The Changing Context and Directions of Urban Governance 1

The Human Development Report 1999 concerned itself with the uneven outcomes of globalization. It urged careful attention to appropriate governance to eliminate poverty and reduce the inequality associated with processes attendant to globalization. ² Human settlements, and cities in particular, are important nodes in the new forms of governance that are currently emerging. These forms of governance are being developed in the context of globalization processes that create new conditions under which decisions must be made; interdependent, complex, loosely linked actors and institutions with shared purposes but no shared authority. This requires that actors seeking mutual gains find ways to coordinate their efforts.