THE MAKING OF GLOBAL CITIES
To achieve a “global city” status, it must have unique values and concepts that affect other cities worldwide
Globalization is a broad concept that consists of strategic geological places in which global processes are developed, aided and realized. An excellent manifestation of this is the global city, also known as the world city.
A global city often refers to a central metropolis that serves as a hub in the worldwide economic system. It’s an urban center that also functions as a primary node in the global economic network, thus offering substantial competitive advantages. But a city can be called as a “global city” in a variety of ways.
A CITY OF CULTURE
As culture evolves into an economical machine with both traditional and global appeal, a comprehensive city should have an active and distinct culture, style and history with a high level of interconnection in the international cultural network. After all, culture is one of the essential businesses in a city with many tourist attractions and historical sites. Culture may include not only the city’s traditions and ideals but also its art, food and architecture.
A CITY OF DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC CHANGE
A global city is experiencing demographic and economic transition. It houses international organizations, law firms, offices for multinational corporations and stock exchanges that impact the global economy. Therefore, a global city must have well-invested capital, a built environment, and information on trade, business, and multinational corporations.
A CITY OF ALL SIZES
The size of a city does not define its worldwide status. Rather, its infrastructure and workforce do. Tokyo, for example, has outstanding infrastructure and a
modern transportation system, which has earned it the title of a global city. Tokyo boasts of advanced communications infrastructure, such as high-speed communication lines, fiber optics, and fast WiFi networks, on which many multinational firms rely. As a result, Tokyo became the world’s technology and digital capital.
A CATALYST FOR INTERNATIONAL PROGRESS
To achieve a “global city” status, it must have unique values and concepts that affect other cities worldwide. Although a global urban sprawl may have the best cultural influences, a diversified population, expanding economic structures, and good infrastructure, it should also engage in international business practices, guaranteeing an immense global impact. Such methods may involve economic growth or change, cultural and institutional ideas, or a combination.
THE NEXT GLOBAL CITY IN THE NORTH
A global city contributes to globalization because it is the site of international movements and exchanges of capital, goods, services, technologies, and cultural practices. Having a lot of global cities in a country can be a good thing as it brings economies of scale, develops markets, creates jobs, and encourages new economic activities to flourish.
The popularity of global cities has also reached the Philippines, with Bonifacio Global City (BGC) as a prime example. It is known for its ultra-modern setting, which is comparable to many famous cities worldwide, proving that the Philippines is also capable of hosting another global city.
In a few years, Bulacan is also set to host the latest “global city in the north,” a robust business district that will provide the province its first-ever metropolitan hub for business and lifestyle.