• The Local Government Board has approved a ten-point framework for the use of artificial intelligence to optimise public resources while safeguarding fundamental rights through transparency and human oversight

• The document also commits to engaging municipal staff and strengthening collaboration with universities, research centres and the city’s business and innovation ecosystem

• The City Council also aims to provide free AI training for citizens, with particular attention to groups at greater risk of digital exclusion

For the first time in its history, the Valencia City Council’s Local Government Board has approved the Valencia City Council Decalogue on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The ten guiding principles will provide the framework for adopting and using AI to improve the public services delivered to citizens.

Under the agreement, the City Council is committed to ensuring that AI is used to optimise public resources. “Artificial intelligence is not simply another tool; it represents a change in the way public administration operates, requiring leadership, governance and a long-term vision,” said Paula Llobet, Councillor for Innovation, Technology, Digital Agenda and Investment Attraction.

The first principle establishes that “AI must be human-centred, developed and deployed in accordance with the European regulatory framework, with full respect for fundamental rights, human dignity and democratic values”.

The Decalogue also states that the City Council will approach AI “as an organisational transformation rather than a simple technology acquisition, supported by strong institutional leadership”. It further reinforces the public sector’s responsibility to ensure human oversight of AI-assisted decisions, transparency in the systems deployed, and the continuous evaluation of their performance and impact.

The City Council also commits to providing free AI training for citizens, “with particular support for those at greater risk of digital exclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind during the digital transformation”.

In addition, the Decalogue highlights the importance of actively involving municipal staff by investing in training, upskilling and continuous dialogue with employees throughout the implementation process. It also reaffirms the City’s commitment to supporting Valencia’s business and innovation ecosystem and recognises the city’s “role as a trusted data aggregator”, ensuring that “data is managed responsibly for the public good rather than extracted for commercial purposes”.

Finally, the document underlines the importance of “collaboration with universities, research centres and European AI and high-performance computing infrastructures. It also commits to strengthening safeguards against unlawful or harmful uses of AI while positioning Valencia as a leading European city for the responsible application of artificial intelligence”.

The approval of this first Decalogue is not simply a statement of intent but the consolidation of an AI governance strategy already underway. Valencia has already established its Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Governance Committee (CEGIA), created an AI and Data Technical Office, launched projects based on open and verified AI models, and developed leading training partnerships to build AI capabilities across the city.