About the session
Digital technologies are ubiquitous and invisibly cross boundaries. They increasingly and systematically affect the social ‘fabric’ of societies worldwide. Digital technologies and internet access have a tremendous potential to contribute to address inequalities, but also to exacerbate them when not well governed. “Digital human rights” are interpreted as existing human rights which also need to be protected in the context of digital technologies. In cities and metropolitan areas, governments Cmust deal with spatial equity also on the digital space, so the policies ensure that opportunities, services, and infrastructure are accessible. Cities also needs to expand their capacities to be prepared and equipped to lead digital transformation strategies that are people-centered and support sustainable urbanization towards the public good. Metropolises appear when the functional systems of a territory exceed administrative boundaries and inhabitants connect with different jurisdictions to access opportunities, goods, services, and infrastructure. Many of them have successfully addressed the urgency to protect citizens from the possible negative effect of emerging technologies. The metropolitan scale is often the most appropriate one to deal with issues that are essential to the lives of individuals and communities and to address global issues.
During this roundtable session, experts involved in the Digital Rights Governance Framework project will ellaborate on best-case scenarios of local protection of human rights against the negative scenario of no regulation on this topic, considering cross border effects. Each expert will ellaborate on the topic of digital human rights and metropolises, and a discussion led by a Moderator from the Cities Coalition for Digital Rights will follow.
About the World Metropolitan Day & Urban October
The World Metropolitan Day and Urban October are organised by UN Habitat and Metropolis to raise awareness, promote participation, generate knowledge, and engage the international community in creating a better urban future. Every October UN-Habitat and partners organize a month of activities, events, and discussions on urban sustainability. Urban October is an opportunity for people around the world to join the conversation around the challenges and opportunities created by the fast pace of change in our cities and towns. The motto for World Metropolitan Day 2022 is ‘Crossing Boundaries’. That urges a sense of collaboration across boundaries and the erasure of social and physical obstacles – even national borders – to build more equitable and prosperous metropolises.
More information & link to join in Metropolis' website