Meric Gertler: Why Cities and Universities Need Each Other

Meric Gertler, former President of the University of Toronto and Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the School of Cities, joins The Century of Cities to reflect on the remarkable evolution of cities and the institutions that help shape them. He recalls a time when cities were widely viewed as unmanageable, financially strained, and in decline, before emerging as globally recognized engines of innovation, talent, and economic dynamism.

Meric explores the growing role of universities as civic institutions, innovation hubs, and catalysts for urban problem-solving. From climate action and entrepreneurship to talent development and global collaboration, he argues that universities are uniquely positioned to help cities navigate an increasingly complex future. His outlook is characteristically optimistic: cities remain among humanity's most resilient inventions, and their future will be shaped by the strength of the partnerships they forge across sectors, disciplines, and communities