Session Summary
The final session attempted to define competitive cities, and to clarify links between competitiveness and resilience. It was proposed that regional stability is linked to city competitiveness, and Beirut was discussed as an example of this due to its ease of exports, business-enabling environment and quality of life. In turn, however, these attractions were offset by business costs, licensing difficulties and quality of life risks posed by refugees.
"Resilience is an integral part of competitiveness; therefore, the investment of the private sector to leverage public resources and to make cities more resilient reverts in those cities being more competitive."
- Dr. Ede Jorge Ijjasz-Vasquez, Senior Director, Social, Urban, Rural, and Resilience Global Practice (SURR GP), The World Bank Group
