31 experts representing 25 countries nominated by Member States compose the Expert Working Group on the development of international guidelines on people-centred smart cities. The experts play a leading role in advising the Executive Director of UN-Habitat and fostering inclusive consultations during the preparation of the guidelines through both online and in-person consultations.

The global Expert Group Meetings (EGMs), of which three are planned between 2024 and 2025, will focus on reviewing the status and draft of the guidelines. 

The first global Experts Working Group meeting took place in Strasbourg, France, from 17 to 18 April 2024. The meeting was hosted by the Eurométropolis of Strasbourg, the Grand Est Region and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The EGM focused on reviewing the status and draft guidelines, the World Smart Cities Outlook, and the overall roadmap for the preparatory process.

An additional global Experts Working Group meeting is scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in early 2025. The meeting will be hosted by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The EGM will focus on reviewing and refining the latest draft guidelines, sharing regional best practices, and incorporating results from prior consultations. Extended sessions will highlight Azerbaijan’s and Baku’s approaches, integrating insights from the World Bank’s Smart Villages report, Korean-funded urban planning initiatives, and national visions for digital transformation and smart cities.