25 August 2016: A coalition of standard-setting bodies has agreed to develop a framework for cooperation to advance the standardization of information and communications technology (ICT) interfaces for smart cities. The bodies are expected to provide a coordinated contribution to the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (HABITAT III).

Following on the World Smart City Forum in July 2016, which took place in conjunction with the World Cities Summit, in Singapore, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) initiated the meeting of standards bodies in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting brought together representatives of the World Smart City Community and Forum (WSCCF), including the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CEN-ELEC) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

In addition, WSCCF is developing performance indicators for smart sustainable cities and international standards for “the internet of things,” in support of the objectives of the HABITAT III New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The next meeting of WSCCF members will be hosted by ISO in 2017. [IEC Press Release] [ITU Press Release] [WSC Website] [World Smart City Forum Programme and Webcast] [HABITAT III Website]