Resilient urban economies: Cities as drivers of growth and recovery – the role of youth

Resilient urban economies: Cities as drivers of growth and recovery – the role of Youth The year 2023 has been particularly difficult for Urban Economies. Global economic growth itself is slowing to around 2.5% and, apart from the initial COVID-19 crisis in 2020 and the global financial crisis in 2009, this is the weakest growth recorded since 2001 (IMF, 2023 ). Given the size of cities' contribution to the national economy, the future of many countries will be determined by the productivity of their urban areas (UN-Habitat, 2022). Cities are the engines that create the value that drives economic recovery. Considering the importance of youth in Cabo Verde's cities and as an entrepreneurial force, UN-Habitat Cabo Verde intends with this event to bring together young community leaders, businesspeople, activists to discuss opportunities for youth in our cities within the framework of the economic recovery of post- covid-19.