Cities are evolving in an unprecedented way. The rapid growth of cities across the globe represents a challenge and tests the limit of infrastructure development and equitable delivery of services. The challenges of tomorrow have become the hardships of today, but the pathways towards building a sustainable future where no one is left behind have a common ground: a virtual and connected world. Digital Dubai, the City of Tampere, and the City of Valencia are among those who partnered with ITU to launch the First UN Citiverse Challenge as part of the UN Virtual Worlds Day. This is a great example of Local and Regional Governments working with International Organizations.
The second UN Virtual Worlds Day will be held in Turin, Italy on 11-12 June 2025. This edition will focus on “Citiverse: Designing Digital Public Infrastructure of Future Cities”, bringing together innovation, harnessing digital public infrastructure alongside technologies such as AI, metaverse, and open-source solutions to reimagine cities as inclusive, resilient, and sustainable hubs of progress. A people-centred Citiverse can improve the efficiency of local services and provide city dwellers with enhanced quality of life, in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals.
LRGs have a crucial role in connecting their citizens to the world and harnessing opportunities for cooperation and development. We invite mayors to encourage local youth, universities, startups, entrepreneurs, and civil society to take part in the UN Citiverse Challenge. Three key themes – access to public services, sustainability and resilience, and tourism and digital culture – are at the forefront. The challenge seeks groundbreaking ideas and prototypes using cutting-edge technologies to foster a more connected and resilient world. Submit your proposal before 19 March 2025.
The UN Citiverse Challenge is directly aligned with the vision of the Pact for the Future and the principles of the Global Digital Compact, emphasizing inclusive, sustainable, and equitable approaches to digital transformation. In a world where data, knowledge and research are needed, we can foster and empower changemakers for a better and sustainable future. Together cities and society can explore the transformative potential of technology, and data for a holistic digital transformation where people, planet and prosperity are at the centre.