Event information

30 April 2021, 14:00-15:00

Digitalization in the Cities and Privacy for Citizens

Event

Warning sign about use of camera Warning sign about use of camera

With efforts to develop infrastructure in cities and towns exposing communities to technologies that monitor both individual and group activities, associations and transactions in ever more granular detail, challenges arise as to how to protect the fundamental rights of citizens. How can we best exploit the benefits of technologies in developing smart cities and other human habitats, while at the same time responding to the evolving needs of citizens and safeguarding their fundamental rights?

This online panel at the WSIS Forum 2021, co-organised by the Geneva Human Rights Platform and the Geneva Cities Hub, brings together a diverse panel with experience working with government, citizens, municipal authorities and businesses to deliver smart cities innovations that improve the quality of life for populations in urban areas across the globe.

It will discuss the key learnings to date using case studies, taking into account, in particular, the long term impact of infrastructure projects and changing perceptions towards rights such as privacy and data protection given the novel coronavirus pandemic's continued effects for urban communities.

A simultaneous English-Spanish translation will be provided

Questions for Consideration by the Panel

  • How can public authorities improve engagement with citizens when designing smart cities services to better protect privacy and other fundamental rights?
  • What tools are effective for cities to better understand citizens’ needs in actively participating in the development of technologies, algorithmic and artificial intelligence systems that impact their lives?
  • Which smart cities initiatives have proven effective in providing mechanisms to question and seek adaptation in systems that are unfair, biased or discriminatory?
  • How can cities and other municipalities improve representation and collective engagement through open, participatory and transparent opportunities to shape the technologies designed for citizens?

Introduction

  • Kamelia Kemileva, Executive Manager, Geneva Cities Hub
  • Felix Kirchmeier, Executive Director, Geneva Human Rights Platform

Moderator

  • Jonathan Andrew,  Associate Research Fellow, Geneva Academy

Panelists

  • Ben Green, Assistant Professor, University of Michigan
  • Katharina Candel-Haug, Deputy Head of Department, Strategy and Mobility Lab - Stadtwerke München
  • Lluis Gomez, International Director, Barcelona de Serveis Municipals S.A.
  • Lorena Santana Reuss, Executive Director, Do! Smart City

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

GHRP Ai for Good Workshop News

Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Human Rights Monitoring: Key Takeaways from the AI for Good Workshop

22 July 2025

Our event brought together human rights practitioners, data scientists, and AI experts to explore how artificial intelligence can support efforts to monitor human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Read more

SIDS Training GHRP News

Practical Training on Human Rights Council Procedures Strengthens SIDS/LDCs Engagement

21 July 2025

Sixteen diplomats from fifteen Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries participated in a two-day Practical Training on Human Rights Council Procedures.

Read more

Event

Strengthening international labour rights and UN human rights standards: The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and Freedom of Association

23 September 2025, 18:30-21:00

This open discussion will consider the strengthening of international labour rights and human rights standards with focus on freedom of association.

Read more

Enforced Disappearances Event

'Short-term' Enforced Disappearances

23 September 2025, 13:00-14:00

This side event will bring together stakeholders to discuss the growing concerning recurrence to short-term enforced disappearances worldwide, and the challenges they pose for victims and accountability.

Read more

A general view of participants during of the 33nd ordinary session of the Human Rights Council. Training

The Universal Periodic Review and the UN Human Rights System: Raising the Bar on Accountability

10-14 November 2025

This training course will explore the origin and evolution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its functioning in Geneva and will focus on the nature of implementation of the UPR recommendations at the national level.

Read more

Crops view from the sky Project

The Right to Food in Europe

Started in December 2022

This research will provide legal expertise to a variety of stakeholders on the implementation of the right to food, and on the right to food as a legal basis for just transformation toward sustainable food systems in Europe. It will also identify lessons learned from the 2023 recognition of the right to food in the Constitution of the Canton of Geneva.  

Read more

Online folders Project

Digital Human Rights Tracking Tools and Databases

Started in March 2023

This initiative wishes to contribute to better and more coordinated implementation, reporting and follow-up of international human rights recommendations through a global study on digital human rights tracking tools and databases.

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more

Cover of the publication Publication

Briefing N° 25: Localizing Multilateralism

published on March 2025

Domenico Zipoli, Ludovica Chiussi Curzi, Kamelia Kemileva

Read more