The Century of Cities is honoured to welcome the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Dr. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, as she shares her journey through decades of urban transformation. She discusses Malaysia’s shift from agriculture to a thriving industrial hub. Maimunah highlights the importance of planned, sustainable growth that centers on happiness, mental well-being, and environmental resilience as essential components of modern cities. She shares insights on the critical role of inclusive leadership, uplifting young voices, and shifting from GDP-driven metrics to holistic well-being. Maimunah continues championing sustainable consumption and balanced governance, reminding us of her commitment to building equitable, resilient communities worldwide.

Richard Burdett CBE, professor of Urban Studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science and the director of LSE Cities, joins episode 7 of The Century of Cities. He transports us to London’s gritty 1980s, juxtaposing it with the vibrant public spaces of Rome and maps the city’s remarkable transformation driven by democratic accountability and the pivotal role of directly elected mayors. Ricky reflects on the pioneering efforts of the Urban Age program, which has revolutionized dialogue around global city development, and the groundbreaking work of the Council on Urban Initiatives in creating more green and healthy urban spaces. Looking toward 2080, he examines the critical decisions cities must confront, from combating environmental challenges to redefining communities and adapting to new urban technologies. This conversation offers a powerful and forward-thinking view on an essential question: How do we create cities that truly serve everyone?

The Century of Cities welcomes Emilia Saiz, Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments, as she explores the shifting dynamics of local governance and the journey of international municipal movements from 1980 to 2080. Emilia shares a unique perspective on how local and regional governments have grown into vital political actors, advocating for a systemic approach to urbanization that integrates care for nature, people, and governance. Reflecting on pivotal moments such as the Habitat II Assembly and the Sustainable Development Goals, she discusses the challenges of decentralization, the interdependence of urban and rural spaces, and the need for a new financing framework that supports sustainable and inclusive growth. 

Bruce Katz, an urban policy expert, author, and founder of New Localism Associates, joins episode 4 of The Century of Cities. He takes us on a journey from the deindustrialization era, which began in the 1980s, to the current rise in populism, emphasizing that decades of offshoring and weakened industrial foundations have led to today’s polarized politics. Bruce discusses the new industrial geography emerging across American cities as they position themselves within high-tech economies. Cities like Columbus, Phoenix, and St. Louis are leveraging their unique assets, proximity to research universities, supportive state policies, or existing industrial infrastructure to become semiconductors, aerospace, and climate technology leaders. This resurgence in domestic manufacturing isn’t just about bringing jobs back; it’s about building a resilient economy incorporating advanced industries and innovation. By focusing on hyperlocal assets, creating innovation districts, and aligning with national policies, cities are carving out specialized roles in America’s new industrial landscape. 

The Century of Cities welcomes Aziza Akhmouch, Head of Cities, Urban Policies, and Sustainable Development at the OECD. Aziza shares her vision for 2080, where interconnected urban hubs seamlessly blend rural and urban boundaries through smart infrastructure and AI. She discusses the rise of eco-cities powered by clean energy and underscores the critical need for inclusive urban policies to combat persistent inequality. Aziza highlights an intriguing aspect of urban governance: mayors worldwide, regardless of their country's economic status, face similar challenges, such as public transportation, housing, water quality, waste management, and segregation. Despite regional disparities, a shared commitment to proximity, investment capacity, and innovation unites mayors in addressing these common issues. Discover how effective policies and visionary local leadership can foster resilient cities that balance growth with sustainability, creating truly inclusive smart cities ready to tackle future crises.

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Renowned urbanist and author of The Rise of the Creative Class, Richard Florida, joins The Century of Cities to discuss the evolution of our cities from the industrial era to today’s creative economy. From the resurgence of Rust Belt cities to the pioneering inclusivity efforts in Tulsa, Richard shares his candid take on America's social and political divides, the rise of Meta Cities, and the surprising role of cities like Dubai and Singapore in defining new urban hubs.

Can cities balance physical spaces with digital connectivity? How can we create a more equitable and people-focused society while facing rising inequality? Richard helps us navigate this historical hinge point for cities and envision their innovative future.

In this episode, we are joined by Anacláudia Rossbach, the newly appointed Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme at UN-Habitat. She discusses her vision for the future of cities free from slums and better prepared to handle climate impacts, where every resident has safe housing and access to essential resources. 

Anacláudia shares her “seven C’s” for sustainable urbanization: capacity, coordination, consensus, coalition-building, citizen engagement, capital, and communication. These principles shape her strategy to empower cities worldwide, meet urban challenges, and help plan critical steps to pave the way toward resilient and inclusive cities.