Chapter 1: The Diversity of Cities and Visions for Urban Futures

Chapter 1:

The Diversity of Cities and Visions for Urban Futures

Quick facts

1. Cities are here to stay, and the future of humanity is undoubtedly urban, but not exclusively in large metropolitan areas.

2. Urbanization will continue to be a transformative, but uneven process that will require differentiated responses depending on the diversity of the urban context.

3. The worst-case scenario of urban futures will have disastrous consequences for cities; thus, resulting in economic uncertainties, environmental challenges and exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.

4. A business-as-usual approach will result in a pessimistic scenario of urban futures characterized by the systemic discrimination and exclusion of the poor in urban agendas.

5. With concerted policy action, it is possible for cities to avoid either of the high damage or pessimistic scenarios and instead emerge into a more optimistic urban future.

Policy points

1. The emergence of urbanization as a global mega-trend is intertwined with the existential challenges that the world has faced in the last 50 years.

2. Building economic, social and environmental resilience, including appropriate governance and institutional structures, must be at the heart of the future of cities.

3. The disruptive nature of COVID-19 and the emerging global uncertainties are all stark reminders that urban areas need to be prepared for an ever-changing and unpredictable future.

4. Any vision for an optimistic future of cities must embody a new social contract with universal basic income, health coverage and housing.

5. Localizing the New Urban Agenda and SDG 11 is the most promising pathway to the optimistic scenario of urban futures.