Digital transformation is redefining how cities operate, connect, and engage with the world. Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart city technologies, and digital governance systems are transforming urban services — from mobility and energy management to citizen participation — making cities more efficient, transparent, and people-centered.

Yet, technology is not neutral. As cities become increasingly digital, the way they design, regulate, and share data has deep implications for democracy, equity, and human rights. The ethical and legal challenges of digital governance require collaborative approaches that go beyond national borders.

In this context, city diplomacy becomes a bridge for cooperation and learning. Through global exchanges, cities can share best practices, align digital policies, and jointly shape international norms for a fair, sustainable, and inclusive digital future. Barcelona’s open data strategy, for example, stands as a model for participatory governance — proving how local innovation can influence global standards.