Data-driven insights for cities

Nairobi, 24 May 2024 — UN-Habitat and Economist Impact are working together to elevate the importance of sustainable urban development on the global agenda. As its foundation, the programme includes the development of an Urban Performance Index, based on the Global Urban Monitoring Framework.

The bi-annual index, developed by Economist Impact in collaboration with and with funding from UN-Habitat, measures the performance of cities across critical areas of urban sustainable development including well-being, safety, economy, environment and governance. 

The data-driven research and insights-rich content programme will help both city and national leaders to better identify best practices and sustainable interventions, to quantify policy and infrastructure gaps, and to develop pathways for proactive change and efficient resource allocation, with the end goal of contributing to a more productive, sustainable and responsible future.

The pilot phase focused on Dhaka, Bangladesh; Lisbon, Portugal; Mombasa, Kenya; Tijuana, Mexico; and Toronto, Canada. Published alongside these key findings is a series dedicated to stories of sustainable urban development which highlight areas of progress. These stories are meant to inspire and empower other city leaders in their efforts to foster prosperity and resilience in urban settings around the world.

How Mombasa is fighting to protect its blue economy

Mombasa’s struggle to preserve its blue economy – encompassing shipping, tourism, and fisheries – and improve the life of its waste pickers and fishermen is emblematic of the threat and opportunities that solid waste pollution and leaking sewage poses to the world’s oceans.

With the creation of a blue economy ministry in 2016 and banning of single-use plastic in 2017, Kenya has paved the way for cities like Mombasa to reduce pollution, protect marine life and create new opportunities for residents like Ben Kalume who lives in one of Mombasa’s largest informal settlements.

How Toronto is winning the public transport pursuit

Toronto's extensive public transit system offers accessibility, affordability and inclusivity, serving as a lifeline for residents across the entire metro area and offering valuable lessons for other fast-growing cities around the world. With intentional investment and strategic planning, Toronto has convinced people to get out of their cars and on to public transport. Its residents ride the city's buses, subways and streetcars 2.3 million times a day.

Meena Nathwani, who arrived in Toronto from Tanzania in 1974, tells us how Toronto's public transport system empowered her throughout her life, and how she still uses it today to visit her grandson downtown.

How is Dhaka reclaiming its waterways

Dhaka, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, is navigating climate change and urban disaster by reclaiming its natural defences from decades of overdevelopment.

Dhaka’s reclaimed waterways serve as a safeguard from flooding and counteract the city's heat island effect. They also support social mobility for residents like Shahida Parvin who lives near the Hatirjheel retention pond and has witnessed first-hand the impact restored waterways can have on family and community.

To explore these case studies and other key findings from the pilot phase, please visit the Urban Performance Index website at https://impact.economist.com/sustainability/urbanperformanceindex.