Medellín's metamorphosis provides a beacon for cities across the globe | Joseph Stiglitz

Once notorious for drug gangs, Colombian city offers lesson in how to create 'liveable cities' in which citizens can flourish and innovate, writes Joseph Stiglitz

Last month, a remarkable gathering occurred in Medellín, Colombia. About 22,000 people came together to attend the World Urban Forum and discuss the future of cities. The focus was on creating "cities for life" that is, on promoting equitable development in the urban environments in which a majority of the world's citizens already live, and in which two-thirds will reside by the year 2050.

The location was symbolic: once notorious for its drug gangs, Medellín now has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most innovative cities in the world. The tale of its transformation holds important lessons for urban areas everywhere.

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