The Cushman & Wakefield Report quantifies the social impact of 35 cities across the Asia Pacific region, outlining their various stages of progress and identifying actions that can boost their urban inclusivity status
Australia – June 11, 2024 – Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK), a leading global real estate services firm, today released The Inclusive Cities Barometer for Asia Pacific evaluates the inclusiveness of 35 cities in the Asia Pacific, including key Australian cities such as Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Sydney across four inclusivity dimensions – economic, social, spatial and environmental.This report aims to foster a data-driven dialogue on the influence of real estate activities on urban inclusion and the social fabric of cities.
Key findings from the Barometer reveal that Melbourne stands out as a strong performer in the region, celebrated for its liveability, safety, and vibrant multicultural environment. Similarly, Perth, Brisbane, and Sydney also demonstrate significant strengths in various aspects of inclusivity, setting a high benchmark for other cities across Asia Pacific.
Dr. Dominic Brown, Head of International Research at Cushman & Wakefield said, “We analysed almost 4,000 data points covering 110 variables to compile what we believe is the industry’s most comprehensive dataset on inclusive cities. The 35 cities included in this first report are at varying stages of their journey towards more inclusive and vibrant urban environments and by analysing their progress, we can highlight exemplary successes and outline actionable pathways for improvement.”
The Approach and Methodology
The 35 Asia Pacific cities in the report were selected based on their representation of approximately 80% of the region’s Grade A office space tracked by Cushman & Wakefield, covering most corporate occupier portfolio locations. These cities are grouped into four personas that reflect the maturity of their progression with social value creation and inclusivity.
| City Persona | Definition |
| Mature Urban Centres |
Cities with a longstanding commitment to social inclusion that prioritise the needs of all citizens, focusing on equal distribution of wealth alongside strong but balanced economic growth |
| Social Drivers |
Cities demonstrating strong rates of social inclusion across many of the dimensions, although not as mature in their journey to reduce wealth and lifestyle inequality |
| Rapid Risers |
Cities previously constrained by historical limitations on equitable economic and social development are now rapidly advancing social inclusion initiatives |
| Emergers |
Cities at the beginning of their journey to increase rates of inclusivity throughout but with strong ambitions |
Noral Wild, CEO - Australia & New Zealand at Cushman & Wakefield, said, "We are immensely proud to see Australian and New Zealand cities leading the way in our Inclusive Cities Barometer.
“Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Wellington exemplify how a commitment to inclusivity across economic, social, spatial, and environmental dimensions can create vibrant and equitable urban environments, however there is still more to do.
"While these cities have made significant strides, there remain areas where inclusivity can be further enhanced. Addressing challenges such as affordable housing and education and ensuring equitable economic opportunities for all communities are essential steps forward.
"This report underscores the critical role of real estate in shaping cities to grow and thrive for all their residents. As we continue to analyse and support these urban landscapes, we aim to drive meaningful progress towards more inclusive and resilient communities across the Asia Pacific region," she said.
To develop the barometer, Cushman & Wakefield collected data from leading global third-party sources such as the World Bank and United Nations and leveraged insights and findings from both peer-reviewed scientific sources as well as internal experts. Four main dimensions and 11 subdimensions were identified:
| Main Dimensions | Subdimensions |
| Economic Inclusivity |
Economic vitality, growth and innovation |
| Social Inclusivity | Population density and growth Health and wellbeing Tolerance and personal freedom Social inclusivity Education |
| Spatial Inclusivity | Housing and property Security, safety and social infrastructure Accessibility and Urban Attractiveness |
| Environmental Inclusivity |
Pollution, climate, resilience and adaptability |
To gain insights in how to further promote inclusiveness, countries can look to Scandinavian cities, including Rotterdam, Copenhagen and Amsterdam who are leaders in EMEA, and excel in:
- Strong performance in Social Inclusion, especially in quality of life and LGBTQ+ friendliness
- High rates of personal freedom and tolerance
- Strong accessibility fuelled by a focus on cycle paths, walking and green public transportation
- High levels of overall health, happiness and wellbeing
- Low commute time, and high rates of access to public transport, which increases accessibility
- High economic vitality and innovation
Empowering Real Estate to Shape Inclusive Communities
Cushman & Wakefield's 'Inclusive Cities' initiative emphasises the crucial role of the real estate sector in creating more resilient and vibrant urban environments. By integrating social value at every decision-making stage, the real estate industry can significantly influence the lives of communities and citizens.
Click here for the Inclusive Cities Barometer, with detailed insight into the grouping of the 35 cities across the four personas and their respective strengths and areas of improvement.
About Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries. In 2023, the firm reported revenue of $9.5 billion across its core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, and valuation and other services. It also receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), sustainability and more. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.
