Cities at the Centre of AI Governance at ‘AI for Good’ in Geneva

In short…

• Local leaders underscored the role of trust in the successful adoption of AI to improve public services, support evidence-based decisions, strengthen citizen engagement, and promote more sustainable urban development.

As part of the AI for Good Global Summit 2026, the Global Cities Hub (GCH) co-hosted the high-level session “Cities that Think and Act: Agentic AI, Physical AI and the Citiverse,” bringing together local and regional leaders, representatives of international organizations, governments, academia, and the private sector to explore how emerging artificial intelligence technologies can support building resilient, inclusive, and people-centred cities.

Local leaders shared how cities are already using AI to improve public services, support evidence-based decisions, strengthen citizen engagement, and promote more sustainable urban development, while ensuring these technologies remain aligned with public values and human rights. As stated by Christina Kitsos, Mayor of Geneva and President of GCH, in her opening remarks, “AI will affect 60% of jobs in advanced economies. Its deployment is likely to lead to inequality, as well as environmental repercussions. We are not only talking about technological transformation, but also social and economic transformation. This is why the international community should act to avoid unsustainable practices.”

The session also featured Tatiana Marins Roque (Rio de Janeiro), and Karen Lassmann (Berlin). Rio de Janeiro presented its public-sector-managed digital instant payment system as one example. By providing a trustworthy service that reduces processing time and does not charge transfer fees, it aims to strengthen citizens’ trust and reduce their dependence on private corporations. Berlin underscored the role of trust in the successful adoption of AI, while also recognizing the differences in capacity between cities. In this context, the role of international standards becomes crucial in creating a more even playing field.

As the level of government closest to communities, local and regional governments play a vital role in ensuring that AI enhances quality of life, strengthens resilience to future challenges, and reflects local realities. Their meaningful participation in global AI governance is therefore essential to shaping trustworthy and effective AI for cities and communities. Co-Director Kamelia Kemileva underscored that, for AI governance to be truly inclusive, effective, and people-centred, the voices of cities and regions must be part of the global conversation. Their participation will strengthen the legitimacy, relevance, and practical impact of global frameworks and help ensure that AI delivers sustainable and equitable benefits for communities everywhere.

Building on the insightful conversations GCH aims to bring forward the discussion with its members and partners on how cities can benefit from adopting open-source foundational AI models – such as Apertus – to gain greater transparency, flexibility, and control over how AI is deployed in public services while protecting the data of the citizens. The Geneva AI Summit on 21-22 June 2027 will provide a great opportunity to present the first set of takeaways on this important question.