Centre for Urban Transformation

Centre for Urban Transformation

We drive global ambition through local action 

Cities are home to a growing majority of the world’s population and generate more than 80% of global GDP. As global challenges increase – from inequality to climate change – cities are on the frontline of disruptions and serve as incubators and accelerators of new solutions.

The Centre for Urban Transformation advances public-private collaboration in cities to enable more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities and local economies.

130+

Cities engaged

185+

Business partners

60+

Civil society collaborators

Our initiatives on urban transformation

Alliance for Urban Innovation

Connecting innovators and entrepreneurs to new markets and opportunities.

Future of Travel and Tourism 

Reimagining travel and tourism as a transformative force for good. 

Davos Baukultur Alliance

Strengthening communities through better planning, design and construction.

Early-stage start-ups are shaping the future of urban sustainability

UpLink, the Forum's early-stage innovation initiative for scaling purpose-driven start-ups, in collaboration with the Forum’s Centre for Urban Transformation and Deloitte, has launched Yes Cities, a global initiative to transform urban life through groundbreaking innovations.

Our impact

How data helped Mexico City reduce high-impact crime by more than 50%

The G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance introduced a global open data model policy in Mexico City, helping the city reduce high-impact crime by more than 50% as part of a comprehensive crime-reduction strategy.

How companies are creating a more sustainable future for urban deliveries

The Global New Mobility Coalition convened leading delivery companies to outline joint commitments for collaborating with cities and transforming the deliveries ecosystem.

Our resources and tools

Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point: Principles for Transformative Growth

This report, developed by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Kearney, examines key growth drivers such as evolving traveller profiles, emerging segments like wellness and ecotourism, and technological innovation.

Four Scenarios for the Future of Travel and Tourism

This briefing paper presents four plausible scenarios for 2030—ranging from fragmentation and sustainability transitions to digital acceleration and renewed global integration—each highlighting distinct risks and opportunities for the industry’s future.

From Principles to Practice: Approaches for High-Quality Baukultur

Created in collaboration with a diverse set of public, private and civil society Alliance members, this report outlines bold, actionable pathways to regenerative, inclusive, and resilient cities. 

Join us in shaping the future of urban transformation

Our year-round activities provide a diverse range of opportunities for partners to share insights and expertise, forge new relationships, and collaborate to drive positive change in cities and local communities across the globe.

Discover more

AGENDA ARTICLE

Tourism could be a $16 trillion industry by 2034. This is how destinations can create sustainable growth

World Economic Forum, Kearney  

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2 July 2025

AGENDA ARTICLE

Innovation-first purchasing at the city level can scale climate adaptation

Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia, Recurve

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8July 2025

AGENDA ARTICLE

4 schemes helping cities achieve clean air – and how to scale them globally

World Economic Forum

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12 June 2025

AGENDA ARTICLE

Bridging air and water resilience: How systems thinking can create innovative urban solutions

Imperial College London, World Economic Forum

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30 June 2025

AGENDA ARTICLE

Iberian Peninsula blackout – and other urban transformation stories to read this month

World Economic Forum

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28 May 2025

World Economic Forum Centres

The world is confronted with a range of unprecedented challenges, and it's crucial for businesses, governments, and civil society to work together to find common solutions and take decisive action.

Through its Centres, the Forum integrates public-private efforts to achieve greater impact.

Centre for Urban Transformation
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