Transforming the cities of today and tomorrow – The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) provides a platform for cities and communities to exchange knowledge, identify policy needs and develop vital international standards that support digital transformation for people-centred cities and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG11, make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) is a global UN initiative that supports cities and communities in accelerating digital transformation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The U4SSC accomplishes this through its Thematic Groups, developing action plans and guidelines, and the Key Performance Indicator project, which evaluates ICTs’ role and provides tools for self-assessment to promote smartness and sustainability in cities.
Celebrating 10 Years of U4SSC at Smart City Expo World Congress 2026!
Join us at the United Nations Pavilion, 3–5 November 2026 at Smart City Expo World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, as ITU and UN-Habitat, in collaboration with 18 UN entities, come together to shape the future of smart sustainable cities. Meet mayors, ministers and global experts, discover innovative solutions and new publications, and celebrate a decade of U4SSC achievements in helping cities become smarter, more sustainable and people-centred.
The U4SSC KPIs are a vital tool for cities wishing to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They support cities and communities worldwide in evaluating their level of smartness and sustainability. Over 350 cities worldwide are already implementing these KPIs.
ITU-T Study Group 20 (SG20): Internet of Things, digital twins and smart sustainable cities and communities develops international standards (ITU-T Recommendations) providing commonly agreed guidance for implementing the Internet of Things (IoT) and its applications, digital twins, as well as sustainable cities and communities and related digital services. Its work spans IoT technologies, city services, policy frameworks, impact assessments, and open-source solutions, promoting secure, accessible, and sustainable systems. SG20 accelerates digital transformation, fostering global innovation for both urban and rural areas.
The next ITU Study Group 20 meeting will take place in May 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland
The Focus Group on AI for Smart Sustainable Cities and Communities (FG-AI4SSC) provides a global platform for collaboration among experts from standards organizations, cities, industry, academia, governments and UN entities. It focuses on the integration of AI with IoT, digital twins and smart city systems, developing requirements, interfaces, coordination mechanisms and frameworks to enable interoperable, safe and effective AI-enabled urban solutions.
The 2nd FG-AI4SSC meeting and Forum will take place from 8-10 December 2026, in Manchester, United Kingdom.
The Digital Transformation Dialogues (DTD) offer a dynamic platform to facilitate a deeper understanding of emerging technologies to reshape traditional processes, improve operational efficiency and unlock new possibilities for innovation and standardization. Engage in illuminating discussions that propel digital transformation forward by joining our webinars, fireside chats and ask the expert sessions.
The Global Initiative on AI, Digital Twins and Virtual Worlds – Discovering the Citiverse, launched by ITU, Digital Dubai, and UNICC, is a global platform advancing the AI-enabled citiverse where AI, spatial intelligence and digital twins converge to deliver real-world impact.
Supported by more than 70 partners worldwide, the Initiative brings together governments, industry and the UN system to promote safe, open and interoperable ecosystems, enabling public service transformation, economic growth and digital trust.
The 2nd Citiverse Assembly, co-organized by ITU, European Commission and OASC, and supported by StandICT.eu, took place on 12 May 2026 at ITU Headquarters in Geneva. More information is available here.
ITU together with other organizations, cities and other UN agencies are organizing a series of meetings and events on digital transformation for cities and communities. Don’t miss out on these key events.
Check out how ITU collaborates with various Standards Development Organizations (SDO) and industry organizations on vital smart sustainable city projects and initiatives.
The Toolkit on Digital Transformation for People-Oriented Cities and Communities supports strategizing and planning the digital transformation of cities and communities to promote sustainable, inclusive, resilient and improved quality of life for residents in cities and communities.
