Bob Willen - Global Managing Partner & Chairman of the Board, Kearney

The discussion centers around the resilience of global cities and their preparedness for the future. Bob Willen from Kearney unveils the Global Cities Resilience Index, emphasizing its forward-looking approach. He highlights the importance of talent and human capital, citing Dubai as an example of a city attracting professionals. The conversation explores the various shocks cities face, including severe weather, geopolitical shifts, social unrest, and technological disruption. The index assesses cities based on factors like governance, talent, and business environment. London is identified as a top-performing city due to its global connectivity, while Amsterdam excels in citizen engagement. The importance of resilience, technology, and collaboration between public and private sectors is stressed for future smart cities. The trend of increasing urbanization is acknowledged, underscoring the need for cities to adapt and prepare.