AI & Cities: Risks, Applications and Governance

Artificial intelligence is manifesting at an unprecedented rate in urban centers, often with significant risks and little oversight. Using AI technologies without the appropriate governance mechanisms and without adequate consideration of how they affect people's human rights can have negative, even catastrophic, effects.

This report is part of UN-Habitat’s strategy for guiding local authorities in realizing a people-centered digital transformation process in their cities and settlements. 

UN-Habitat’s collaboration with Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute produced this paper on AI & Cities exploring potential applications and discussing risks to assist governments in the appropriate and responsible use of AI in cities. As part of the paper, practical recommendations are also presented as well as areas of action to consider when developing an AI strategy.