The United Nations today launched its first system-wide toolbox designed to ensure that people, rather than machines, remain accountable for public decisions in smart cities in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).
The new United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) Toolbox for People-Centred Smart Cities in the AI Era , issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), gives mayors, city managers and policymakers real-world guidance for deciding how AI can improve public services, what safeguards are needed, and when the technology should not be used.
"Smart, sustainable cities are defined by how well people benefit from technology designed to improve everyday living," said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General.
"The U4SSC toolbox helps city officials turn international standards and responsible AI principles into guidance for better public services and lasting trust."
A decade of supporting smart cities The launch of the new toolbox comes on the 10th anniversary of United for Smart Sustainable Cities, a global UN initiative coordinated by the ITU, UN-Habitat and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), with support from 19 other UN agencies and programmes.