{"id":4853,"date":"2026-01-06T04:29:03","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T04:29:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/cities\/?page_id=4853"},"modified":"2026-01-23T08:11:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T08:11:34","slug":"connecting-physical-and-virtual-worlds","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/cities\/digitaltransformationdialogues\/connecting-physical-and-virtual-worlds\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask the Expert Session \u2013\u00a0Connecting physical and virtual worlds with digital twins"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Description<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

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The Ask the Expert session entitled \u201cConnecting physical and virtual worlds with digital twins\u201d is organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as part of the ITU Digital Transformation Dialogues<\/a>. The session took place virtually on 22 January 2026, from 12:30 to 13:00 (Geneva time).<\/p>\n<\/div>

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This session examined the role of digital twins as a foundational enabler of virtual worlds and the metaverse, with particular attention to how international standards support the integration, interoperability, and scalability between physical and virtual environments. It highlighted the work of ITU-T in developing globally relevant standards that enable trusted, sustainable, and interoperable metaverse and virtual worlds ecosystems.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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In this Ask the Expert Session, we explored a series of ITU-T standards on digital twins and virtual worlds developed by ITU-T Study Group 20 on Internet of Things, digital twins and smart sustainable cities and communities<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Target Audience<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Participation is open to the ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates, ITU Academia, and to any individual from a country that is a member of the ITU and who wishes to contribute to the work. This includes individuals who are also members of international, regional and national organizations. Participation is free of charge.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Open and free to all, this webinar shares practical insights and real-world examples for making smart cities work for everyone. Watch the Webinar now to help shape a future where technology uplifts every life.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Watch Webinar Here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Watch on YouTube<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>
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Note: By registering for this event, you agree for ITU (the event organizer and data controller) to process your personal data for the organization and management of the event in accordance with the <\/em>ITU Data Protection and Privacy Policy<\/em><\/a>. The personal data you submit as part of the registration and your participation in the event will be used by ITU for the organization, management, and follow-up of the event, including managing attendance and for internal ITU administrative requirements. The event is taking place via Zoom, and it will be recorded. You can read <\/em>here<\/em><\/a> Zoom\u2019s privacy notice on how it processes your personal data. The event video recording will be made publicly available on ITU\u2019s event webpage to raise awareness and promote standardization aiming at knowledge-transfer and bridging the standardization gap. For any questions or requests concerning your personal data, including your inclusion in video, you can contact ITU at <\/em>digitaltransformation@itu.int<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n

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Organized by:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>

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UN SDGs<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>

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ITU Strategic Goals<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>

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Related Information:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>

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Digital Transformation Dialogues<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

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ITU-T Smart Sustainable Cities<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

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ITU-T AI-powered virtual worlds and metaverse<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

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ITU-T Study Group 20: IoT, digital twins and smart sustainable cities and communities<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Contact: Cristina Bueti<\/a>\u200b<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>

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Opening remarks<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Seizo Onoe<\/a><\/h2>

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Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU<\/div>