Page 14 - A framework for enabling people centred cities through digital transformation

2 Background

The integration of digital transformation into sustainable urban development is a pressing global
need. As urban populations increase so the strain on resources and infrastructure intensifies,
necessitating smarter and more efficient solutions capitalizing on the scalable and innovative nature
of digital technologies. Digital transformation offers a pathway to enhance urban sustainability;
for example, by optimizing resource allocation, reducing waste and improving service delivery. It
fosters data-driven decision-making, enabling cities to respond dynamically to the evolving needs
of their inhabitants. By mainstreaming digital transformation, cities can improve the inhabitants'
quality of life and contribute to broader environmental goals such as reducing carbon emissions
and promoting circular economies.

Incorporating people-centred digital transformation into a city strategy is essential for fostering
an ecosystem that is resilient, responsive and rich in opportunities for all. A people-centred city
strategy embracing digital transformation can revolutionize urban living, from traffic management
1
and energy distribution to public safety and governance. It allows for real-time monitoring and
management of city functions, thus increasing efficiency and reducing operational costs. Moreover,
it enhances inhabitant engagement and participation, creating a more inclusive urban environment.
By embedding digital transformation within its core, a city strategy can unlock the full potential of
technology to create a sustainable, prosperous and equitable urban future. 2

In the urban context, a people-centred city strategy should prioritize the contextual challenges and
needs of the city and its stakeholders and align the strategic priorities with the available resources
and investment priorities.

The people-centred city strategy should identify the areas of opportunity in sectors such as
transportation, education, health, jobs, food, tourism and security to ensure the alignment of
priorities and maximize the use of resources based on the needs of city inhabitants and businesses,
leveraging on digital technologies.

A people-centred city strategy should define and explicitly articulate how digital transformation
can foster sustainable urban development and address key priorities and challenges such as public
and green transport, affordable housing and access to services. It should adopt a people-centred
digital transformation framework [hereafter referred to as the “Framework”] that embodies the
key elements of the strategy. Such a framework is crucial for successfully implementing a digital
transformation strategy. It ensures that all key elements such as digital infrastructure, data, and
inhabitant engagement are integrated cohesively. This Framework serves as a blueprint for cities
to follow, enabling them to harness digital technologies effectively to improve urban services,
enhance quality of life, and achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs). It is rooted in the

1 Digital Strategy 2022-2025, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Available at: https:// www .undp .org/
publications/ digital -strategy -2022 -2025
2 Digitalisation for Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements, UNCTAD. Available at Digitalisa-
tion for Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements | UNCTAD

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