‘Makes us stronger, not weaker’: London’s diversity keeps it among world’s influential cities, says mayor

London's enduring influence on the world stage is significantly bolstered by its diverse population, Mayor Sadiq Khan stated Monday. Speaking at the World Cities Summit in Singapore, Khan described Londoners as the city's "secret weapon," attributing its resilience through Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous changes in British prime ministers to its people.

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The secret weapon is Londoners, and that's going to carry on.

"The biggest reason is Londoners. They're our biggest strength. But also we're a city that reinvents itself," Khan told CNA on the sidelines of the summit. He pointed to initiatives like investments in cleaner air, free school meals, and urban regeneration projects as evidence of London's adaptability. These efforts, he argued, have made the city "safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous."

London was honored with the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize for its remarkable capacity for reinvention and driving change within its densely populated metropolis. However, even this successful city grapples with issues of affordability, migration, and quality of life, challenges that were central themes at the summit.

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The biggest reason is Londoners. They're our biggest strength. But also we're a city that reinvents itself.

Khan also addressed the global challenge of balancing economic growth with affordability, a key concern for urban leaders worldwide. He asserted that mayors are uniquely positioned to tackle cost-of-living pressures due to their proximity to residents and ability to act swiftly. "I call, in a respectful way, prime ministers and presidents delayers. Mayors are doers," he remarked, emphasizing the practical, action-oriented role of city leaders in managing growing urban populations and ensuring access to housing and public transport.

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I call, in a respectful way, prime ministers and presidents delayers. Mayors are doers.