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Cities are home to most of the world s population and where problems and solutions meet. They are centres of economic growth and innovation. However, the high concentration of people and economic activities in cities make them most vulnerable to various disasters, epidemics and pandemics. In several countries, the Covid-19 pandemic emerged from the cities and spread to rural areas via peri-urban and transport corridors. In Southeast and South Asia, around 70% of all reported infections are in urban areas. Furthermore, cities consume much of the national electricity and account for more than 60% of global carbon emissions. National efforts to successfully limit global warming hinge on cities. As a result, the decisions made by city mayors can have direct and immediate impacts on the health of people and the planet perhaps more than national or international policies.