Global model cities
urban services that ultimately enhance the quality of life in the city. By doing so, the top cities are able to monitor resource consumption, enhance public services, strengthen cybersecurity, promote healthier lifestyles, reinforce disaster resilience and accomplish many other advancements.
For resilience, the cities recognized for their commitment to invest in technologies, strategies and urban plans geared toward future- proofing are: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Stockholm, Boston, Zurich, Washington D. C. and Atlanta. These cities have applied plans and designs that can help them withstand existing and forthcoming challenges. Among the most pressing issues that resiliency measures must address are climate change, rapid population growth, diminishing natural resources and increasing poverty. With the help of technology, communities and cities can thrive while being disaster-resilient and sustainable. Urban safety, which is closely related to resilience, considers how cities can cope with risks and shocks with regard to digital, health, personal and infrastructure security. The 10 leading cities in this category are Tokyo, Singapore, Osaka, Amsterdam, Sydney, Toronto, Washington D.C., Copenhagen, Seoul and Melbourne.
Tourist and gateway cities are those with the highest international arrivals and visitor spending, which become a main driving force of urban development, local economic growth, and international economic integration. These cities feature progressive and efficient infrastructure and services like airports and seaports, business and leisure attractions, and a strong local culture that draw large numbers of tourists annually. The leading cities in these categories are Bangkok, London, Paris, Dubai, Singapore, Tokyo and New York. The Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai is a notable example of an aerotropolis, and it has raised Dubai’s prominence as a gateway city. Currently already one of the world’s busiest terminals, its expansion phase, which will be completed in 2030, will enable the terminal to accommodate 220 million passengers each year. Singapore’s Changi Airport cannot be overlooked when talking about airports as it has been recognized as the world’s best airport for seven years. Its grand attractions, world-class facilities, service excellence, green initiatives, and other offerings let the world’s leading terminal advertise itself as “more than an airport.” In terms of urban mobility, the Sustainability Cities Mobility Index 2017 ranked cities’ mobility system and how this affects the environment and the quality of life of commuters. It also rated how much the city is willing to commit for transportation infrastructure. The top 10 cities are Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris, Seoul, Prague, Vienna, London, Singapore, Stockholm and Frankfurt.
The best practices we can learn from the world’s model cities are limitless. With visionary leadership, good planning and implementation, and strong political will, Philippine cities can also become model cities that are resilient, sustainable, livable, and economically stable where everyone can enjoy the best quality of life.