Exploring the Metaverse: UN Embraces Virtual Spaces for the Public Good

This interview has been condensed for brevity and clarity.

Cristina Bueti: The inaugural UN Virtual Worlds Day focuses on showcasing the transformative potential of virtual worlds—including the metaverse—to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative is being organized by the ITU in collaboration with 17 other UN entities. Families are gathering to explore innovative topics such as the regulation of virtual worlds and available digital solutions in areas like the metaverse, travel, and urban development. We will also address issues around the safety and security of the metaverse and the challenges involved.

UN News: What is the metaverse, and how does it relate to the United Nations’ work?

Cristina Bueti: The ITU Focus Group on Metaverse has defined it as an integrated ecosystem of virtual worlds that provides immersive experiences for users. The link between the metaverse and the Sustainable Development Goals largely stems from its potential to offer significant opportunities—particularly for cities and governments. For example, consider Sustainable Development Goal 11, which pertains to sustainable cities and communities.

For instance, Seoul in South Korea has already implemented a metaverse platform that provides public services to its residents, greatly enhancing service delivery and overall quality of life. Citizens can interact directly with the mayor and their team, which is essential as we navigate the still-uncharted territory of metaverse technology.

UN News: How does it function in practical terms?

Cristina Bueti: In cities like Seoul, metaverse platforms allow residents to enter and create their own virtual environments. They can interact with public officials; for instance, if someone needs a birth certificate, they can simply request it through the platform.

If a resident has a question, there is a help desk available via the metaverse, enabling better interaction when organizing town halls or consultations to gauge public opinion on community developments, such as whether a new building is desirable. The metaverse can simulate how such structures will look, allowing residents to visualize potential impacts on their neighborhoods and provide feedback before construction begins. This fosters a participatory approach that municipalities can leverage to strengthen ties with their citizens.

UN News: How secure is this environment? Can avatars be hacked, and could someone misuse another person’s identity?

Cristina Bueti: Yes, that is indeed a possibility and a challenge we still need to address. As you’ve highlighted, digital identity remains a key issue. We do not currently have a fully secure digital identity system, leading to risks of identity theft and misuse.

However, I’d like to share a positive case. A few months ago, a tribunal in Colombia conducted a formal hearing in the metaverse, which was deemed secure for legal proceedings. All parties involved agreed to participate in this environment, which they found to offer a fairer setting for their interactions, allowing them to share documents despite being in different locations.

This setup allows parties to avoid traveling to Bogotá, highlighting the potential benefits of the metaverse while acknowledging the need to address ongoing security challenges. Standardization efforts, such as those undertaken by ITU in developing international norms, are crucial, as is maintaining a focus on security. Despite these concerns, the metaverse presents significant advantages, particularly in accelerating progress toward the SDGs, and its usage is likely to expand.

UN News: Is the private sector engaged? Without the contributions of leading technology firms, the metaverse’s adoption would be challenging.

Cristina Bueti: Absolutely. A glance at the program reveals that many industry representatives are actively participating, both in person and remotely. It’s vital for the industry to be part of this global conversation, and the ITU is pleased to facilitate this important event.