Getting to Inclusive Growth in Cities

Creating inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities has been recognised as a critical global ambition (SDG #11). Making progress toward this objective will require a solid evidence base, targeted public policies, strong leadership, and effective implementation at all levels of government and with diverse partnerships. It is in this spirit that the Ford Foundation and the OECD have joined forces since 2012 to address the global trend in rising inequalities, helping to bring the Inclusive Growth agenda to the fore of the global policy debate. In March 2016, OECD and Ford jointly launched the Inclusive Growth in Cities Initiative (www.oecd.org/inclusive-growth/about/inclusive-citiescampaign), a global coalition of Champion Mayors who are leading the fight against inequalities. The Initiative launch released the New York Proposal for Inclusive Growth in Cities as a symbol of Champion Mayors’ commitment to advance more inclusive cities. This side event will convene mayors, national and local policy makers, international organisations, NGOs, and other leaders who are committed to reducing urban inequalities and achieving more inclusive cities. We will present emerging evidence on urban inequalities, drawing on the OECD report, Making Cities Work for All. The second segment will feature a panel of Champion Mayors, who will share insights on the keys to moving from ambition to implementation in the Inclusive Growth agenda. The discussion will build on the New York Proposal by focusing on several key policy areas (education and skills, labour markets, housing and transport, and public services) and will inform the Paris Action Plan, the main output of the second meeting of Champion Mayors, to be hosted by Mayor Anne Hidalgo (November 2016). While discussions will focus on social cohesion and equity, the event will also make links to related topics, including spatial development and segregation, urban economy, urban housing and basic services.