Anna König Jerlmyr: How Cities Became the Engines of Global Change

Anna König Jerlmyr, former Mayor of Stockholm, joins The Century of Cities to explore how cities have evolved from regulation-heavy, risk-averse places to global engines of climate action, innovation, and design. She reflects on Stockholm's shift from a tightly controlled urban environment to a vibrant, outward-looking city shaped by global culture, cleaner energy systems, and a stronger public realm. Anna highlights how cities worldwide have become more agile, more collaborative, and far more willing to test new ideas. Looking ahead, she imagines cities operating more like living organisms, regenerative, circular, and supported by AI systems that resolve issues before they surface. Yet she also warns of risks, including lifestyle shifts that reduce physical activity and weaken social connections. Her message is clear: the strongest cities will be those that rebuild community, embrace innovation, and protect the human connections that keep urban life resilient.