The Global Compact Cities Programme presents this collection of case studies from city and regional participants of the United Nations Global Compact, ‘Cities for the Future’.
As the urban arm of the United Nations Global Compact – the world’s largest voluntary corporate responsibility initiative – the Cities Programme works with cities and regions and partners to progress social equity and justice, environmental sustainability and good governance in the urban environment. This is through articulation and action on the Ten Principles of the Global Compact in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anticorruption and is within the context of contemporary global challenges.
Cities are sites of competitive advantage, hence the global shift to cities. However, with urbanization comes complex problems of allocation of resources, land and opportunities. In contemporary cities, poverty, equity, the need to protect the environment, and the need to practice good governance, are more pressing than ever. This volume provides a collection of positive responses to these challenges in an era of urbanization and rapid change. Individually, each case study involves the development and enactment of a collective and engaged vision for a better city. City leaders, citizens and communities are tackling issues from poverty and inequity through to climate change and food security. This collection presents a breadth of innovative, socially-focused responses that are a credit to the leadership of city governments and the community and industry leaders that work with them. They provide valuable models for other cities seeking to build resilient and vibrant communities, strong local economies and more equitable, just societies.
