Michael Berkowitz

The Urban 6 Billion: A Blueprint for Development Through Private Investment

Taimur Hyat, Michael Berkowitz, Charles Garner, Bridget Rosewell

Leading urban experts and investors convened to analyze unprecedented global urbanization trends where 60–70 million people annually join cities, necessitating a strategic shift toward diversified economic hubs in Asia and Africa to mitigate risks from climate change and single-industry dependence. The panel emphasized that successful investment requires holistic resilience strategies focusing on governance power, inclusive infrastructure, and long-term technological adoption rather than isolated asset classes or "smart city" gimmicks. Specific recommendations highlighted cities like London, New Orleans, and Porto Alegre as models for fostering stability, while urging capital allocation toward regions with robust public-private partnerships and adaptable administrative frameworks.