Human Rights and Technology in Urban Governance: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Human rights obligations extend beyond national governments to include municipal entities. In the United States, numerous self-identified human rights cities—from Mountain View, California, to Jackson, Mississippi, and Boston, Massachusetts—demonstrate a municipal commitment to human rights. These cities are strategically positioned to lead in addressing the challenges arising from the expanding interface between humans and technology, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Historical Context and Emerging Challenges

The relationship between humans and machines has evolved from simple tools like the wheel to complex digital technologies such as the World Wide Web and smartphones. This evolution introduces new social and digital dynamics that impact everyday life. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) intensifies these complexities, presenting both benefits and risks including:

• Data bias
• Misinformation

Without well-defined, enforceable norms, controlling the spread and use of these technologies remains challenging. Addressing these issues supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Boston as a Model Smart City

Innovative Municipal Initiatives

Boston exemplifies leadership in smart city development through initiatives such as:

1. Establishment of the nation’s first local government innovation office
2. Hosting one of the first Code for America brigades
3. Development of a citywide 311 system
4. Collaboration on autonomous vehicle testing
5. Facilitation of community-led air quality sensor deployment

These efforts demonstrate Boston’s commitment to deploying technology that serves the public interest, advancing SDG 11 and SDG 16 by promoting inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban environments.

Human Rights Concerns in Smart City Campaigns

Research identifies six core human rights concerns associated with smart city initiatives:

• Shrinking civic rights
• Expansion of private power in the public sphere
• De-prioritization of justice and inclusivity
• Lack of sustainability
• Impingement on rights to privacy
• Reinforcement of existing power dynamics through technology implementation trade-offs

Addressing these concerns aligns with SDG 16 and SDG 10 by fostering inclusive institutions and reducing inequalities.

Frameworks for Smart City Development

Top-Down Approaches

Examples of top-down smart city projects include:

• Singapore’s Tengah eco-town
• Alphabet’s Quayside Project in Toronto
• IBM’s Digital On-Ramps
• Verizon’s collaboration with Boston to enhance broadband access

While these initiatives aim for scalability and replicability, challenges include misaligned stakeholder goals and insufficient attention to affected populations’ needs, which may hinder progress toward SDG 9 and SDG 16.

Bottom-Up Approaches

Bottom-up frameworks emphasize decentralization and community agency, featuring:

• Virtual town halls in Boston’s Allston neighborhood via Second Life
• “Digital democracy” platforms such as Decide Madrid
• Taipei’s Alignment Assemblies
• Participate Melbourne project
• Community-driven AI tools such as small language models

This approach supports SDG 16 by promoting inclusive decision-making and SDG 11 by fostering sustainable community development.

Recommendations for Integrating Human Rights in Smart Cities

1. Identification of Human Rights Impacts

Local policymakers should proactively identify potential human rights impacts from technology deployment. Key actions include:

• Securing leadership commitment to human rights
• Providing specialized training for municipal employees
• Conducting workshops to explore technology-human rights intersections

These measures contribute to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16.

2. Human Rights–Informed Public Participation

Ensuring meaningful public involvement aligns with the human right to participation and supports SDG 16. Effective strategies include:

• Implementing digital democracy platforms like Decidim Barcelona
• Applying co-design concepts as seen in Rochester, Minnesota
• Expanding participatory budgeting processes, exemplified by Boston’s citywide initiative
• Hosting community conversations focused on AI deployment and public space experiences

3. Human Rights–Aligned Procurement Policies

Local governments must ensure private contractors prioritize human rights through:

• Adopting procurement policies aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
• Refining technology procurement standards, especially in data collection and constituent experience
• Encouraging larger cities to lead by example to influence broader market practices

This approach advances SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 16.

Conclusion

Boston’s efforts to become a smart human rights city illustrate the potential to integrate technology with human rights principles effectively. Recognizing the city’s unique demographic and social context—including its academic density and racial segregation—is essential for tailored solutions. The lessons learned aim to guide other municipalities in addressing the human-machine interface while upholding human rights in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Note: This report is based on collaborative research conducted by the NuLawLab and the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs at Northeastern University.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses smart city initiatives, technological deployment, and innovation offices, highlighting the role of technology in urban infrastructure.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Focus on creating smart human rights cities, improving public services like 311 systems, air quality sensors, and participatory budgeting aligns with sustainable urban development.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Emphasis on human rights, civic participation, transparency, and inclusive governance reflects SDG 16’s goals.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Addressing racial segregation, inclusivity, and ensuring equitable access to technology and services relates to reducing inequalities.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Collaboration between municipal governments, private contractors, and community groups reflects partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 9 Targets
   • 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure.
   • 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
2. SDG 11 Targets
   • 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
   • 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality improvements.
3. SDG 16 Targets
   • 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
4. SDG 10 Targets
   • 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all.
5. SDG 17 Targets
   • 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Access to Technology and Services
   • Indicators related to broadband and high-speed internet access coverage and quality (e.g., Verizon collaboration with Boston).
2. Public Participation Metrics
   • Number of participants in digital democracy platforms (e.g., Decidim Barcelona, Decide Madrid, Boston’s participatory budgeting).
   • Levels of community engagement in decision-making processes and co-design initiatives.
3. Human Rights Impact Assessments
   • Indicators measuring the identification and mitigation of human rights impacts in technology deployment.
   • Training sessions held for municipal employees on human rights and technology interface.
4. Environmental Quality Indicators
   • Air quality sensor data to monitor environmental improvements.
5. Procurement and Compliance Indicators
   • Adoption of human rights–aligned procurement policies and adherence to UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: openglobalrights.org