Digital Transformation and Cities Digest

 

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Message from Seizo Onoe, Director,

Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU

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,

Profile photo of Seizo Onoe, Director, TSB, ITU

Seizo Onoe,
Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU.

 

 

In this issue

  • 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

Upcoming events

 

 

Outcomes of the fifth Focus Group meeting and fourth ITU Forum on metaverse

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.

 

 

UN Virtual Worlds Day: Harnessing the metaverse to advance the SDGs

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.
 

 

Join the first UN metaverse Think-a-Thon!

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!

 

Focus Group on metaverse meetings

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.

 

 

New publication on Guiding Principles for AI in Cities

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.

 

Latest Digital Transformation Dialogues

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:

generic banner image of the Digital Transformation Dialogues webinar series

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.

 

 

Latest Reports and Publications

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.

  Cover page of U4SSC Guiding principles for artificial intelligence in cities

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.

  Cover page of the Guide for Smart and Sustainable City leaders

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.

 Enabling digital transformation in smart sustainable cities – Master plan cover page

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International Telecommunication Union
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