Better cities after COVID-19: transformative urban recovery in the global South

In this issue paper, the authors propose a novel overarching framework that promotes a progressive vision for policy and practice to support a transformative urban recovery (Tur). The Tur framework aims to help key stakeholders – including policymakers, health officials, local governments and international agencies – to identify opportunities for achieving multiple benefits in climate resilience, urban health equity and inclusive livelihoods.

• In part 1, the authors discuss the impacts of the pandemic on informal workers and residents of informal settlements. Summarising key trends in COVID’s health burdens across the global South, we analyse rising urban poverty and multiple forms of exclusion. We also highlight the contributions of grassroots organisations and the importance of generating co-created solutions to COVID-19 in urban areas.
• In part 2, they identify key priorities and gaps in the literature and underscore the urgent need to develop policies and programmes that support a transformative urban recovery. It will be essential to provide more effective support for vulnerable groups and to enhance accountable local governance.
• In parts 3 and 4, the authors explain how the Tur framework works. It consists of eight interrelated principles for generating inclusive, forward-looking pathways out of the crisis.
• Finally, in part 5, they recommend that state officials must look ‘beyond formalisation and negotiate more advantageous terms of inclusion’ that will be essential for co-creating a transformative urban recovery.