Which global cities are best equipped to navigate today’s complex urban challenges — from climate change and inequality to digital disruption? The IESE Cities in Motion Index (CIMI) 2025 [pdf] sheds light on exactly that. Evaluating 183 cities across 92 countries, the index ranks urban performance across nine dimensions including governance, mobility, sustainability, and technology.
This year’s edition introduces updated indicators to reflect shifting priorities — from 5G network coverage and women’s safety to renewable energy usage and green space per capita. It’s a tool for city leaders, planners, and businesses to assess strengths, address weaknesses, and adapt strategies in a rapidly changing world.
So, which cities stand out — and what can others learn from them?
2025 Cities in Motion – Top 10
| Rank | City |
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 | |
| 10 |
Key Trends
- Regional Leadership
European cities dominate the top ranks, with London (1st), Paris (3rd), and Berlin (5th) excelling in governance, human capital, and technology. North American cities like New York (2nd) and Washington D.C. (6th) lead in economy and mobility but lag in environmental sustainability. - Social Equity
The index reveals a focus on social cohesion and gender equality, with indicators assessing women’s representation in leadership roles and safety in urban environments. Cities are working to promote inclusive policies and address social inequalities. Edinburgh ranks first in this dimension. Its commitment to cultural and social inclusion is reflected in its policies and initiatives. - Economic Shifts
Cities in emerging economies like Mumbai, Lagos, and Bogotá are showing potential for growth, although they face challenges related to governance, sustainability, and social cohesion. - Mobility Innovations
Cities such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen are leaders in sustainable mobility. Amsterdam ranks high in the mobility and transportation dimension, with a well-developed bike-sharing system and extensive cycling infrastructure. - Environmental Commitment
Cities are prioritizing environmental sustainability, with new metrics introduced for green space per capita and renewable energy usage. while smaller cities like Reykjavik and Oslo lead in sustainability, megacities like Los Angeles and Beijing rank poorly in environmental performance due to pollution and congestion. - Technology & Equity
There is a growing emphasis on digital infrastructure, with new indicators added for 4G and 5G network coverage. Cities are increasingly recognizing the importance of technology for improving urban life and are investing in digital solutions to enhance efficiency and connectivity. Cities such as Dubai (2nd in technology) and Hong Kong leverage digital infrastructure but face disparities in social cohesion.
IESE Cities In Motion Index – Methodology
The CIMI 2025 employs a weighted aggregation model to calculate the index value of a city, incorporating sub-indicators for each of the nine key dimensions: economy, human capital (like education and skills), social cohesion (how people get along), environment, governance (how the city is managed), urban planning, technology, mobility and transportation, and international profile (how well-known the city is globally). For each of these areas, the report looks at specific details.
For instance, when considering the environment, it checks things like the amount of green spaces and air quality. When looking at the economy, it considers factors such as business-friendly policies and job opportunities.
The report collects this information from various sources like surveys, government records, and other studies. Each of these areas is given a certain level of importance when calculating the final score. It’s like making a recipe where some ingredients are used in larger quantities than others. So, for example, the economy and governance might be given more weight compared to other factors.
Once all the information is gathered and the importance of each area is determined, the report combines them to give each city a final score. This score helps in ranking the cities.
However, sometimes getting all the necessary information can be difficult. For example, the war in Ukraine and inconsistent national data affected rankings, with Kyiv’s metrics estimated due to incomplete updates. In such cases, the report has to make educated guesses or use data from previous years or similar cities to fill in the gaps. The report also mentions that while it tries to be as accurate as possible, there might be some limitations due to these data challenges.
Our Takeaways
London and New York Lead: London retains the top position in the global ranking for the third consecutive year, excelling in human capital, international profile, and governance. New York follows closely, leading in economic development and international profile.
Regional Disparities: Western European cities like Paris, Berlin, and Copenhagen dominate the top rankings, while cities in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, such as Cairo, Johannesburg, and Mexico City, generally perform lower hindered by inequality, political instability, and inadequate infrastructure.
Urban Challenges: Many cities struggle with issues like air pollution, traffic congestion, and social inequality. For example, New Delhi ranks low in environmental sustainability due to high pollution levels.
Emerging Cities: Cities like Bangalore and Shenzhen are making significant progress, although they still face substantial hurdles in catching up with their developed counterparts.
Importance of Governance: Effective governance is crucial for urban sustainability. Cities like Bern, Singapore and Tokyo, prioritize transparency, e-governance, and possess strong institutional frameworks, tend to perform better in the index.
For more detailed data and insights, visit the IESE Cities in Motion Index website
Enjoyed this summary of the IESE Cities in Motion Index (CIMI) 2025? Spread the word!
Explore our City Observatory for snapshots of how cities perform across leading rankings in terms of economic competitiveness, investor and talent appeal, and reputation.
