Page 54 - Implementing ITU-T International Standards to Shape Smart Sustainable Cities: The Case of Dubai

Implementing ITU-T International Standards to Shape Smart Sustainable Cities – The Case of Dubai

 It was noted that there was considerable overlap between some KPIs between the ICT
dimension, Environmental Sustainability dimension and the Physical Infrastructure
dimension. These KPIs should be slotted more appropriately under the different
dimensions to remove repetitions and to avoid making cities measure the same areas
related to different indicators.
 Certain KPIs were not adequately defined for Dubai to be able to collect the required
data for its verification. Dubai has provided inputs to ITU on each KPI to facilitate
improvements in their definitions and applicability. These recommendations should be
give due consideration by the U4SSC members when refining the KPIs.
 Some KPIs included data elements that are not collected systematically even in
developed countries. These KPIs tended to be aspirational and thus the gap between
theory and practicability/feasibility needs to be bridged when refining the KPIs. In this
regard, it should be ensured that the indicators are feasible to measure, consistent and
comparable over time.
 The existing KPIs do not seem to take into account international agreements and targets
including the Sustainable Development Goals and COP-21 targets. This aspect should be
altered when the KPIs are sent for revision.
Before initiating the data collection process for the KPIs, cities may consider adopting an
“applicability checklist” developed by ITU which can provide an overview of which KPIs can be
easily collected within their territories. This checklist will highlight the key areas which require
improvement in the city before the verification process is conducted.

As the first year of the pilot project in Dubai has come to a close, there is a realization that Dubai
and other cities need a method for comparing and contrasting their smartness and sustainability
progress and performance against their local, regional, national and global peers.

In response, the ITU and UNECE have led the formation of the United for Smart Sustainable Cities
(U4SSC) initiative (see Box 13) which will further develop these KPIs. Subsequently, these KPIs
will serve as a key input to a global Smart Sustainable Cities Index and assist in the achievement
of the SDGs.

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