The forthcoming guidelines aim to inform the development of national and local smart city regulations, plans, and strategies and fill global “normative gaps”.
UN-Habitat, the United Nations entity responsible for sustainable urbanisation, has begun drafting the first international guidelines on people-centred smart cities.
Endorsed by all 193 Member States of the United Nations, the guidelines seek to fill global “normative gaps” in the domain of smart cities and digitalisation.
Read more: UN-Habitat to draft people-centred smart city regulations
The United Nations has accelerated the implementation of programs aimed at securing a resilient, green and inclusive future for the world's cities and their inhabitants, with international guidelines on people-centered smart cities to be adopted in May next year.
The UN Human Settlements Program, or UN-Habitat, was tasked with the development of the guidelines during the second session of its assembly held in Kenya's capital Nairobi in June.
In a development that is likely to change how governments treat location data, the Statistics Division of the United Nations and World Bank launched what they are calling “a new guide” last week to help nations worldwide better manage geographical information data.
The guide, called the Integrated geospatial Information Framework – A Strategic Guide to Develop and Strengthen National Geospatial Information Management, was launched during the Eighth Session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) held in New York last week. It includes advice for countries on how to collect, access and use geospatial information, and will help governments, especially in low- and middle-income countries, to develop effective policies, and support decision-makers in directing aid and development resources. Further, it gives concrete recommendations on establishing national geospatial information management processes and putting that information to use.
The Organization and its 12 peacekeeping missions around the world must fully embrace new technology in the face of ever-changing challenges, the UN chief said on Wednesday as he outlined to the Security Council his Strategy for the Digital Transformation of UN Peacekeeping.
New technologies are changing the character and nature of conflict, with an “indelible impact” on civilians, Secretary-General António Guterres told the ministerial-level open debate on technology and peacekeeping – a highlight of India’s turn as Council President this month.
Read more: UN launches strategy for digital transformation of peacekeeping
Rates of urbanization show no signs of slowing down, giving rise to significant challenges for city leaders. New technologies, however, present us with new opportunities to meet these challenges.
Rates of urbanization show no signs of slowing down, giving rise to significant challenges for city leaders. New technologies, however, present us with new opportunities to meet these challenges.
Read more: UN's initiative for knowledge on smart sustainable cities and SDG 11