CONTACT US
Share: Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn I recommend visiting cushmanwakefield.com to read:%0A%0A {0} %0A%0A {1}

Inclusive Cities: Spotlight on Netherlands

INTRODUCTION

Dutch cities are among the most inclusive in Europe

This is evident from the Inclusive Cities Barometer, a comprehensive study of 44 cities in Europe and the Middle East (EMEA), including Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The study measures the degree of inclusivity based on more than 4,000 data points divided into 110 variables, including social structure, health and well-being, religious and ethnic freedom, and access to the housing and labour markets.

The Inclusive Cities Barometer is a data-driven study on the impact of the built environment on the inclusivity and social cohesion of cities. Cushman & Wakefield is the first in the market to map, monitor, and quantify this level of data on the inclusivity of cities worldwide.

THE BAROMETER

THE HIGHLIGHTS

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.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Global Insights and Resources
For detailed insights and information on all cities evaluated across  APAC and EMEA, visit the Global Inclusive Cities Barometer website.

Cushman & Wakefield is dedicated to supporting investors, developers, and occupiers in maximising social value through their real estate endeavours. To learn more about how we can assist you in your journey towards creating inclusive urban environments, contact us today.
CONTACT US Visit Global Inclusive Cities Barometer

Insights

Solar Panels
Research • Sustainability / ESG

Sustainability How-to Guides

A Practical Sustainability Series
Jessica Francisco • 13/09/2024
Rethinking the office sector
Research • Workplace

ReThinking the office sector in Asia Pacific

Our report takes a deeper dive into the underlying dynamics and drivers across The APAC region’s major markets and provides a roadmap for asset optimisation.
Dominic Brown • 21/06/2023
Future of Cities
Insights • Economy

Future of Cities

Structural forces are creating significant change to how we work, shop, live and move around our cities. Now is the time to consider their future. This is our vision for UK cities in 2040. 
Richard Pickering • 21/09/2022

CAN'T FIND WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR?

Get in touch with one of our professionals.
With your permission we and our partners would like to use cookies in order to access and record information and process personal data, such as unique identifiers and standard information sent by a device to ensure our website performs as expected, to develop and improve our products, and for advertising and insight purposes.

Alternatively click on More Options and select your preferences before providing or refusing consent. Some processing of your personal data may not require your consent, but you have a right to object to such processing.

You can change your preferences at any time by returning to this site or clicking on Cookies.
MORE OPTIONS
Agree and Close
These cookies ensure that our website performs as expected,for example website traffic load is balanced across our servers to prevent our website from crashing during particularly high usage.
These cookies allow our website to remember choices you make (such as your user name, language or the region you are in) and provide enhanced features. These cookies do not gather any information about you that could be used for advertising or remember where you have been on the internet.
These cookies allow us to work with our marketing partners to understand which ads or links you have clicked on before arriving on our website or to help us make our advertising more relevant to you.
Agree All
Reject All
SAVE SETTINGS