The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic created a temporary crisis of confidence in the future of cities. However, a broad consensus is that urbanization remains a powerful 21-century mega-trend, and that well-planned towns and cities remain central to the sustainable development trajectory.
This report seeks to provide greater clarity and insights into the future of cities based on existing trends, challenges and opportunities, as well as disruptive conditions, including the valuable lessons from the pandemic, and suggests ways that cities can be better prepared to address a wide range of shocks and transition to sustainable urban futures.
The report proposes a state of informed preparedness that provides an opportunity to anticipate change, correct the course of action and become more knowledgeable of the different scenarios or possibilities that the future of cities offers.