
The Challenge
Urbanization is the defining phenomenon of the 21st century. For the first time in history, more than half the world’s population lives in cities, with 90 percent of urban growth taking place in the developing world. Over the next 20 years, nearly 2 billion new urban residents are expected, while one billion already live in slums.
Urbanization’s unprecedented pace and scale present daunting challenges, while also offering enormous opportunities. Economic prosperity happens mainly in cities, accounting for 70 percent of global GDP. However, only by good planning and management will rapidly growing cities be able to harness this potential, accommodate new urban dwellers, and adequately deliver basic services. Too often those cities bracing for the largest population influxes are the least prepared.
Our Vision
The WBI Urban program equips city leaders, municipal staff, and other practitioners with innovative strategies and tools to maximize the potential benefits of urbanization. We build the leadership skills of mayors and strengthen the technical skills of staff who are on the frontlines of city management.
Cities serve as an integrating space where different sectors converge. This reality, combined with the complex challenges of climate change, globalization, and natural disasters, requires a well-coordinated, multifaceted response. Cities also offer social diversity and attract talented people, providing unique opportunities and the creativity required to meet the challenges of growth and development.
Our Approach
Supporting the World Bank‘s Urban Strategy which addresses the critical needs of cities and local governments, WBI offers four business lines in the Urban sector:
WBI offers structured learning, knowledge exchanges, and advisory and capacity-building services to national urban authorities and city managers.
Our Audiences
WBI works with city mayors, municipal managers and staff, urban development practitioners, utility managers, disaster planning staff, and academics in urban studies programs in developing countries.
WBI Brochure: Innovative Solutions for Cities (PDF 406 KB)
Also see these brochure inserts for more information:
Structured Learning
Regional/Country Programs
