Oliver Wyman Forum

The global economy is undergoing the biggest transformation in a generation, driven by geopolitical tensions and transformative industrial policies. As urbanization accelerates, particularly across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, new centers of production and consumer demand are emerging. These fast-growing regions now constitute 45% of global GDP and are home to 85% of the world’s population. ?? Introducing our latest report, The Cities Shaping The Future, in which we explore these dynamic urban hubs and rank the business attractiveness of 1,500 cities across these regions. Our insights reveal how these cities are transforming into key players in the global economic order and what this means for businesses worldwide. ?? Where is the optimal place to locate a factory? How should we plan new infrastructure? Our new index uses geospatial analytics and alternative data to compare the strengths and weaknesses of these cities, enabling business leaders and policymakers to assess risks, identify opportunities, and make better decisions. ?? Emerging cities offer multinationals opportunities to diversify supply chains and capture new markets in industries reshaped by global forces. Meet the cities driving growth in today’s economy > https://owy.mn/42U5pzW #OWForum #UrbanDevelopment #GlobalEconomy #UrbanGrowth #Innovation

For the first time ever, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities, and the pace of urbanization is fastest in the emerging and developing economies of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. ?? These four regions are home to more than 1,500 cities with populations greater than 250,000. Business leaders need to understand the opportunities and risks in these cities as they consider where to expand or how to adjust their global footprint. ?? The cities of the emerging world are ready to play a big role in shaping the future. Our new ranking of these cities can help companies and cities make better strategic decisions > https://owy.mn/42U5pzW #OWForum #UrbanDevelopment #GlobalEconomy #UrbanGrowth #Innovation

Former member of the European Parliament Frances Fitzgerald shares her views on why new rules send a clear message that Europe won’t tolerate violence against women. We recently interviewed Frances for a report by the Oliver Wyman Forum, Women Political Leaders (WPL), and the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law on the positive impact of having more women in political offices. Read the full interview > https://owy.mn/3F3Cf7B #OWForum #RepresentationMatters #WomenInPolitics #OW4Society

How have the top 10 cities evolved in our ranking over the years? Conducted in partnership with researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, the 2024 Urban Mobility Readiness Index is a ranking of 70 major cities worldwide on their preparedness for mobility’s next chapter, capturing the impact innovative new technologies are having on urban planning and mobility demand. The cities that top the index are those that consistently invest in infrastructure, increase system efficiency, and embrace innovative technologies. How does your city rank? > https://owy.mn/3OLBtNY #OWForum #Mobility #UrbanMobility #PublicTransit #SustainableMobility

The world has reached its most multipolar moment since World War II. Multi-aligned nations representing over 20% of global GDP are now practicing strategic flexibility, reshaping everything from supply chains to commodity markets. The world is starkly different from the Cold War era - it's a complex web of strategic relationships where even investments in golf tours and retail chains can become national security matters. ? As the world grows increasingly complex, CEOs must make geopolitics a cornerstone of strategy, not an afterthought. ? Explore more insights in The Revenge Of Geopolitics chapter from our new State of Our World 2025 report > https://owy.mn/41pXrMk ? #OWForum #Geopolitics #Strategy

As the world faces declining labor force participation and an aging population, closing the gender gap in global workforce participation — which could boost global GDP by 20%+ — emerges as a critical solution for both economic growth and equality; to learn more, explore our newly released report in partnership with Women Political Leaders (WPL) and the World Bank's Women, Business and the Law > https://owy.mn/4fUeStB #Uncharted #OWForum #RepresentationMatters #WomenInPolitics

2 weeks to go! ? We are looking forward to the second event in our Transition Planning Masterclass series with Chapter Zero, giving FTSE 350 NEDs the chance to learn from leading practitioners. In this session, we will explore transition plans in practice, with guest speaker Ruth Cairnie DBE. Follow the link to register interest for the upcoming events > https://owy.mn/40wLpS8 #OWForum #ClimateTransition #Strategy

This International Women’s Day, focusing on the need to #AccelerateAction emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. ??? We recently spoke to Cherie Blair CBE (Cherie Booth K.C.) during #UNGA79, where we joined Women Political Leaders (WPL) and The World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law initiative to share findings from our research on the positive impact of having more women in political offices. What are the biggest challenges for women running for office? See our conversation highlights ?? Discover our recently launched Representation Matters report > https://owy.mn/4fUeStB #OWForum #RepresentationMatters #WomenInPolitics #OW4Society #IWD2025

The rules of engagement for businesses are changing as the global economy undergoes a massive transformation. In our new article, now in World Economic Forum, Ben Simpfendorfer explores how cities in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East are leveraging this moment as an opportunity for growth, drawing on key messages from our new report, The Cities Shaping The Future. Read the article here > https://owy.mn/4iqyBCO #OWForum #UrbanDevelopment #GlobalEconomy #UrbanGrowth #Innovation

??? Ben Simpfendorfer is on the ground in #Dubai, a city that scores highly in our new report, The Cities Shaping The Future, as both a commercial and mobility hub. Here's why: ?? Dubai is home to the world’s busiest international airport, receiving over 90 million passengers in 2024, with flights to over 250 different cities. ?? The rebalancing of supply chains and the rise of India's manufacturing will also strengthen Dubai’s role as a regional and global cargo hub. ?? Jebel Ali Port ranks among the world’s Top 20 container ports and benefits from DP World’s 17 terminals in Asia Pacific, many in ‘China+1’ markets. Our new report ranks the business attractiveness of 1,500 cities across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Discover more insights > https://owy.mn/42U5pzW #OWForum #UrbanDevelopment #GlobalEconomy #UrbanGrowth #Innovation