Why Mayors Need a UN-Like Organization of Their Own

There can be no doubt about it: The world’s economic action is centered in its cities. More than half the people in the world live in metros, a figure that is projected to rise to nearly three-quarters by mid-century. The world’s 40 largest mega-regions (geographical clusters of cities, many of them crossing national boundaries) account for less than a fifth of the world’s population while producing two thirds of the world’s economic output and nearly 90 percent of its innovations.

A growing chorus of urbanists argue that mayors are the most innovative, pragmatic, and effective political leaders we have today. These local leaders continue to make progress on fronts where nation-states have been stymied by partisanship and self-interest, including climate change, environmental degradation, traffic congestion, terrorism, poverty, and the trafficking of drugs, guns, and people.