The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), under the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) initiative, has released a new framework titled Building Digital Public Infrastructure for Cities and Communities (September 19, 2025). The report positions Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a cornerstone for sustainable urban governance, offering policy guidance to city leaders, ministers, and urban planners.
The framework defines DPI for cities as interoperable, secure, people-centric systems, such as digital identity, payments, and data exchanges, that serve as public goods. It highlights how DPI can transform service delivery in areas like health, transport, housing, and financial inclusion, while strengthening governance through transparency and accountability. Case studies from cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Kigali illustrate real-world applications, including smart mobility, urban resilience, and participatory governance platforms.
For India, the report holds particular importance given ongoing initiatives such as Smart Cities Mission, Digital India, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Ministries can draw from the framework to strengthen interoperability standards, data governance, and citizen-centric urban digital services. It also provides a global alignment point with the recently adopted Global Digital Compact under the UN Pact for the Future, linking local action with international governance norms.
Follow the full report here: ITU Report – Building Digital Public Infrastructure for Cities and Communities
