Page 24 - Building digital public infrastructure for cities and communities

in reliable, accessible and affordable public transportation systems enabled by urbanized stack-
agnostic DPI implementations.

Evidence shows that integrated urban planning, access to basic services, slum upgrading, and the
provision of decent and affordable housing play a critical role in reducing Non-Communicable
Diseases (NCDs) and limiting environmental impacts. These interventions support global goals on
health and well-being (SDG 3), energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13) by improving living
conditions, promoting active mobility and reducing exposure to harmful pollutants (WHO, 2019;
Corburn & Sverdlik, 2020). Slum upgrading efforts, in particular, contribute to health equity and
resilience by ensuring access to clean water, sanitation and safer housing structures (Corburn &
Sverdlik, 2020).

Meanwhile, the development of regional and urban infrastructure, aligned with SDG 9, enhances
market connectivity and strengthens value chains, thereby supporting decent work and economic
growth (SDG 8), and sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12) (United Nations, n.d. a;
United Nations, n.d. b). Improved infrastructure also helps bridge rural-urban divides, facilitating
food distribution networks and reducing post-harvest losses – key to achieving food security (SDG 2),
better nutrition and sustainable agriculture (FAO, 2018; Nizami & Kolokotsa, 2024). These interlinked
strategies reflect the transformative potential of inclusive urban planning and infrastructure in
achieving multiple SDGs. Emphasis should, however, be placed on the requirement for DPI
implementations at the local level to take the local city/community context into consideration, as
well as the intricate nature of smart city operational system requirements emanating from contextual
and operational constraints.

Moreover, UN-Habitat’s 2016 report, Sustainable Urbanization in the Paris Agreement, highlights that
113 out of 164 submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) include urban references,
establishing clear linkages between sustainable urbanization and climate action (UN-Habitat, 2016).
This underscores the pivotal role of DPI in advancing these goals, particularly within the context of
smart cities, by fostering collaboration and interoperability across various domains.

By integrating the principles of the GDC, DPI for cities enhances the effectiveness of urban
planning and development, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable cities and communities.
The GDC proposes principles, objectives and actions for advancing an open, free, secure and
human-centred digital future, which supports the attainment of the SDGs (United Nations, 2023).
These synergies between the SDGs and DPI reflects a holistic approach to development, where
technological advancements and policy initiatives work hand in hand to build resilient and thriving
urban environments

2.2 Operationalizing the Pact for the Future

The Pact for the Future, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2024, emphasizes strengthening
the multilateral system to be effective, capable and prepared for the future. Digital governance is a
crucial theme in this pact, recognizing that emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping societies

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