UN calls for AI-driven transformation of future cities
With most of the world’s population expected to live in cities by 2050, AI is seen as central to managing future urban growth and infrastructure demands.
UN organisations and urban experts have called on governments, city leaders, and the private sector to accelerate the use of AI and digital technologies to shape the future of urban life. The appeal was made during the 3rd UN Virtual Worlds Day held in Geneva.
With 70 percent of the global population expected to live in urban areas by 2050, discussions focused on the emergence of an ‘AI-enabled citiverse’ combining AI, digital twins and spatial intelligence to improve planning, infrastructure management and quality of life in cities.
Participants outlined five strategic priorities, including strengthening inclusive AI systems, improving data-driven decision-making, and ensuring responsible economic and social development. Emphasis was also placed on global cooperation and the need for common standards to guide digital urban transformation.
The conference also highlighted key risks, including governance gaps, trust and safety concerns, and widening digital divides. A joint briefing warned that the benefits of AI-driven urban systems must be distributed fairly, including to developing economies and underserved communities.
Why does it matter?
The integration of AI into urban systems signals a structural shift in how cities are designed, managed and experienced. As urbanisation accelerates globally, AI-enabled infrastructure could significantly improve efficiency, resilience and sustainability, but also risks deepening inequality if governance and access remain uneven across regions.
United Nations organisations and urban experts have called on governments, city leaders and the private sector to accelerate the use of AI and digital technologies in shaping the future of urban life. The appeal was made during the 3rd UN Virtual Worlds Day held in Geneva.
With 70 percent of the global population expected to live in urban areas by 2050, discussions focused on the emergence of an ‘AI-enabled citiverse’ combining AI, digital twins and spatial intelligence to improve planning, infrastructure management and quality of life in cities.
Participants outlined five strategic priorities, including strengthening inclusive AI systems, improving data-driven decision-making, and ensuring responsible economic and social development. Emphasis was also placed on global cooperation and the need for common standards to guide digital urban transformation.
The conference also highlighted key risks such as governance gaps, trust and safety concerns, and widening digital divides. A joint briefing warned that the benefits of AI-driven urban systems must be distributed fairly, including to developing economies and underserved communities.
Why does it matter?
The integration of AI into urban systems signals a structural shift in how cities are designed, managed and experienced. As urbanisation accelerates globally, AI-enabled infrastructure could significantly improve efficiency, resilience and sustainability, but also risks deepening inequality if governance and access remain uneven across regions.
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