ITU maps global standards for IoT, digital twins, and smart cities

The International Telecommunication Union has published the third edition of ITU-T Y Supplement 58, an informative document that brings together the global standards landscape for the internet of things, digital twins, and smart sustainable cities and communities. The supplement was formally approved on 23 September 2025 and made publicly available in January 2026.

In simple terms, the document acts as a map of existing international standards in these fast-growing digital areas. Rather than introducing new rules, it shows how different standards and technical recommendations already developed by ITU-T and other standards bodies fit together. This helps readers understand which standards exist, what they cover, and how they relate to one another.

The supplement focuses on three closely connected domains. The internet of things refers to everyday objects such as sensors, meters, or devices that are connected to networks and exchange data. Digital twins are digital representations of physical objects or systems, often used to simulate, monitor, or optimise real-world processes. Smart sustainable cities and communities use digital technologies to improve services such as transport, energy, and urban planning while aiming to meet long-term social, economic, and environmental goals.

According to the document, standards in these areas span a wide range of topics, including connectivity, data processing, identification systems such as RFID, network management, and security. By presenting them in a single, structured landscape, the supplement is intended to support coordination across sectors and to help avoid fragmentation or duplication of work.

ITU-T Y Supplement 58 is explicitly non-binding. It is designed as a reference tool that can be updated over time, reflecting the evolving nature of digital technologies and standardisation efforts. Its publication provides a consolidated point of reference for governments, cities, industry actors, and researchers seeking to navigate the complex standards environment surrounding IoT, digital twins, and smart sustainable development.