Global Cities Hub

The Global Dialogue being an inclusive and multistakeholder platform, the Global Cities Hub – advocates for the inclusion of Local and Regional Governments and their networks to ensure that the meeting is inclusive, informed, and impactful. Local and Regional Governments face the challenge of adapting AI-based solutions to improve municipal services, ensure better urban development, and build more inclusive local communities, while ensuring that technology is deployed in ways that promote growth, democratic governance, and sustainable development. The Mayors for Digital Cooperation (MDC) set up by the UNSG's Office of the Envoy on Technology and UN Habitat, and the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) initiative coordinated by ITU, UNECE and UN-Habitat might serve as primary avenues of inclusivity. Likewise, cities exploring the opportunities and challenges of digitalization, smart city development, use of AI, and creation of AI-enabled citiverses might be included in the dialogue on their own right.

• AI capacity-building
• Interoperability of governance approaches

The contribution of cities and their networks would be an indispensable added value to the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. Local and Regional Governments play a key role in localizing the SDGs and their ability to use AI in an inclusive, people-centered manner is crucial. The deployment of AI at all levels of government will bring fundamental, transformative change. A multi-level dialogue is necessary to ensure that benefits are shared and risks are contained at all levels of government. This requires capacity building at the local and regional levels.

AI-related technologies might contribute significantly to the advancement and localization of SDGs. Therefore, it can be an important tool to build a better future where no one is left behind. Local and regional governments were acknowledged as key partners in the localization of SDGs in the Pact for the Future and AI-enabled smart cities and citiverses can contribute to a sustainable future where the majority of the global population lives in cities and urban settlements.

Global Cities Hub works with local and regional governments globally to connect them with International Organizations because we believe their inputs help to achieve more implementable decisions. However, we experience that gaps exist between and within countries. The international community needs to take into account the differences at the local level.

The AI Dialogue should follow an inclusive approach by involving all relevant stakeholders because AI being a transformative technology its governance will effect all.

The AI for Good process of ITU shows the value of a multistakeholder approach. The AI Dialogue can capitalize on those experiences. In addition, the Mayors for Digital Cooperation (MDC) set up by the UNSG's Office of the Envoy on Technology and UN Habitat, and the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) initiative coordinated by ITU, UNECE and UN-Habitat might serve as primary avenues to promote collaboration between the local and global levels. Likewise, cities exploring the opportunities and challenges of digitalization, smart city development, use of AI, and creation of AI-enabled citiverses might be included in the dialogue on their own right.

A dedicated multistakeholder session or a reflection moment at the end of each sessions could provide an opportunity to different stakeholders to share their needs, experiences, and vision for an AI future. The Mayors for Digital Cooperation (MDC) set up by the UNSG's Office of the Envoy on Technology and UN Habitat, and the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) initiative coordinated by ITU, UNECE and UN-Habitat, as well as the Global Cities Hub based in Geneva might serve as primary actors representing local and regional governments. Likewise, cities exploring the opportunities and challenges of digitalization, smart city development, use of AI, and creation of AI-enabled citiverses might be included in the dialogue on their own right.

Local and Regional Governments are currently lacking formal representation. The Mayors for Digital Cooperation (MDC), the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) initiative, and the Global Cities Hub connecting Local and Regional Governments with the work of International Organizations could serve as the voice of this increasingly important stakeholder group.

Formal engagement groups and stakeholders invited by the Co-chairs might prepare position papers and/or declarations to be handed over to the Co-chairs and read out in the meeting by the chairs of relevant sessions. The Global Cities Hub stands ready to coordinate the position of Local and Regional Governments.

ITU's work on policies, standards, and practices on effective and ethical AI has covered a wide range of issues related to AI governance, including at the level of local stakeholders. City networks, such as ISCN, WeGO or DEC40 are also active in promoting best practices based on local and regional governments' real-life experiences. The Global Cities Hub is currently working on a policy paper covering the challenges and solutions to AI-powered citiverses to help city leaders on their digital journey - to be published shortly.