How can cities ensure that the technologies they invest in benefit both current and future generations? FARI is contributing to this international discussion through the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) initiative, with Senior Technologist Susheel Nath taking on a co-leadership role in a working group dedicated to public procurement and responsible digital transformation.

Since October 2026, FARI has been contributing to Working Group 5 (WG5) of the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) initiative, a global United Nations collaboration coordinated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and UN-Habitat.

The initiative brings together experts, researchers, policymakers, and public-sector representatives to help cities use emerging technologies in ways that support sustainable development and improve people’s quality of life.

As part of this collaboration, Susheel Nath, Senior Technologist at FARI, serves as Co-Lead of Working Group 5, alongside Warren Smith, bringing FARI’s expertise in responsible AI, digital governance, and emerging technologies to the initiative.

Rethinking how cities invest in technology

Public procurement plays an important role in shaping how cities develop. Indeed, every decision to purchase a digital service, deploy an AI system, or invest in technological infrastructure can have long-term consequences for public services, communities, and the environment.

This raises an important question: how can public authorities ensure that these investments respond to societal needs, encourage responsible innovation, and create lasting public value?

To address this challenge, WG5, Intergenerational Procurement for People-Centred Cities, is developing a Model Policy to support cities in adopting more inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking procurement practices.

In particular, the working group explores how procurement can enable responsible AI adoption, encourage meaningful public participation, strengthen collaboration between public authorities and technology providers, and consider the needs of future generations.

Ultimately, the objective is to help cities make informed technological choices that deliver benefits beyond immediate operational needs.

Bringing FARI’s expertise to international policy discussions

In this context, Susheel Nath’s co-leadership allows FARI to contribute to the working group’s strategic priorities, international expert exchanges, and the development of practical policy guidance.

More broadly, this involvement reflects FARI’s commitment to ensuring that AI, data, and robotics serve the common good. By bringing its expertise in responsible AI and digital governance to international discussions, FARI contributes to shaping approaches to digital transformation that are inclusive, sustainable, and centred on societal needs.

At the same time, the collaboration strengthens connections with international partners working towards more responsible and future-ready cities.

Learn more: Digital Transformation for People-Centred Cities – U4SSC