FREMONT, California — San Francisco Bay University announced today that Shalini Gopalkrishnan, DBA, an AI strategist at SFBU, has been appointed to the United Nations Working Group 6 on Digital Development Goals for Cities, joining a global cohort of more than 120 experts.
The working group operates under the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) initiative and is developing the world’s first Digital Development Goals framework for cities. Scheduled for release in November 2026, the framework will establish standards to help cities use digital technologies to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while emphasizing equity, ethical governance and citizen-centered design.
This work is about ensuring digital transformation serves people first,” Dr. Gopalkrishnan said. “Cities have a responsibility to use technology in ways that are inclusive, ethical and impactful.”
Dr. Gopalkrishnan is a serial entrepreneur, academician and researcher. She is the founder of Metaverse University, FreelanceMoms, Lexion Data Analytics and Introspect, and has taught learners from kindergarten through doctoral programs. Her research focuses on technology for social good, analytics, ESG, the Sustainable Development Goals and social entrepreneurship.
The initiative formally convened in November 2025, marking a shift toward human-centered digital transformation for cities worldwide.
The appointment underscores San Francisco Bay University’s growing role in global conversations shaping smart, sustainable and equitable cities.
About San Francisco Bay University
San Francisco Bay University is a Fremont-based institution committed to academic excellence, innovation and global engagement.
Contact: pr@sfbu.edu
