Issue 26: Harnessing Collaborative Ecosystems

Collaboration at its Core: Unlocking Urban Potential through Ecosystems

Amidst the need to address a growing set of traditional needs like housing, transport and other municipal services, cities also have to contend with more unfamiliar challenges arising from the effects of climate change, or disruptions to the existing global order, even as more and more people migrate to live in cities. These present issues for which cities need integrated strategies, grounded in interconnectedness, systems thinking and collaboration.

Articles in this special edition for the 2025 Mayors Forum of the World Cities Summit highlight local solutions with potential for global impact from cities in the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Network (LKYWCP Network). Launched in 2024, the LKYWCP Network connects distinguished Prize alumni supporting collaborative ecosystems for shaping more liveable and sustainable cities. Three key insights emerge from these articles:

Inclusive, collective leadership enables cities to drive cross-sector transformation that resonates locally and has the potential to be emulated globally.

Senior Minister of State Sim Ann highlights how a collaborative ecosystem can unlock pilot solutions, data-driven strategies, and strong partnerships to address Singapore’s complex municipal challenges. Mayor Michael Ludwig shares insights on how Vienna, the host city of the Mayors Forum, is successfully combining its rich architectural heritage with climate adaptation and technological innovation. Suzhou balances progress and preservation through deep-rooted collaborative stewardship.

Collaboration must evolve from transactional alliances into long-term, trust-based ecosystems.

Public-private collaborations are realising bold visions across cities. Examples include the City of Bilbao’s remarkable revitalisation from an industrial region into a modern metropolis and Rio de Janeiro’s coordinated social programmes development to restore beneficiaries’ dignity and hope. Ruta N collaborators share their collective experience transforming Medellín— leveraging creativity, partnerships and technology to resolve complex urban, social and economic challenges. In Mexico City, collaborative ecosystems are promoting cooperation amongst diverse societal actors to drive economic growth and social progress.

Collaborative initiatives foster enduring relationships, shared knowledge, and collective wisdom for greater impact.

Championing sustained collaborative efforts is key to achieving impactful results—from bold housing and climate initiatives that make Melbourne more liveable and sustainable, to congestion pricing policies that deliver a range of benefits in New York City. Seoul's shift to participatory governance prioritises civic engagement and inclusive spatial planning. Blue Gate Antwerp embodies Antwerp's shift toward climate neutrality through green innovation.

These articles remind us that the most resilient cities nurture collaborative ecosystems, where knowledge is shared and partnerships flourish. Our collective strengths empower cities to co-create solutions, thrive and create a better shared future for all.

Hugh Lim
Executive Director
Centre for Liveable Cities