Cities are where innovation, capital and people generate prosperity and advance society. They are where citizens strive to achieve, businesses seize opportunities and drive growth, and governments create the conditions for success. More than half the world's population now lives in urban areas. As a result, cities are under pressure to address accelerating urbanization.
At the same time, cities are increasingly inter-connected by modern communications and widespread migration. City leaders must harness the possibilities of technology and new financial thinking to address critical efficiency reform, modernize urban infrastructure, and provide socially inclusive access to public services. By embracing transformation, they can enhance citizens' quality of life and improve their city's prospects in the international competition for talent and investment.
1bn
New city consumers by 2025 according to McKinsey Global Institute.
200,000
people worldwide move to cities each day according to the UN-Habitat. They are enticed by the possibility of finding work, greater social mobility and freedom, and a better life for their families.
FT/Citi Awards: Urban Ideas in Action 2013
Calling all urban innovators! If you - or an individual, group or organization you know - have implemented an ingenious urban solution, visit FTCitiAwards.com to learn more and apply! Submissions will be accepted online until March 31, 2013. Submissions will be reviewed on a range of criteria, including originality, impact, efficiency and outcomes. Criteria were developed by INSEAD, one of the world's leading business schools. All entries will be reviewed by the Financial Times and INSEAD for qualification. A panel of global experts will select the winners. As sponsor, Citi will not review or judge submissions. Top candidates will be profiled in a series of global magazines published by the FT and will be featured at events in 2013.
Submit a nomination via email: ftcitiawards@ft.com.
Join the conversation on Twitter: #FTCitiAwards
