The Inclusive Cities Barometer

The Inclusive Cities Barometer, developed by Cushman & Wakefield, is a transformative framework designed to evaluate and foster inclusivity within urban environments across the Asia-Pacific region. As cities continue to grow and evolve into global economic powerhouses, the need for inclusive development has become more apparent. Today, over 57% of the world’s population lives in urban areas, and cities generate approximately 80% of the global GDP. Against this backdrop, creating cities that are accessible, equitable, and vibrant for all citizens has become a pressing priority.

Vision and Purpose

The Inclusive Cities Barometer was born from a vision of urban spaces that prioritize the well-being and participation of all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic background, gender, age, or ability. By providing a data-driven approach, the Barometer seeks to: (1) Identify gaps in urban inclusivity. (2) Offer actionable insights for policymakers, urban planners, real estate developers, and other stakeholders. (3) Encourage cities to adopt sustainable, inclusive practices that benefit residents and the environment.

Rather than a traditional ranking system, which often fosters competition without considering unique cultural and geographical contexts, the Barometer emphasizes progress and potential. This approach acknowledges the diversity of starting points across cities and celebrates incremental advancements towards inclusivity.

What is an Inclusive City?

An inclusive city is an urban environment designed to ensure equitable access to resources, opportunities, and services for all its residents. It reflects values such as diversity, equity, and accessibility, enabling citizens to lead independent, productive, and dignified lives. Inclusive cities strive to:

Eliminate barriers to participation, particularly for marginalized or vulnerable groups.
Promote social justice through the equitable distribution of housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Enhance urban livability by integrating green spaces, universal design, and cultural vibrancy.

Key characteristics of an inclusive city include:

Diversity and Equity: Ensuring fair representation and opportunities for all demographic groups, including minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities.
Accessibility: Providing reliable, affordable public transportation and housing options close to employment and amenities.
Sustainability: Integrating climate resilience and green infrastructure into urban planning to create healthier, future-ready environments.

How the Inclusive Cities Barometer Works

The Barometer is a comprehensive tool that assesses 35 major cities across the Asia-Pacific region, covering over 80% of the region’s Grade A office space and representing the most dynamic urban centers. It evaluates inclusivity through 110 metrics organized into four main dimensions:

Social Inclusivity: Focuses on access to healthcare, education, and mental well-being, as well as diversity and tolerance.
Economic Inclusivity: Examines job availability, fair wages, financial inclusion, and efforts to reduce poverty.
Spatial Inclusivity: Evaluates urban planning factors like housing affordability, public transport connectivity, and safety.
Environmental Inclusivity: Measures sustainability initiatives, pollution levels, and climate resilience.

Each dimension is further divided into 11 sub-dimensions, offering a granular view of urban inclusion. By collecting and analyzing nearly 4,000 data points from reputable sources like the United Nations and the World Bank, the Barometer establishes a robust framework for evaluating cities.

Methodology

The barometer's evaluation process incorporates:

Data from reputable global sources, such as the World Bank and the United Nations.
Categorization of metrics into 11 sub-dimensions, such as health, education, housing, and safety.
Weighting of variables to provide an objective and comprehensive analysis.

Cities are grouped into personas based on their inclusivity journey:

Mature Urban Centres: Advanced cities with strong social policies (e.g., Melbourne, Tokyo).
Social Drivers: Cities with strong social inclusion but ongoing challenges in wealth equality (e.g., Sydney).
Rapid Risers: Cities rapidly advancing inclusivity initiatives (e.g., Jakarta, Hanoi).
Emergers: Cities beginning their journey toward inclusivity (e.g., Karachi, Dhaka).

Notable Insights

Best Performing Cities

Melbourne, Australia:
- Recognized as the overall best performer, excelling in social and spatial inclusiveness.
- Strong multicultural policies and environmental sustainability plans.
Tokyo, Japan:
- Premier financial hub with robust economic inclusiveness.
- Low unemployment and strong social security frameworks.
Singapore:
- Outstanding spatial inclusiveness with innovative urban design.
- Exceptional public transport and low crime rates.
Wellington, New Zealand:
- Leader in environmental inclusiveness, with strong air quality and green energy initiatives.

Challenges Across APAC

Urban segregation and unequal resource distribution remain key issues.
Aging populations in some cities (e.g., Japan) and overpopulation in others (e.g., Dhaka).
Environmental challenges like air pollution and inadequate climate adaptation in many regions.

The Importance of Inclusivity in Urban Development

Urban inclusivity is more than a moral imperative—it is a strategic advantage. Inclusive cities are better positioned to:

Attract and retain talent by fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Encourage innovation and investment, which drive economic growth.
Build resilience to challenges such as climate change, aging populations, and social unrest.

Cities that prioritize inclusivity tend to see positive ripple effects across various sectors:

Economic Growth: By connecting marginalized communities to jobs and resources, cities enhance productivity and reduce inequality.
Health and Well-being: Accessible healthcare, green spaces, and walkable infrastructure promote physical and mental health.
Social Stability: Equitable resource distribution minimizes social tensions and promotes cohesion.

Goals of the Inclusive Cities Barometer

Raise Awareness: Highlight the importance of inclusivity and its impact on urban development.
Guide Stakeholders: Provide actionable recommendations for governments, businesses, and communities.
Track Progress: Offer a framework for cities to measure their progress toward inclusivity over time.
Encourage Collaboration: Promote partnerships between real estate developers, urban planners, policymakers, and citizens to address complex urban challenges.

Through this innovative tool, Cushman & Wakefield aim to redefine urban development by placing inclusivity at the forefront of decision-making. The Barometer’s focus on equity and sustainability aligns with global priorities, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that cities are not only economically vibrant but also socially just and environmentally responsible.