Cogobernar el Citiverso

Cogobernar el Citiverso

As governments and cities across the globe explore the opportunities and challenges of virtual worlds, artificial intelligence (AI), and immersive technologies, there is a pressing need to assess whether public institutions are adequately prepared to plan, deploy, regulate, or benefit from these innovations.

In light of the scope of the rapid technological advancements in virtual worlds and artificial intelligence, it is crucial to guide cities and public institutions as they progress through their respective digital journeys, using a staged approach to evaluation and capacity building.

The session on “Citiverse Rising: Virtual Worlds and AI Agents for Urban Transformation” helped discover how virtual worlds and federated AI agents are transforming the way cities are designed, governed, and experienced. It explored the emerging “Citiverse” as a next-generation digital ecosystem empowering inclusive, data-driven, and participatory urban transformation.

To help understand the transformative potential of AI-powered virtual worlds, the speakers of the Geneva Urban Debate on “Co-governing the Citiverse” will explain the ongoing activities in three related workstreams. They will share their vision and offer guiding principle regarding the deployment of AI at the local level to develop further smart cities. They will also look ahead what to watch out for in 2026 – followed by Q&A.

• Institutional Readiness Self-Assessment Tool

The Institutional Readiness Self-Assessment Tool (IRSAT) is a practical, action-oriented instrument developed under the global initiative “Virtual Worlds and AI – Discovering the Citiverse” launched by ITU. It enables ministries, regulators, city governments, and other public agencies to evaluate their institutional capacity and operational readiness to engage in the evolving digital landscape.

The tool provides institutions with:

• A structured diagnostic framework to assess key dimensions of readiness
• A self-paced assessment designed for ministries, city administrations, and regulators
• A clear visual report with a profile of institutional maturity
• Prioritized recommendations to guide investment, reform, and partnership planning

• Collaboration through United for Smart Sustainable Cities

United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) serves as an international platform for exchanging knowledge and fostering partnerships to empower cities and communities in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is steering the future of people centred smart cities, including the use of AI.

The U4SSC thematic groups are at the forefront of shaping the future of smart, sustainable cities. These expert-driven groups develop actionable plans, technical specifications, case studies, and guidelines, providing cities with the tools and policy guidance they need to enhance their sustainability and accelerate their digital transformation. By offering tailored solutions and insights, U4SSC helps cities around the world become more efficient, innovative, and people-centred—paving the way for a smarter, greener future.

• UN Virtual Worlds Day 2025 and looking ahead to 2026

The UN Virtual Worlds Day brings together IOs, LRGs and experts to explore the transformative potential of AI-powered virtual worlds in addressing global challenges. The discussion focuses on how AI and virtual technologies can drive sustainable development, foster inclusivity, and shape the future of digital public infrastructure.

Cities are considered as the lowest common access points for citizens and potential simulation spaces where interaction between the physical, augmented physical and virtual worlds can happen. While the rules of engagement are currently dictated by corporations who provide the digital platforms, it is crucial to develop adequate governance systems in the virtual words similar to the physical world and LRGs need to be part of the policy-making process on governance.

Comentarios de bienvenida

• Kamelia Kemileva, Co-director, GCH
• Cristina Bueti, ITU Focal Point on Smart Sustainable Cities and AI-powered Virtual Worlds

Altavoces

• Christina Zhang, CEO, The Metaverse Institute

• Okan Geray, Chair, Global Initiative on Virtual Worlds and AISteering Committee

• Cristina Bueti, ITU Focal Point on Smart Sustainable Cities and AI-powered Virtual Worlds

Moderado por Andras SzorenyiAsesora Principal de Política, GCH

Registro

Register for the webinar is necessary.