Where Faith
& Urban Futures Meet

While the rapid global urbanization presents unprecedented challenges, it also opens doors for faith communities to play a pivotal role. Cities grapple with housing shortages, the need for basic services like water, sanitation, mobility, and green spaces, and civic issues such as economic inclusion, safety, and diversity. Faith communities, with their extensive networks and ethical, social, economic, cultural, and spiritual influence, are poised to contribute innovative solutions.

 

Faith for Cities is a network of religious organizations and leaders who seek to understand our common urban challenges while harnessing the potential and capacities of faith communities toward actionable, impactful urban development initiatives. The focus is on not just discerning the needs but contributing solutions, turning the intellectual and research gaze of religious academic institutions towards cities, and fostering a multi-faith ecosystem that is equipped and committed to building thriving cities for all.

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At the midpoint of implementing the New Urban Agenda—adopted by UN Member States in 2016 as the global framework guiding how cities are planned, financed, governed, and developed to be inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable—both progress and persistent gaps are coming into clearer view. In this context, Faith for Cities is advancing the central conviction of the Singapore Declaration (November 15, 2017): that the meaningful inclusion of faith-based perspectives, and active collaboration with faith-based organizations committed to the common good, are indispensable to implementing and achieving the New Urban Agenda. At this critical juncture, such engagement is needed more than ever. Through intentional convening, sustained partnerships, and practical implementation, Faith for Cities moves beyond affirmation to action—positioning faith actors as trusted and constructive partners in shaping inclusive, resilient, and flourishing cities.