Flagship Programme 2 Transforming Urban Futures through International guidelines on People-Centred Smart Cities

Digital technologies are rapidly reshaping cities worldwide, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance the well-being of urban populations and the sustainability of urban environments. Cities, as hubs of innovation, are pivotal in this transformation, driving the development of inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered smart cities. However, the complexity of this digital revolution necessitates international cooperation to ensure that no one is left behind.

This event, titled "Transforming Urban Futures Localizing People-Centred Smart Cities Guidelines through Multilateral Cooperation" will focus on the vital role of national and local governments in implementing international guidelines aimed at fostering global collaboration on digital solutions. The session will explore how these guidelines can be localized through a multi-stakeholder approach, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by urban environments and digitalization.

The event will emphasize the strategic convergence of global frameworks with local leadership, particularly highlighting the critical roles mayors and city leaders play in driving urban digital transformation. By focusing on actionable strategies, the event will guide cities in navigating the complexities of the digital era, ensuring that digital advancements contribute to more inclusive, resilient, and equitable urban communities.

Participants will gain insights into overcoming common challenges and fostering collaborative innovations that contribute to global urban sustainability. The discussion will build on the Flagship Programme on People Centred Smart Cities and the ongoing efforts to develop International Guidelines on People-Centered Smart Cities, that UN-Habitat is developing through a wide consultation process. The outcomes of the discussion will serve to inform the guidelines development to ensure digital technologies align with human needs, promoting inclusion and safeguarding human rights.

This event will serve as both a platform for knowledge sharing and a catalyst for meaningful collaborations to leverage on technologies and achieve better quality of life in cities.