Cities are at the epicenter of a global shift of population from rural to urban settings. They are the powerhouses of the global economy and contribute centrally to knowledge production and innovation. The future of cities will therefore be a defining element of the global future.

The future global economy will be one that maximizes efficiency in the use of land, water and energy, thereby conserving resources, reducing impact on the environment, and enhancing livability. Understanding the relationship between cities and this emerging green economy is critical.

The Global Green Cities initiative began with a high-level exchange among world-leading elected officials, planners, researchers, technologists and business leaders on the theme of sustainable urban development and the evolution of green cities. The objective of this international symposium, convened in February 2011, was to advance the state of the art in green urban design, based on the vision and shared experience of a selection of the world’s most innovative cities.

Focal points of the three-day symposium included urban design, the applications of technology, and behavior. Its location in San Francisco highlighted technology and policy advances coming from California.