Digital Karlsruhe Becomes Pioneer City

“G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance” of the World Economic Forum

In view of the current global challenges, the "G20 Global Smart City Alliance" of the World Economic Forum (WEF) has set itself the task of setting a course towards a more ethical and responsible future. Karlsruhe was also selected by the WEF as the only German city in order to establish a worldwide initiative to promote the ethical use and development of digital technologies and strategies with 35 other "pioneering cities".

"The G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance offers a unique opportunity to jointly develop ethical standards, promote digital sovereignty and thus create and build a new, resilient 'trust infrastructure for cities and citizens'. Because trust becomes one of the the most important and vulnerable resources of our future, "emphasized Mayor Dr. Frank Mentrup.

Cities and municipalities around the world are facing growing digital challenges, in particular the COVID-19 pandemic has radically exposed long-term deficits. In order to become more resilient, more responsive and more efficient, the need for data and innovations is increasing. However, there is currently no global framework for how cities should use these technologies or the data they collect to protect the interests of their citizens.

Tasks of the smart city pioneer cities

With the introduction of a new global strategy by the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance, that should change. This alliance will jointly develop the procedures, guidelines and regulations that are required to use new technologies responsibly. "These strategies are not about theoretical ideas and dreams, but about practical, real-world guidelines from leading cities around the world," said Jeff Merritt, director of Internet of Things and Urban Transformation at the World Economic Forum.

"The request from the WEF shows that Karlsruhe is also perceived internationally as an important digital location. It is a great honor for us to be able to work with such well-known municipalities", emphasized Mayor Dr. Albert kauflein emerges. In order to promote the global acceptance of the strategies, the "pioneering cities" will also cooperate with world-leading experts to develop guidelines in the areas of open data and open government, data protection and cybersecurity as well as better digital citizen services for disadvantaged people and to promote broadband expansion.

G20 Global Smart City Alliance on the Internet https://globalsmartcitiesalliance.org/