at u4ssc@itu.int.