Making cities right for young people - youth at the center of a human rights-based approach to urban digitalization

The rapid digitalization of urban centers - the rise of 'smart cities' - have introduced complex social, political, and human rights challenges. City governments are increasingly turning to digital technologies to address urban issues, presenting both great potential as well as significant human rights risks. While digital technologies can optimize urban functions such as public safety and traffic flows, and improve and expand access to services such as e-government services and public education, they also raise concerns such as increased state and corporate surveillance, invasion of residents’ privacy, and exacerbation of inequalities. With over half of the global population living in cities and urban populations projected to double by 2050, the rise of urban digitalization is significant. Moreover, cities are becoming younger, with an estimated 60% of urban populations being under the age of 18 by 2030, particularly in developing countries where youth face socio-economic challenges and face limited participation in decision-making processes that affect them.

Against the backdrop of rapid urban digitalization and increasing youth population in urban centers, UN Human Rights Office will introduce a new project in the context of a panel discussion to examine the importance of centering young people and applying a human rights-based approach to urban digitalization through the following questions:

- How can we ensure that “smartness” is measured not in terms of technological advancement but of the realisation of all inhabitants’ rights and wellbeing?
- How can we promote digital technologies for civic engagement, participation and the public good, while recognizing that urban challenges cannot be resolved by technology alone, but require overcoming socio-political structural barriers?
- What is a human rights-based approach to urban digitalization and why is it important?
- What are challenges faced by young people in decision-making processes regarding urban digitalization and what are good examples/best practices in ensuring meaningful youth participation? Why is it important to ensure diverse stakeholders, especially views of young people, in discussions around urban digitalization?