Natural disasters and extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity globally. Local governments, including intermediary cities, are on the frontline of disaster risk management. Increasing their resilience is critical to protect lives and support economic development. This is particularly true in developing countries where local governments, especially in intermediary cities, lack financing and management capacities to prevent, react and rebuild in an inclusive and…

Projections indicate that by 2050, urban populations will grow by 2.3 billion, challenging the capacity of existing city systems., posing a vital question: Can 10 percent of a city's current resources
support its sustainable high-quality development? “AI + City” provides the answer, transforming fragmented silos into synergistic systems that significantly enhance efficiency. This report delivers the City Intelligence framework, four-phase roadmap, twelve cases and the “AI + City”…

​​Originally established in 2011 following the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the Shanghai Manual serves as a practical guide for mayors and urban practitioners advancing sustainable urban development. The Manual has been shaped by the principles of both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda, positioning it as a key resource in the global ambition of achieving sustainable cities. 

​As digitalisation rapidly reshapes urban life across health, education,…

2024 marked a transitional year for UN-Habitat’s Global Public Space Programme. The Programme delivered impactful action in 13 countries, benefiting over 70,000 people through initiatives advancing climate resilience, social inclusion, and crisis response. From neighborhood delivery to global platforms, the year reaffirmed public space as a foundation for equitable cities and a key enabler of housing, basic services, and sustainable urban development.

Cities face growing pressures from rapid urbanization, climate risks, and inequality. This study compares 26 global urban assessment tools in relation to , offering evidence-based insights that link global frameworks with local needs and support greener, more resilient urban development.