Centre for Urban Transformation

Advancing public-private collaboration in cities for resilient, future-ready communities and economies.

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

Our initiatives support cities in addressing climate, equity and economic challenges through practical and scalable solutions.

Innovation Impact Alliance

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

We work with city leaders and partners to turn global ambition into local progress.

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.

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.

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