Leaving No One Behind in the Citiverse
ITU Citiverse
Session 284
The ITU CitiVerse Initiative serves as a global platform that aims at fostering open, interoperable and innovative virtual worlds that can be used safely and with confidence by people, businesses and public services in cities across the world. It is also the the avenue for developing normative frameworks addressing principles, enablers, and governance for applying metaverse solutions in cities. Cities, as hubs of human activity, are challenged by many issues, and when building digital cities it might be a great opportunity to avoid some already known and identified human interaction barriers.
ITU has created the Digital Inclusion and Accessibility track to meet the economic needs faced in a citiverse: Digital Inequality, the gap between those who have access and digital literacy and those who have not, leading to social unrest and economic instability, and Accessiblity, which is related to the many digital barriers to access any service or product offered in the city.
The session will discuss -from a top down approach- the challenges, opportunities, and impact we face when designing a citiverse for all citizens, leaving no one behind. From planing, standardisation to one example from Tampere (Finland) will offer a concrete case on how they are looking at digital inclusion.
Kamelia, holding an MBA, has in-depth experience in executive administration of non-profit organisations. She is a lawyer, specialized in Swiss law relevant to international organisations and international public law, including expertise on the United Nations. Kamelia also has a direct experience of intergovernmental multilateral negotiation and diplomacy.
Before joining the Global Cities Hub, Kamelia was Executive Manager at the Geneva Academy. She also worked as Special Assistant to the President of the UN Human Rights Council for three years. She was a Visiting Programme Director at Wilton Park. Previously to that, she worked at the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office in Geneva.
Before moving to the public sector, Kamelia worked for two years in the private sector in a Geneva-based private bank as a compliance officer. She’s a part-time Senior Consultant in AxLR.ch
Dr. Hyoung Jun Kim began his career in 1988 at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) where he currently holds the position of Research Fellow. Previously, he served as Senior Vice-President and led the Intelligent Convergence Research Lab at ETRI. Over the course of 37 years, Dr. Kim has gained research experience in a range of ETRI divisions, such as the Info-Communications Technology Division, IT Strategy Research Division, Information & Telecommunications Technology Division, and Protocol Engineering Centre. Presently, he also serves as the Chair of both ITU-T SG20 and the APT Standardization Program (ASTAP) within the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity.. In the past, he has held roles as Vice-chair and WP chairs of SG20 and SG13, Rapporteur of Q25/16 and Q9/13, etc. Dr. Kim’s research and academic achievements are extensive, with over 450 standard proposals, more than 150 academic journal and conference papers, over 100 patents, and 20 official technology transfers to domestic companies under his belt. He has received three National President’s citations in 2003, 2009 and 2023, in addition to numerous Certificates of Appreciation from international standard-related organizations, including ITU-T. Notably, Dr. Kim earned his second and third National President’s Award at the “World Standards Day 2009 in Korea and 2023 in Korea” in recognition of his dedication to international standardization.
Dr. Okan Geray has more than 25 years of experience in consulting and advisory roles across various industries. He has consulted for a number of organizations in Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, South Africa, Turkey and Dubai. He worked at A.T. Kearney global management consulting firm for 6 years and was a member of the Global Telecommunications and Higher Technology core team before he joined Dubai Government in 2002. He has worked as the Strategic Planning Advisor in Dubai eGovernment, Dubai Smart Government, Smart Dubai Office and recently Dubai Digital Authority. His responsibilities include Strategic Planning, Strategic Performance Management and Policy Making among others.
Dr. Geray is the U4SSC Chair (U4SSC is a UN initiative coordinated by ITU, UNECE and UN-Habitat and supported by other 16 UN bodies, that help support the development of institutional policies and strategies which encourage the use of digital technologies to facilitate digital transformation and ease the transition to smart sustainable cities). He is leading several thematic groups globally for U4SSC namely “Guidelines on Strategies for Circular Cities”, “City Science Application Framework”, “AI in Cities”, “Enabling People-Centered Cities through Digital Transformation”, and “Digital Wellbeing”.
Dr. Geray is the Co-Rapporteur of the ITU Study Group 20, Question 7 on “Evaluation and assessment of Smart Sustainable Cities and Communities” and also Working Party 1 Vice Chair. He is the Steering Committee Chair of the Global Initiative on Virtual Worlds and AI – Discovering the Citiverse, which is co-founded by ITU, UNICC and Digital Dubai. He is a member of the IEC-ISO-ITU Joint Smart Cities Task Force (J-SCTF). He co-chaired the Working Group “Economic, regulatory & competition aspects” in the ITU Focus Group on metaverse (FG-MV). He was also the Co-Chair of the “Data Economy Impact, Commercialization and Monetization” Working Group, part of the ITU Focus Group on Data Processing and Management.
Dr. Geray holds a double major B. Sc. degree in Industrial and Computer Engineering from Bosphorus University in Istanbul Turkey, an M.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. degree in Systems and Control Engineering from the University of Massachusetts in the US. He has published several journal and conference papers and was an adjunct lecturer in management for 15 years.
Dr. Yong Jick LEE is a managing director of Center for Accessible ICT, Republic of Korea. He leads the center, which provides research, domestic and international standard development, ICT solution development, and corporate consulting on ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities and digital inclusion for all. He majored in Computer Science as an undergraduate and in Management Information Systems in the doctoral program. He has over 20 years of experience developing and researching ICT accessibility solutions for persons with disabilities. His research interests include technology development and policy research on accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. He also participates in international standardization activities through ITU-T Study Group 20 - Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Sustainable Cities and Communities (SSC&C) as a Rapporteur of Question 8 (Human-centric digital services enabled by IoT and SSC&C related to digital health, accessibility and inclusion), and APT Standardization Forum (ASTAP) Expert Group on Accessibility and Usability (EG-AU) concerning the accessibility and inclusion of emerging digital services.
PhD (UMIST, UK) works at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain) in the TransMedia Catalonia Lab. She has written and edited many books, near 100 academic papers and almost the same number of book chapters --all on Media Accessibility. Leader and participant of numerous EU funded research projects focusing on media accessibility. She works in standardisation and participates in the UN ITU IRG-AVA - Intersector Rapporteur Group Audiovisual Media Accessibility. She has been working on Immersive Accessibility for the past 6 years first in a project called ImAc, which results are now further developed in TRACTION, MEDIAVERSE, MILE, and GREENSCENT. She led until December 2022 the EU network LEADME on Media Accessibility. She was the Co-Chair of Study Group on Accessibility and Inclusion in the ITU Metaverse Focus Group, and she is leading the Digital Inclusion and Accessibility track of the ITU Virtual Worlds. She is now working on AI and accessibility in the three funded projects MOSAIC, ALFIE, and SPICE.
For more info please go to: https://webs.uab.cat/pilarorero/
Teppo Rantanen, Executive Director of Economic Policy, Competitiveness and Innovation at the City of Tampere, is focusing on industries such as semiconductors, defense, energy and experience economy, which shape the strategic economic policy of the city. He leads Tampere through collaboration in extensive international networks towards a human-centric citiverse. His approach to leading the Citiverse involves leveraging new technologies such as digital twins, XR technologies, data, AI, and connectivity to create a seamless digital layer over the physical city environment, benefiting both people and businesses. He is also a co-chair of the UN Virtual Worlds Initiative on the Citiverse. From 2002 to 2014, Teppo served as Deloitte Finland’s Chief Executive Officer and from 2014 to 2016 in London as a member of Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications Leadership Team. He currently serves on the board of Business Finland, which helps Finnish companies grow and succeed globally.
Samia is an expert in creative and digital training engineering, as well as innovation management. As the founder of NET-INFO, DigiArtLivingLab, AfricanGameDev, and Africa Metaverse Academy, she has over 25 years of experience in software engineering. Currently, she serves as a Senior Technologist in Information Systems at the Higher Institute of Technological Studies in Nabeul, where she is dedicated to promoting digital creativity and social innovation in Africa. Additionally, she presides over the Creative and Digital Industries Group within CONECT (Confederation of Citizen Enterprises of Tunisia). She is also an Unreal Authorized Instructor from Epic Games.
Cristina Bueti is the ITU Focal Point on Smart Sustainable Cities and AI-powered Virtual Worlds. She is also the Counsellor of ITU-T Study Group 20 “Internet of Things, digital twins and smart sustainable cities and communities” and serves as TSB/ITU focal point for Latin America. Cristina Bueti graduated from the Faculty of Political Science, Law and International Cooperation and Development of the University of Florence, where she completed postgraduate studies in International Cooperation and Telecommunications Law in Europe. In 2003, Ms. Bueti built on her academic credentials by completing a specialized course in peace keeping and international cooperation with special focus on telecommunications at the Faculty of Laws, University of Malta, before joining the International Telecommunication Union in Geneva in January 2004. As part of the International Women’s Day 2016, she was named as one of the ten Geneva-based inspirational women working to protect the environment. She has authored over 40 reports on telecommunication and emerging technology issues. A native Italian speaker, Cristina is also fluent in English, French and Spanish.
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C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
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C2. Information and communication infrastructure
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C3. Access to information and knowledge
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C4. Capacity building
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-government
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-science
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C8. Cultural diversity and identity, linguistic diversity and local content
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C10. Ethical dimensions of the Information Society
The "CityVerse for All" initiative is closely related to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Action Lines, as both aim to build a people-centered, inclusive, and development-oriented information and knowledge society. The CityVerse concept, which integrates physical urban environments with virtual worlds, leverages digital technologies to enhance urban living and address various challenges, directly aligning with several WSIS Action Lines.
Here's how CityVerse for All relates to specific WSIS Action Lines:
C1: The role of public governance authorities and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development: CityVerse emphasizes a collaborative approach involving citizens, communities, and city officials in decision-making processes through virtual interactions. This aligns with the WSIS principle of multi-stakeholder partnerships and active public participation in shaping the information society. The initiative also focuses on governance frameworks that prioritize public benefit.
C2: Information and communication infrastructure: CityVerse relies on robust digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet, digital twins, AI, and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies, to function effectively. This directly addresses the WSIS Action Line concerning the development of an essential foundation for an inclusive information society.
C3: Access to information and knowledge: CityVerse aims to improve access to public services and information through virtual platforms, allowing citizens to explore urban projects, participate in virtual town halls, and access administrative tasks. This directly contributes to the WSIS goal of universal access to information and knowledge.
C4: Capacity building: For CityVerse to be truly inclusive, citizens need the necessary skills to navigate and benefit from these virtual environments. The initiative's focus on bridging the digital divide and ensuring familiarity across all demographics aligns with the WSIS Action Line on capacity building, which emphasizes empowering everyone with digital literacy.
C7: ICT Applications: benefits in all aspects of life (E-government, E-business, E-learning, E-health, E-environment, E-agriculture, E-science): CityVerse is essentially a comprehensive application of ICTs for urban development. It encompasses various "e-applications" by:
E-government: Enabling virtual services and citizen participation in urban planning.
E-environment: Using AI and digital twins to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and foster sustainability.
E-health: Potentially integrating health-related services and information within the virtual city environment.
C8: Cultural diversity and identity, linguistic diversity and local content: While not explicitly stated as a primary focus, the "CityVerse for All" initiative implicitly supports cultural diversity by promoting inclusive design and representation within virtual worlds, aiming to cater to different needs and preferences. This aligns with the WSIS objective of preserving and promoting cultural and linguistic diversity in the digital realm.
C10: Ethical dimensions of the Information Society: The discussions around CityVerse often highlight the importance of designing these virtual worlds with accessibility, inclusion, and ethical considerations in mind from the start. This directly relates to the WSIS Action Line on ethical dimensions, which aims to ensure the responsible and human-centered development and deployment of digital technologies like AI and virtual worlds. In essence, CityVerse for All can be seen as a contemporary and innovative approach to implementing the core principles and objectives of the WSIS Action Lines within the context of urban development, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to create more inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered cities in the digital age.
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Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
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Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all
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Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
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Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
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Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
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Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
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Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
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Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
The "CityVerse for All" initiative is deeply intertwined with the Sustainable Development Process, particularly as outlined by the United Nations and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The core idea of CityVerse – integrating physical urban environments with virtual worlds using technologies like AI, digital twins, and AR/VR – is fundamentally aimed at addressing pressing global challenges and fostering sustainable urban development.
Here's how CityVerse for All relates to the Sustainable Development Process and specific SDGs:
Overall Alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: CityVerse is presented as a transformative approach to urban innovation that directly contributes to the vision of the Pact for the Future and the principles of the Global Digital Compact, emphasizing inclusive, sustainable, and equitable approaches to digital transformation. It aims to create cities that are inclusive, resilient, and sustainable hubs of progress.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: This is the most direct and prominent link. CityVerse directly addresses the targets of SDG 11 by aiming to:
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By leveraging digital twins, AI, and virtual environments, CityVerse can facilitate better urban planning, resource management, and disaster preparedness.
Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management. CityVerse allows for enhanced citizen participation in urban planning through interactive 3D models and simulations, enabling feedback and co-creation of solutions.
Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. Digital twins within CityVerse can help optimize energy use, integrate renewable energy sources, reduce emissions through smart transportation, and improve waste management.
Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all. By simulating and optimizing transportation networks, CityVerse can contribute to more efficient and sustainable mobility solutions.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: CityVerse heavily relies on and promotes advanced infrastructure and innovation.
It champions the development of digital public infrastructure, including AI, metaverse platforms, digital twins, and open-source solutions.
It encourages research and development in these areas to create more efficient and sustainable urban systems.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: By optimizing energy use, integrating renewable energy sources, and reducing emissions through smart transportation and infrastructure planning, CityVerse can contribute to carbon neutrality and sustainable energy consumption within cities.
SDG 13: Climate Action: CityVerse's capabilities in simulating climate change impacts, planning for resilience, and reducing urban carbon footprints directly support climate action efforts. Predictive maintenance for infrastructure and the promotion of sustainable materials also contribute to mitigating climate change.
SDG 1: No Poverty: While not immediately obvious, by enabling more efficient and inclusive public services, and potentially fostering new economic opportunities within virtual urban spaces, CityVerse can indirectly contribute to poverty reduction. The UN Citiverse Challenge specifically highlights its alignment with SDG 1 by addressing how digital identity and financial systems within the CityVerse can empower marginalized individuals.
SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: CityVerse can contribute to these goals by making information and public services more accessible, and by potentially offering new avenues for digital literacy and capacity building. The aim to ensure familiarity with CityVerse across all demographics, bridging generational and digital divides, is crucial for inclusivity.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The "CityVerse for All" initiative, particularly the UN Citiverse Challenge, emphasizes multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together governments, international organizations (like ITU, UNICC, WIPO), startups, and citizens to co-create solutions. This collaborative approach is a cornerstone of SDG 17, recognizing that achieving sustainable development requires strong global partnerships.
In essence, CityVerse for All is not just about adopting new technologies; it's about leveraging these technologies to address the complex, interconnected challenges of urbanization in a way that is environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically viable, thereby accelerating progress towards the broader Sustainable Development Goals.