UN Forum on AI and Citiverse

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life in cities, from digital public services to transport and urban planning. But as cities adopt new technologies, questions about inclusion, trust, governance and accessibility are becoming increasingly important. These issues are at the centre of the Forum on AI and Citiverse, taking place in Tampere, Finland, on 9–10 September 2026. The event is organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UN-Habitat and the City of Tampere, bringing together representatives from cities, governments, businesses, academia and international organisations.

The forum is looking at how AI can move beyond individual pilot projects and become part of wider urban systems. Discussions include generative AI, digital twins, spatial intelligence and virtual urban environments, as well as the standards and governance frameworks needed to use these technologies at scale. The aim is to help cities share experiences and learn from projects that are already being tested in different parts of the world.

One of the main themes is ensuring that technological development remains people-centred. A dedicated session at the forum is examining how AI can improve quality of life while promoting accessibility, inclusion, transparency and public trust. Participants are also discussing how cities can involve residents in the development of new digital services and make sure that technological progress does not leave some communities behind.

The meeting will also mark the launch of a new ITU Focus Group on AI for Smart Sustainable Cities and Communities. The group will bring together governments, cities, companies, researchers and standards organisations to explore how AI can work alongside technologies such as the Internet of Things and digital twins. Its work will contribute to the development of future international standards for AI-enabled urban systems.

The forum in Tampere shows how the UN system is increasingly working with cities as important partners in addressing global challenges. Rather than focusing only on national governments, ITU and UN-Habitat are creating a space where local authorities and other actors can exchange practical solutions and help shape international approaches to new technologies. As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in urban life, the discussion in Tampere is ultimately about how cities can make technological change more inclusive, responsible and useful for the people who live in them.