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Digital Transformation and
Cities Digest
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Message from Seizo Onoe, Director,
Telecommunication Standardization
Bureau, ITU
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Dear colleagues,
Welcome to the latest edition of the Digital
Transformation and Cities Digest.
This issue is packed with exciting developments,
including outcomes from the fifth meeting of ITU's metaverse Focus
Group and the fourth ITU Forum on citiverse in Mexico, news on the
first UN Virtual Worlds Day upcoming in June, and the recently launched
publication on Guiding Principles for AI in Cities from the United for
Smart Sustainable Cities initiative.
We also bring you updates on the latest Digital
Transformation Dialogues and a range of insightful reports and
publications.
I hope you enjoy this Digest. If you have any
comments or suggestions for improvement, please send an email to digitaltransformation@itu.int.
Sincerely,
Seizo Onoe,
Director,
Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU.
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In this issue
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- Outcomes
of the fifth Focus Group meeting and fourth ITU Forum on
citiverse
- First
UN Virtual Worlds Day
- Join
the UN metaverse Think-a-thon competition!
- Focus
Group on metaverse meetings
- New
publication on Guiding Principles for AI in Cities
- Latest
Digital Transformation Dialogues
- Latest
reports and publications
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Outcomes of the
fifth Focus Group meeting and fourth ITU Forum on metaverse
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The fifth
Focus Group on metaverse meeting and fourth
Forum
held from 4-8 March 2024 successfully concluded in Queretaro, Mexico,
attracting close to 200 international experts.
The Focus Group meeting resulted in the approval of
seven new deliverables,
underlining the commitment to build a people-centered, inclusive, and
secure metaverse. These deliverables are:
- Technical Report on
Near-term and long-term Implications for people in the metaverse
- Technical Report on A
framework for confidence in the metaverse
- Technical Report on
Guidelines for metaverse application in power system
- Technical Specification
on Requirements for the metaverse based on digital twins enabling
integration of virtual and physical worlds
- Technical Specification
on Reference model for the metaverse based on a digital twin
enabling integration of virtual and physical worlds
- Technical Report on
Considering online and offline implications in efforts to build
confidence and security in the metaverse
- Technical Specification
on Requirements for communication between human-avatar languages
in the metaverse
The meeting was preceded by the fourth ITU
Forum on "Shaping the CitiVerse: People-Centered Cities &
Virtual Worlds"
on 4 March 2024. The Forum was attended by almost 500 people and
provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions. Topics included
the intersection of smart cities and the metaverse, emphasizing the
need for seamless integration and prioritization of people in both
physical and virtual worlds.
The outcomes of the FG-MV meeting and the Fourth
ITU Forum can be found on the ITU
metaverse webpage,
and underscore the progress made in shaping the metaverse and its
potential to transform digital interactions. Watch the video.
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UN Virtual
Worlds Day: Harnessing the metaverse to advance the SDGs
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The International Telecommunication Union is
thrilled to announce the first 'UN Virtual Worlds Day' taking place on
14 June 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. This pioneering event aims to
highlight the transformative power of virtual worlds, including the metaverse
and spatial computing, in accelerating the achievement of the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UN Virtual Worlds Day is a collaborative effort
involving the ITU together with World Bank, UNECE, ITCILO, the UN
Futures Lab Network, WMO, UNICC, WIPO, UNICEF, UNU, UNDPPA, UNIN, UN
Guatemala, FAO, UNESCWA, and UNFCCC. The event is expected to conclude
with a report on the day's conclusions.
The objective of the day is to explore the
potential of virtual worlds in addressing global challenges and
advancing the SDGs. It will bring together policymakers to discuss how
to regulate and safeguard the virtual worlds and metaverse, while also
showcasing the latest technological advances such as virtual reality,
augmented reality, metaverse and spatial computing, and their
real-world applications relevant to the SDGs.
The event will also feature exhibitions and a Think-a-Thon, providing
a platform for innovative ideas to flourish and contribute to the SDGs.
Through these activities, we aim to inspire and empower individuals and
organizations to leverage virtual worlds for sustainable development.
To learn more and register visit the UN Virtual
Worlds Day webpage.
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Join the first
UN metaverse Think-a-Thon!
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Attention metaverse innovators, the first ever UN
metaverse Think-a-Thon is here! Join forces with students and scholars
from around the world to shape the future of our cities and communities
and win cash prizes to realize your ideas.
The Metaverse Think-a-Thon 2024 aims to harness the
potential of virtual technologies and innovative approaches to generate
actionable insights, propose practical solutions, and foster a
collective vision for creating smarter, more sustainable cities and
communities. This year’s Metaverse Think-a-Thon theme is Virtual Worlds
Revolutionizing Smart Sustainable Cities & Communities.
Participation is open to:
- Students, whether
current enrolees or recent graduates, are encouraged to
participate either individually or in teams.
- Teams should comprise
of a minimum of 3 individuals and a maximum of 5.
- And is free of charge.
Dive into the immersive metaverse, design virtual
simulations, and address global challenges. This unique event is hosted
by the ITU, UNICC, and FAO. Push the boundaries of creativity and
leverage technology for sustainability. Winning solutions can win up to
CHF 10,000 in prizes.
Registration closes on 29 March
2024. Register today!
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Focus Group on
metaverse meetings
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The ITU Focus Group on metaverse (FG-MV) is in its
final stages as its experts are working to deliver a metaverse
standardization roadmap. Several upcoming events will further advance
the work of FG-MV ahead of its deadline:
FG-MV April meeting
On 30 April 2024, the FG-MV will convene virtually
to discuss and approve the deliverables which are currently under
development. Experts will delve into critical requirements for the
metaverse. Learn
more about FG-MV and register for its upcoming meetings.
FG-MV June meeting
The FG-MV will meet again on 12-13 June 2024 in
Geneva, Switzerland. At this final meeting FG-MV will finalize its
important work to advance metaverse standards development. Learn
more about FG-MV and register for its last meeting.
5th ITU Forum: Integrating Virtual and Physical
Worlds
On 13 June 2024, the metaverse community will
gather in Geneva, Switzerland for the 5th ITU Forum on Integrating
virtual and physical worlds in the metaverse with digital twin.
Together, metaverse experts will try to imagine a world where digital
and physical experiences seamlessly coexist. Join this innovative
exploration of the metaverse. Learn
more about the Forum and register your participation.
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New publication
on Guiding Principles for AI in Cities
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This February saw the launch
of the 'Guiding Principles for AI in Cities', by Dr
Okan Geray, Chair of the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) Thematic
Group on AI in Cities.
These principles aim to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence
(AI) and other frontier technologies to deliver urban services and
operational processes more efficiently and effectively.
The guiding principles are
designed to ensure that the use of AI in cities is:
- Lawful
- Privacy-preserving
- Fair and inclusive
- Explainable and
transparent
- Accountable
- Safe and secure
- High performing and
robust
- Assessed for impact and
sustainability
- Enabling human autonomy
The publication additionally incorporates various
enablers to help in principles implementation, governance and policy
instrument alternatives, and a simple four step methodology for
AI principles implementation in cities.
The publication also includes case studies that
highlight the adaptability of these principles. Key findings from these
case studies show that there is no "one size fits all"
approach to guiding principles for AI in cities, and city administrators
have a wide range of tools to encourage and incentivize the
implementation of AI principles. The studies also emphasize the
importance of knowledge exchange at local, regional, and international
levels in developing AI principles.
The 'Guiding
Principles for AI in Cities' mark a significant step
towards smart, sustainable urban development. We invite our members to
explore these principles and consider how they can be applied to their
own digital transformation journeys. For more information, visit the U4SSC website.
To learn more watch the recording of our Ask
the Expert Session with Dr Okan Geray, U4SSC Chair on 21 February 2024.
Learn about this new U4SSC deliverable and how AI applications are
becoming integral to enhancing efficiency and sustainability in urban
environments.
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Latest Digital
Transformation Dialogues
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Beginning in 2024, the Digital Transformation
Dialogues (DTD) have expanded the successful digital transformation
webinars platform, looking deeper into pivotal digital transformation
topics, featuring insights from leading experts and practitioners. Past
sessions have covered the following topics:
Fireside
Chat: Prospects for Surgical Advances (18
January 2024)
This insightful unravelled the revolutionary impact of digital
transformation in the field of surgery and beyond. Joined by Dr Noor ul
Owase Jeelani, known for his pathbreaking work on separating
craniopagus twin, the fireside chat examined the evolving landscape of
healthcare, and the convergence of digital transformation and surgical
advances. Watch the recording.
Ask
the Expert Session on digital twin for smart cities (30
January 2024)
This session explored a series of ITU-T standards on digital twin for
smart cities developed by ITU-T Study Group 20 on “Internet of things
(IoT) and smart cities and communities (SC&C)”. It explored how
digital twins play a pivotal role in shaping the future of smart cities
by providing a virtual mirror of physical urban spaces. Watch the recording.
Webinar
on future of real-love in the virtual world: The Perfect Date (14
February 2024)
This webinar explored the intersection of dating in the metaverse,
discussing the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the
evolving world of online relationships. The advent of digital age has
revolutionized the way individuals connect, communicate, and form
relationships. Watch the recording.
Also please join us for the following upcoming
events.
Webinar:
Unleashing the Power of Digital Water Solutions: Exploring the flow of
emerging technologies
(22 March 2024)
Join us on the occasion of World Water Day, as we explore how to
leverage emerging technologies to make informed choices, leading to
more sustainable and effective water resource management in the face of
increasing global water challenges. This webinar is jointly organized
with the World Meteorological Organization, and UN Water.
Ask
the Expert Session: Guardians of Authenticity: Battling Counterfeiting (28
March 2024)
This session, together with João Alexandre Moncaio Zanon, Brazilian
National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL), will explore some of the
ITU-T standards being developed by ITU-T Study Group 11 on “Signalling
requirements, protocols, test specifications and combating counterfeit
telecommunication/ICT devices”. These standards are enhancing
traceability, transparency, and security, helping to safeguard
consumers and brand reputations in an evolving digital landscape.
Webinar:
Immersive Inclusivity: Enhancing Virtual Worlds with Accessibility (2
April 2024)
Immersive technologies are transforming the digital landscape, but how
accessible are these virtual worlds? On April 2, 2024, the global
community will come together to observe World Autism Awareness Day
2024. This Webinar will explore the link between accessibility and
virtual worlds to pave the way for more inclusive and immersive virtual
experiences for users of all abilities. This webinar is jointly
organized with the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Ministry of
Communications and Information Technology Egypt (MCIT).
Fireside
Chat: Ethical Horizons: Navigating Responsible AI in the Digital
Landscape
(16 April 2024)
Embark on an enlightening journey into the intricate realm of
responsible artificial intelligence with our fire-side chat. In this
thought-provoking session, we will delve deep into the ethical
considerations and societal impact of AI technologies, providing a
comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape. Join with
Natasha Crampton, VP, Chief Responsible AI Officer of Microsoft,
to learn more.
Ask
the Expert Session: Breaking barriers in the metaverse: Improving
accessibility
(25 April 2024)
As the metaverse continues to evolve, this Ask the Expert session will
aim to explore how accessibility standards in the context of metaverse
can revolutionize and foster a more inclusive and diverse digital
landscape for people of all abilities. Join with Yong Jick Lee,
Co-Chair of FG-MV Task Group on accessibility & inclusion,
President, Center for Accessible ICT, Korea (Rep. of) to learn more.
Fireside
Chat: Data-based decision management (16
May 2024)
Join us with Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson, Salesforce, to
discover how organizations are harnessing the potential of their data
to gain a competitive edge, optimize operations, and achieve strategic
goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn best practices, explore
real-world case studies, and gain actionable insights to elevate your
decision management strategies. Register now and embark on a journey
towards data-driven success.
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Latest Reports
and Publications
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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. For more information click
here.
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Guide for Smart and Sustainable
City leaders: Envisioning Sustainable Digital Transformation
This report identifies a broad
set of relevant elements constituting digital transformation, while
underscoring the organizational capabilities and guidance for the
development of smart and sustainable cities through an eight-step cycle
– revolving around smart city vision setting, the implementation of
international standards, and the monitoring of smart city progress.
This report is based on the Supplement 32 to ITU-T Y.4000 series –
Smart sustainable cities – A guide for city leaders. To read or
download a copy, click
here.
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Enabling digital transformation
in smart sustainable cities – Master plan
This report aims to provide urban stakeholders, including
municipalities, with a general overview of the stages and standards
needed to drive digital transformation in smart sustainable cities. It
provides a guide for the implementation of the smart sustainable city
concept based on the intensive use of emerging digital technologies. It
also refers the reader to relevant standards and publications
addressing the specific technical aspects involved in the design and
overall operation of SSC and digital transformation strategies. To read
or download a copy, click
here.
To access these and other ITU
publications on a range of digital transformation topics such as smart
cities and the metaverse visit our publications
webpage.
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Contact
us
Email: digitaltransformation@itu.int
International Telecommunication Union
Place des Nations, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
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