FREE GLOBAL CITIES: A BOLD VISION FOR MIGRATION, PUBLIC GOVERNANCE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- A new book titled Free Global Cities: The Future Leaders in Migration and Public Governance, edited by Dr Christian H. Kälin, presents a bold alternative to conventional migration policies by proposing autonomous cities as hubs for economic opportunity, education, and innovation.

Published by Bloomsbury, the book brings together 35 global thought leaders to explore how self-sustaining cities can provide displaced populations with opportunities to rebuild their lives.

It challenges global leaders to rethink how forced migration due to conflict, persecution, and climate change can be transformed into economic and social benefits, according to the Andan Foundation in a statement.

“Through these chapters, we explore a pragmatic solution to the global refugee and migration crisis — the creation of self-governing sub-national entities where displaced individuals can live, work, and start businesses, ultimately becoming active contributors to the local economy.

“By transforming migration from a problem into an engine of opportunity, these free global cities create pathways for refugees to rebuild their lives while driving economic growth and social stability,” said Kälin, who is also Chairman of the Swiss non-profit Andan Foundation.

Contributors include former United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General Michael Møller; Tipolis Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Titus Gebel; EurAsia Heart Founder and President Prof Dr Paul Robert Vogt; former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed; and AlphaGeo Founder and CEO Dr Parag Khanna.

Kälin emphasised that refugees should not be considered as burdens but as agents of change who, if given the right opportunities, can drive economic growth and innovation. The concept of Free Global Cities, he said, fosters inclusivity and harnesses the potential of displaced populations.

Meanwhile, Møller highlighted that the Free Global Cities concept represents a fundamental rethinking of urban development and migration management, while Prof Kishore Mahbubani, former President of the UN Security Council, noted that innovative solutions such as this could provide politically feasible responses to rising migration pressures.

As migration numbers continue to rise, the book argues that Free Global Cities can serve as scalable models for host nations, ensuring sustainable development while addressing global displacement challenges. Mohamed Nasheed pointed out that inclusive policies and strategic border management can enhance resilience and mitigate the negative impacts of forced migration.

On the other hand, Dr Khanna underscored the urgency of developing climate-resilient urban habitats, stating that migration patterns are part of a broader transformation in global civilisation that requires comprehensive planning beyond immigration policy adjustments.

-- BERNAMA