Urban Performance Index

The report titled Urban Performance Index (UPI): A Tool for Sustainable Development emphasises the central role of cities in global economic growth and social-cultural interactions, forecasting a substantial rise in urban populations by 2050. However, this expansion poses sustainability challenges, with cities already accounting for a significant portion of energy consumption and carbon emissions. To address these challenges, municipal leaders must prioritise sustainable urban development aligned with economic, social, and environmental considerations. The UPI, developed by Economist Impact in collaboration with UN-Habitat, serves as a crucial tool for monitoring and improving cities' sustainability by measuring environmental friendliness, social inclusiveness, economic viability, and resilience, facilitating informed decision-making for more sustainable outcomes worldwide.

This report covers the main findings of the UPI’s pilot programme, which tested the UPI framework across five cities:

• Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Mombasa, Kenya
• Tijuana,Mexico
• Toronto, Canada

It highlights the key areas of progress on sustainable urban development and uncovers areas that need additional investment. 

Abstract based directly on original source.