Economic Development and Urban Livelihoods

Economic development is linked to the social systems by which people organise activities to meet their basic needs, and has the potential to increase a society's standard of living, and improving the quality of life for urban residents.

Yet, why are some cities successful within a competitive global economy while others fail to thrive? Why does extreme poverty exist side-by-side with great wealth, both across continents and within countries and cities?

The growth agenda seeks to create a sustainable increase in the well-being of all urban residents, increasing per capita income for the poorest and reducing inequalities between urban residents, whilst promoting environmental sustainability and the development of city culture.

This means creating the legal and institutional environment that supports innovation and investment to promote local economic development, minimising the adverse environmental effects of growth, understanding process of migration in the urban workforce, and supporting the livelihood strategies of the poor.