The Century of Cities

The Century of Cities welcomes Professor Sir Paul Collier, Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, and Academic Director of the International Growth Centre. Drawing on his work on economic development, regional renewal, and places left behind, he explores how cities and regions can break cycles of decline, and why the hardest part may be bringing people together around a shared sense of purpose. From the rapid urbanization of lower-income countries and the enormous infrastructure challenges facing their cities, to the struggles of former industrial centres, Sir Paul Collier argues for a different approach: modesty, experimentation, and a willingness to see local assets as opportunities rather than liabilities. He shares lessons from places including Poland, Sheffield, and the Basque Country, and explains why agency, civic cooperation, and credible hope can be powerful forces for urban renewal. This is Part One of a two-part conversation about what it takes for cities to take ownership of their future and turn possibility into action

The Century of Cities welcomes Joan Clos, elected twice as Mayor of Barcelona, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, for a conversation about the forces that shape cities and the leadership required to transform them. Reflecting on Barcelona's transition from dictatorship to democracy, he explores how political consensus, public participation, and international ambition helped drive a remarkable period of urban renewal, including the transformation surrounding the 1992 Olympic Games. Drawing on his global experience with UN-Habitat and the 2016 New Urban Agenda, Dr. Clos examines the challenges facing cities today, from housing affordability and inequality to the need for renewed urban planning and regulatory systems. As cities look toward 2080, Dr. Clos brings the focus back to the foundations of urban transformation: the institutions, regulatory frameworks, and collective political will that turn ambition into lasting change.

This episode of The Century of Cities brings together the moderators of the 2026 World Cities Summit Mayors Forum. Greg sits down with his fellow moderators, Winston Chow and Tamara Singh, to reflect on the priorities for action they heard from 120 mayors as they confronted some of the biggest challenges facing cities today. Recorded in association with the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum and the Centre for Liveable Cities, the conversation explores the ideas and solutions that stood out most, from affordable housing and water resilience to energy transitions and more responsive municipal services. They discuss nature-based solutions, innovative financing, digital twins, new energy systems, and the growing role of technology in urban life. But perhaps the strongest message is the appetite among city leaders to share knowledge, learn from one another, and turn ideas into action. Because while technology is changing how cities operate, the ultimate goal remains deeply human: creating cities that are more resilient, responsive, and liveable for everyone.

The Century of Cities welcomes Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities, as part of our special series recorded in Singapore in association with the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum and the Centre for Liveable Cities. Clarence takes us from the emergence of local power and civic engagement in the 1980s to a very different urban landscape today, where cities are increasingly on the front lines of housing, climate, technology, and inclusion. For Clarence, the future of cities will be shaped by what happens at the local level. He explores why mayors must think beyond election cycles, put people at the centre of decision-making, and bring government, business, universities, and communities together. As national politics become increasingly divided, he sees something powerful in city-to-city relationships: a global network of local leaders able to cross borders, exchange solutions, and keep working together.

The Century of Cities welcomes Mayor Van R. Johnson II of Savannah, Georgia, as part of our special series recorded in Singapore in association with the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum and the Centre for Liveable Cities. Once marked by economic decline and a fading downtown, Savannah has reinvented itself through its history, creativity, institutions, and diverse communities. Today, it is balancing rapid growth and global attention with the needs of the people who call it home. Van explores how Savannah can balance tourism, industry, heritage, climate resilience, and inclusion while remaining a city that belongs to everyone. From building relationships across the African diaspora to learning from cities around the world, his leadership approach is grounded in a simple idea: cities are strongest when they reach outward and make room for more voices, partnerships, and possibilities.

The Century of Cities welcomes Mayor Raisa Treñas of Iloilo City as part of our special series recorded in Singapore in association with the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum and the Centre for Liveable Cities. Once a major sugar-exporting centre, Iloilo experienced economic decline and underinvestment before embarking on a remarkable revival rooted in good governance, environmental restoration, heritage, and inclusive growth. Today, the city is emerging as one of the Philippines' fastest-growing urban economies. Raisa has a different ambition for Iloilo: not to become a megacity, but to become a better city for everyone. She shares how restoring the Iloilo River, investing in health and education, strengthening climate resilience, and bringing citizens into the process are reshaping the city. She imagines a place where culture, technology, nature, and human-centred development work together, and where the city's future is shaped by its citizens.

The Century of Cities welcomes Mayor Ciprian Ciucu of Bucharest as part of our special series recorded in Singapore during the World Cities Summit 2026, in association with the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum and the Centre for Liveable Cities. Bringing together mayors from more than 100 cities under the theme Liveable and Sustainable Cities: ACT Now!, the Summit provided a global platform for city leaders to exchange ideas, share practical solutions, and strengthen collaboration on the future of urban life. Against this backdrop, Mayor Ciucu reflects on Bucharest's transformation from a centrally planned communist capital to a modern European city navigating growth, mobility, and resilience. Looking ahead, he explores the leadership needed to reduce earthquake risk, modernize ageing infrastructure, and create a more liveable city. His perspective is both practical and optimistic: great cities are shaped not only by long-term vision, but by collaboration, courageous leadership, and the ability to manage complexity.