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
2nd UN Virtual Worlds Day
How the ITU Helps Build People-Centred Smart Cities and Communities
Standardization with Global Reach: ITU-T Study Group 20
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 ITU Study Group 20 meeting will take place on 15-25 September 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland
Digital Transformation Dialogues (DTD)
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.
United for Smart Sustainable Cities
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.
KPIs for Smart Sustainable Cities
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 200 cities worldwide are already implementing these KPIs.
Global Initiative on Virtual Worlds and AI
The Global Initiative on Virtual Worlds and AI – Discovering the Citiverse, launched by ITU, Digital Dubai, and UNICC, is a global platform shaping policy innovation for safe, open, and interoperable AI-powered virtual worlds. It empowers governments, businesses, and communities to harness the citiverse for public services, economic growth, and digital trust in an AI-driven future.
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.
- Forum on Sustainable Digital Transformation in Latin America (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 8 May 2025)
- 2nd UN Virtual Worlds Day (11-12 June 2025, Turin, Italy)
- Award Ceremony for the 1st UN Citiverse Challenge (11 June 2025, Turin, Italy)
- Forum on Connected by Design: Building Inclusive Digital Infrastructure for Future-Ready Cities (Geneva, 15 September 2025)
- Annual Assembly of Global Initiative on Virtual Worlds and AI (3 November 2025, Valencia, Spain)
Strengthening collaboration with SDOs and industry Fora
Check out how ITU collaborates with various Standards Development Organizations (SDO) and industry organizations on vital smart sustainable city projects and initiatives.
Toolkit on Digital Transformation for People-Oriented Cities and Communities
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.
