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State of the World Cities 2012
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Number of pages
207
Publication date
2012
Publisher
UN-Habitat

Prosperity of Cities: State of the World's Cities 2012/2013

What this new edition of State of the World's Cities shows is that prosperity for all has been compromised by a narrow focus on economic growth. UN-Habitat suggests a fresh approach to prosperity beyond the solely economic emphasis, including other vital dimensions such as quality of life, adequate infrastructures, equity and environmental sustainability.

The Report proposes a new tool – the City Prosperity Index – together with a conceptual matrix, the Wheel of Prosperity, both of which are meant to assist decision makers to design clear policy interventions. The Report advocates for the need of cities to enhance the public realm, expand public goods and consolidate rights to the 'commons' for all as a way to expand prosperity. This comes in response to the observed trend of enclosing or restricting these goods and commons in enclaves of prosperity, or depleting them through unsustainable use.

Other titles in the State of the World's Cities Series:

Globalization and Urban Culture: 2004/2005

The Millenium Development Goals and Urban Sustainability: 2006/2007

Harmonious Cities: 2008/2009

Cities for All: Bridging the Urban Divide: 2010/2011