These 5 cities are showing the world how to thrive in uncertain times

Aug 18, 2022

COVID-19 has made many cities rethink how they organize themselves. Image: Unsplash/Anthony DELANOIX

Salome Gongadze

Evaluation, Learning, and Engagement Specialist, WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities

Anne Maassen

Urban Innovation & Finance Associate, WRI Ross Center For Sustainable Cities

Liuda Serohina

Prize for Cities Intern, WRI Ross Center

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An aerial view of one of the city parks recovered through Todos al Parque (Everyone to the Park).

93% of Barranquilla’s households can access green public space in less than an 8-minute walk. Image: City of Barranquilla

A new housing development constructed by Homeless People’s Federation Philippines, Inc. in Iloilo.

The project was community-driven through all its project stages including planning, housing design, procurement, construction management and overarching project development. Image: Homeless People’s Federation Philippines, Inc in Iloilo City

One of the many murals created through MUKTA’s urban public works program.

The initiative created income opportunities for 700,000 urban poor, informal and migrant laborers across all of Odisha’s 114 cities. Image: The Housing & Urban Development Department of Government of Odisha.

As part of India’s COVID-19 response, the Department of Housing and Urban Development of the Government of Odisha pioneered an innovate mass employment scheme (MUKTA) for migrants, informal works and the urban poor.

Low-carbon public works projects included storm water drainage improvements, rainwater harvesting and the creation of community centers. Image: The Housing & Urban Development Department of Government of Odisha

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People walking and cycling by the river in Paris, France.

The 15-minute city concept brings all necessary amenities within a short distance from people’s homes and prioritizes walking and biking. Image: City of Paris

Zu Peshawar (Let’s Go Peshawar) in Pakistan is providing a safe mobility solution for vulnerable groups including women and transgendered, connecting them to life-changing opportunities. Image: TransPeshawar

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