Inclusive Cities: Spotlight on Netherlands

Rotterdam: best overall performer

In cultivating economic inclusivity, Rotterdam has focussed on ensuring a wide range of jobs across the socioeconomic spectrum, including both highly skilled, knowledge-work, such as the presence of Unilever; as well as a range of manual employment opportunities, such as available within Rotterdam Harbor. As a port city with a history as a hub of transition, Rotterdam has a longstanding tradition of social inclusivity, enriched by its diverse population. This mix of cultures has transformed the city into a dynamic melting pot, fostering a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere. This diversity is further supported by strategic spatial inclusivity initiatives, such as the redevelopment of Rotterdam South, exemplified by the ‘Hart van Zuid Rotterdam’ (Heart of South Rotterdam) project. This area is characterised by higher rates of unemployment, social housing and vulnerable communities. As a result, there is a strong emphasis on enhancing the quality and availability of housing and urban attractiveness, as well as improving public transport links to the city centre to better integrate this area with the rest of Rotterdam.

Finally, Rotterdam, home to Europe's largest harbor and the biggest seaport outside East-Asia, traditionally a high consumer of fossil fuels, is actively addressing its environmental impact. Through initiatives like the 'Sustainable Port Programme' and the 'Shore Power Projects,' the city aims to reduce the climate and pollution effects of harbor operations and enhance global marine shipping sustainability.

These efforts showcase Rotterdam's leadership in creating an inclusive city that enables all its citizens to thrive.

Amsterdam – strong social inclusiveness performer

The Dutch capital is renowned for its progressive approach to social inclusivity, consistently ranking highly on quality-of-life indices. The city is particularly noted for its advocacy for the LGBTQ+ and within the disability communities.

Amsterdam leads globally in LGBTQ+ rights, underscored by the Dutch government’s early legalization of same-sex marriage in 2001, which influenced many other countries. This progressive stance is celebrated annually with one of the world’s most prominent Pride parades, highlighting the city's vibrant support for LGBTQ+ rights.

The municipality explicitly defined it wants to be an Inclusive City and as such it has formulated definitions and subsequent objectives in it Spatial Development Plan 2050. “Including Everyone” – the city strives to provide equal opportunities for all its citizens, regardless of background and/or health condition and to include these principles in current and future city designs.

The Amsterdam based “Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions’’ or AMS for short focuses on technology and new urban designs to find answers to the urban challenges to sustainability, health and well-being and uses the Amsterdam city scape as a scientific playground. It was founded by TU Delft, Wageningen University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the City of Amsterdam.

Additionally, Amsterdam is proactive in supporting its disabled citizens. It was among the first municipalities globally to initiate and ‘Inclusion Agenda’. This local inclusion agenda engages disabled residents to shape strategic investments that enhance accessibility and independent participation throughout the city. The plan includes improving physical accessibility in public buildings and venues, enabling full participation for people with both visible and invisible disabilities. These comprehensive efforts demonstrate Amsterdam's dedication to fostering an environment that supports a diverse range of citizens and their experiences, reinforcing its status as a leader in social inclusivity within the EMEA region.