As urbanization accelerates worldwide, cities have become key drivers of economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Yet, many continue to face pressing challenges, including inadequate housing, strained infrastructure, widening inequalities, environmental degradation, and governance gaps. Ensuring a high quality of life for all urban residents has therefore become an urgent and shared global priority.
In this context, ESCWA and its partners have released a report offering a comparative analysis of the factors shaping urban quality of life across global regions. The report identifies common challenges, highlights shared opportunities, and underscores persistent disparities to support more inclusive and sustainable urban development.
The report was prepared in collaboration with the four other UN regional commissions and under the Quality of Life Initiative, a global project implemented by UN-Habitat and funded by the Quality of Life Program of Saudi Arabia.
