(Based on UNDP “Building Responsible Smart Cities Toolkit”, 2025)
This checklist serves as a practical roadmap for government agencies, investors, project managers, architects, and technology partners in developing responsible smart cities.
I. Strategic Phase – Vision, Goals, and Principles
1. [ ] Is the city’s development vision clearly people-centered?
2. [ ] Is the project focused on solving social challenges rather than technology for its own sake?
3. [ ] Are equality, inclusivity, and gender balance principles integrated?
4. [ ] Were local communities’ needs and opinions considered at an early stage?
5. [ ] Has a human rights risk assessment been conducted from the outset?
II. Planning and Design Phase – Priorities and Partnerships
6. [ ] Is there a collaboration framework among government, private sector, academia, and civil society?
7. [ ] Is the smart city concept aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
8. [ ] Were transparency and fair competition maintained in technology selection?
9. [ ] Was an ethical and social impact assessment performed for each component?
10. [ ] Were climate resilience and green infrastructure included in planning?
III. Procurement Phase – Responsible Contracting System
11. [ ] Do contracts include human rights obligations for suppliers and contractors?
12. [ ] Do they cover data security, privacy, and accountability provisions?
13. [ ] Are procurement processes transparent, digital, and traceable?
14. [ ] Are ethical codes and sustainability reports required from contractors?
IV. Implementation Phase – Human-Centered Solutions
15. [ ] Is public consent and transparency ensured in data collection and processing?
16. [ ] Are algorithms in AI/IoT systems fair and non-discriminatory?
17. [ ] Are open standards and interoperable technologies adopted?
18. [ ] Are digital literacy programs available for users?
19. [ ] Is there a data breach or emergency response plan in place?
V. Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuity
20. [ ] Are real-time monitoring mechanisms established?
21. [ ] Are project results reported through an open data portal?
22. [ ] Is a citizen and civil society feedback mechanism in place?
23. [ ] Is there a sustainable technical and financial maintenance model?
24. [ ] Are long-term social, environmental, and economic impacts periodically assessed?
VI. Sustainability and Long-Term Governance
25. [ ] Has a permanent governance system been created by national institutions post-project?
26. [ ] Is the city platform connected to a knowledge-sharing network with other cities?
27. [ ] Is there a modernization plan for outdated technologies?
28. [ ] Does city policy continue to uphold civic participation, digital ethics, and human values?
Conclusion:
A responsible smart city is not only a digital infrastructure — it is a system built on human value, transparency, sustainability, and accountability. This checklist ensures that smart cities remain equitable, trustworthy, and beneficial for all citizens.
Source: UNDP “Building Responsible Smart Cities Toolkit”, 2025
