Page 24 - Procurement guidelines for smart sustainable cities - A U4SSC deliverable

Public sectors globally are increasingly exploring the opportunities provided by digital, data and
technology; for example:

• buying digitally with social purpose is critical to support this, as it helps;

• addressing people’s raised expectations for simpler, clearer and digital public services;
• building trust between governments and their communities;

• increasing transparency and access to information;

• reducing inequalities in society and stimulating local economies by increasing participation of
under-represented groups such as women-owned SMEs; and
• contributing to successfully achieving the SDGs.

Following a survey conducted in 2020 of 812 cities (in 84 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe,
Latin America, North America and Oceania, representing a total population of 810 million people),
a report “Cities on the Route to 2030: Building zero emissions, resilient planet for all” of research

findings and insights published by the Carbon Disclosure Project in May 2021, states:

• 93 per cent of cities are facing significant climate risks
• 76 per cent of cities are collaborating with businesses on sustainability projects, or are intending
to do so in the next two years

• 74 per cent of cities state that climate change is increasing risks to already vulnerable populations
• 43 per cent of cities did not have a plan to adapt to the climate crisis

• 25 per cent of cities cite budgetary capacity issues as a barrier to adaptation

2.2 Public procurement in the context of global commitments towards ensuring the
inclusion of all people in the digital world

2.2.1 Global Commitments towards ensuring equal and equitable digital inclusion for all
people

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight the impact of ICTs on the economic and
social development of people with disabilities. They emphasise that ICTs influence all aspects
of peoples’ lives. The use of ICTs allows the removal of many of the remaining barriers faced by
persons with disabilities. Sustainable Development Goal no. 10 is to “Reduce Inequality within
and among Countries”. This requires the Member States to: “By 2030, empower and promote the
social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity,
origin, religion or economic or other status”.

10 Procurement guidelines for smart sustainable cities | May 2023