Rotterdam is the most inclusive city in the EMEA region, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s new The Inclusive Cities Barometer for EMEA.
The report looked at the performance of 44 cities in the region across four inclusivity ‘dimensions’ – economic, social, spatial and environmental.
Rotterdam emerged as the leading city in driving urban inclusion and the report also identified Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Glasgow and Madrid as strong performers across each of the four dimensions.
London and Paris were the only two ‘megacities’ covered by the research and they both sit behind some of the top performing cities in EMEA, predominantly due to their size.
Sophie Schuller, lead researcher and author of the report, said: “We analysed nearly 5,000 data points covering 110 variables to compile what we believe is the industry’s most comprehensive dataset on inclusive cities. The 44 cities included in this first report are at varying stages of their journey towards more inclusive and vibrant urban environments and by analysing their progress, we can highlight exemplary successes and outline actionable pathways for improvement.
“It is worth noting that there is no such thing as a perfect city. All the 44 cities have their respective strengths and diverse backgrounds and challenges, and this barometer serves to provide learning points and actions that they can adopt and adapt as they pursue their urban inclusivity agenda.”
James Woodhead, head of EMEA ESG at Cushman & Wakefield, added: “A city’s attractiveness and long-term viability are profoundly shaped by its inclusive and social values. Inclusive cities naturally draw in greater talent and foster innovation, resulting in increased investment and growth. Moreover, these cities provide opportunities for social mobility and entrepreneurship across diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
“Their resilience and adaptability also enable them to meet the evolving needs and expectations of their residents and stakeholders. Therefore, it is crucial for the real estate sector to wholeheartedly embrace and integrate inclusive values into all its activities, thereby advancing the journey toward creating urban environments that prioritise inclusivity.
“If we look at the core office employment hubs, developers can accommodate more nuanced and inclusive needs, not only of the end users of their office spaces but also the communities and people who live close to or walk past their buildings every day. From an investment perspective, developing the social values of assets will also influence total returns.”
