6 of the Most Influential Cities in the World According to the 2022 Global Power City Index - GoConnect (2024)

The Global Power City Index, also known as the GPCI, is a detailed analysis of 48 major cities worldwide. It provides invaluable insight into how cities can become more attractive and dynamic places to live and work. The index was created by Mori Memorial Foundation’s Institute of Urban Strategies, which evaluates cities based on six performance indicators: economy, research and development, cultural interaction, livability, environment, and accessibility. Based on this evaluation, the index determines which cities are best equipped to lead the global economy. Here are some of the most influential cities revealed in the 2022 report.

London

Home to an impressive array of museums, galleries, and cultural attractions, London has been named the top city in the 2022 GPCI. London scored highest in most of the six categories, making it the most powerful city in the world according to the report. London ranked first in cultural interaction due to its attractive shopping options and art market environment. It also ranked second when it comes to the economy because of the variety of workplace options the city offers, such as coworking spaces. This is an impressive achievement for London and shows that it is a global leader in culture and economic strength.

Tokyo

In the capital city of Japan, modern and traditional cultures coexist. Tokyo is one of the most vibrant places to visit in the country, with beautiful sights and unlimited attractions to explore. Tokyo ranked third in the 2022 GPCI. Compared to previous years, the city has scored low due to economic factors such as low income and a lack in variety of workplace options, cultural factors such as nightlife activities, and accessibility due to international travel restrictions influenced by Covid-19. Despite its low ranking in the index last year, Tokyo remains one of the most popular tourist destinations. Some factors that can improve the score in the next few years are building an international exchange network, increasing the number of women in the workplace, and adding more nightlife activities to compete with top cities worldwide.

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Dubai

Located within the United Arab Emirates, this bustling city has become a hub for international businesses, cultural exploration, and exciting adventures. It is home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and the world’s second largest shopping mall, Dubai Mall. It is no wonder why Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world. The city was ranked 11th in the GPCI, and ranked fourth for cultural interaction. This is the city’s highest score to date, thanks to an increase in tourist attractions, the attractiveness of shopping options, nightlife activities, and the number of hotel rooms.

New York

The city that never sleeps! It’s a place filled with hustle and bustle and is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. From the Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty, New York is full of culture, art, entertainment, and diversity. In the latest edition of the GPCI, New York was ranked the second most powerful city in the world. The city improved its livability ranking by decreasing the unemployment rate and ranking high for workstyle flexibility. New York and Shanghai scored higher for recovering domestic flights quickly during the pandemic. This recognition is a testament to the city’s resilience and ability to thrive despite challenging times.

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Melbourne

Home to Australia’s best food, wine, art, and culture, Melbourne is renowned for its unique fashion, style, and relaxed attitude—it’s an ideal place where you can explore and unwind. Melbourne is in the top 10 cities in the world for the first time in the GPCI, reaching ninth place. Melbourne ranked seventh globally for its environmental efforts, such as improved air quality. Its livability score improved in 2022 because of factors such as ease of living, the unemployment rate, and the number of retail shops. Melbourne and Paris are the top cities that scored higher by improving local living conditions.

The GPCI is an invaluable resource for city planners and policymakers looking to develop strategies to ensure future growth and success. With this data, cities can make informed decisions about how best to position themselves as global powerhouses in the years to come. It’s also a great resource to help business owners identify opportunities and expats find out which city best suits their lifestyle and needs.

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