Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Vaughan receives Triple Certification from World Council on City Data on the ISO 37120 Series

   
(Please visit Vaughan's website to view the original release)


(From left, top: CAO Nick Spensieri, Councillor Marilyn Iafrate, Councillor Chris Ainsworth, Councillor Mario Ferri, Mayor Steven DelDuca, Councillor Mario Racco, Councillor Adriano Volpentesta, Councillor Gila Martow, Councillor Rosanna Defrancesca
From left, bottom: Joy Wang, Kelly Sutton, Patricia McCarney, Justine Hamilton-Arvisais, Stefan Tzianetas)

Vaughan is building a resilient, sustainable, smart and prosperous city! In fact, the City of Vaughan’s high-calibre data makes our city-building efforts award winning. The City has been presented with Triple Certification from the World Council on City Data (WCCD).

Founded in Canada in 2014, the WCCD helps municipalities embrace ISO standardized city data to make data-driven decisions. Having standardized data enables any city of any size to measure and track its performance and progress annually. This globally comparable data is the starting point for economic development, innovation, widespread information exchange and smart, sustainable and resilient city development.

The WCCD presented Vaughan with the following certifications during a ceremonial presentation at the Nov. 14 Council meeting: 

  • Vaughan’s eighth consecutive Platinum World Council on City Data ISO 37120 Sustainable Cities Certification
  • Vaughan’s second Early Adopter World Council on City Data ISO 37122 Smart Cities Certification
  • Vaughan’s first Early Adopter World Council on City Data ISO 37123 Resilient Cities Certification
These certifications further establish the City as a leader in data-driven decision-making, both in Canada and on the global stage. View the WCCD’s presentation to learn more about the City’s achievements with data-driven insights.
 
QUOTE

“The City of Vaughan continues to be a leader in adopting innovative approaches to advance our city-building strategy. This includes our commitment to data-driven and accountable decision-making. Our efforts have once again been noticed as the City received Triple ISO Certification from the World Council on City Data today. We have been a WCCD ISO Certified City since 2015, and are now the first and only Canadian city to achieve all three certifications. This milestone is a credit to staff across the organization and a reflection of our collective commitment to delivering Service Excellence to the Vaughan community. We will continue to champion effective use of data and excellence in innovation to move our city forward.”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca 

Friday, 6 October 2023

THE WORLD COUNCIL ON CITY DATA JOINS GLOBAL RESILIENCE LEADERS AT THE UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL RESILIENCE FORUM IN DUBAI

   

 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The World Council on City Data joined global resilience leaders worldwide to participate in the United Nations Global Resilience Forum held in Dubai, as a guest of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Making Cities Resilient 2030, and the Dubai Resilience Hub. The Forum convened city mayors from across the globe, together with leaders of regional and national governments, and the private sector. The Forum addressed the widening gap between the increasing demand for more resilient city infrastructure and the limited capacity for cities to finance these infrastructure investments. The Forum delegates agreed as signatories to an impactful Call for Action entitled “Scaling Up Urban Resilience for a Changing Climate,” to be presented at COP 28 in Dubai later this year.

Described by Ms. Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, as a "very powerful and robust Call for Action," the document outlines the critical relationship between the COP process and financing disaster risk reduction activities, particularly focusing on infrastructure. The Call for Action advocates for data-driven resilience decision-making through the WCCD’s ISO 37120 Series, a global first by the WCCD. It emphasizes the importance of initiatives such as MCR2030, in which the WCCD is a core partner, to enhance local governments’ resilience toolkits. Additionally, it underscores the necessity for collaboration between public and private sectors to facilitate these critical steps for more resilient futures.

During her speeches in the opening and closing panel sessions, Dr. Patricia McCarney, the WCCD’s President and CEO, emphasized the importance of better connecting four critical stakeholders—global cities, the WCCD ISO data, UNDRR, and private sector—across the resilient cities ecosystem. She highlighted the linkage of globally standardized WCCD ISO data including the most current work at ISO in developing standardized data for Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) to the needs of cities worldwide, directing the trillions of dollars available to cities from the private sector for investment through debenture markets. In this context, Dr. McCarney also emphasized the opportunity to enhance resilience efforts to connect to UNDRR programming and in particular MCR2030 and the Global Education and Training Institute. These elements, along with the Call for Action, set the stage for this year's critical COP28 process.

The discussion was further enriched during the panel discussion moderated by Dr. McCarney, titled “Data-Driven Decision-Making for Resilient Cities: ESG Investment, Bonds and Financing Resilient Infrastructure.” The panelists, including Ms. Liza Ramos of Makati City, Mr. Abhilash Panda of the UNDRR, Dr. Hajar Saeed of Ajman Statistics Centre, and Mr. Darryl Carpenter, former Director at S&P Global Ratings, highlighted the imperative to harness data to support the growing activities of cities in the debenture market. They emphasized the need to demonstrate the impact of resilient infrastructure development financed through bonds to bridge the gap between the required critical infrastructure and the capital contribution needed to facilitate it. This public-private collaboration was also outlined during the panel session titled “Investment in Climate Resilience,” featuring the WCCD’s Director of City Certification and Data Applications, Ms. Justine Hamilton-Arvisais, as a panelist.

The WCCD anticipates the implementation of the critical guidance outlined in the Call for Action and remains committed to advancing the crucial conversation about supporting local governments to become more resilient and better prepared for mounting risks and the increased frequency of disaster. The WCCD extends an invitation to cities of all sizes to join its growing global network of data-driven municipalities.

Read more:

https://www.undrr.org/news/private-sector-investing-resilience-building

https://www.undrr.org/news/addressing-climate-challenges-dubai-hosts-first-global-urban-resilience-forum-and-unveils

For more information, please contact: 
 
Dr. Patricia McCarney
President & CEO
World Council on City Data
patricia.mccarney@globalcities.ca 


Tuesday, 25 July 2023

County of Brant Achieves 4th Consecutive Platinum Certification from World Council on City Data

   

Original release shared by the County of Brant: https://www.brant.ca/en/news/county-of-brant-achieves-4th-consecutive-platinum-certification-from-world-council-on-city-data.aspx

County of Brant Mayor David Bailey and WCCD President and CEO Dr. Patricia McCarney

July 25, 2023
County of Brant, Ontario, Canada

The County of Brant is proud to announce that it has received Platinum certification from the World Council on City Data (WCCD) for the fourth consecutive year. The certification was presented during a special ceremony held during the County of Brant Council session, where Dr. Patricia McCarney, the President and CEO of the WCCD, personally presented the certificate to Mayor Bailey and Council.

"We are proud to receive our fourth consecutive Platinum certification from the World Council on City Data," said Mayor Bailey. "This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff and community in creating a sustainable and prosperous environment for our residents. We look forward to continued partnership with the WCCD to enable data-driven decision-making."

ISO 37120, an internationally recognized standard, serves as a comprehensive measurement tool for evaluating the performance and quality of life in cities and municipalities. Covering a wide range of globally standardized indicators, including economy, environment, transportation, governance, and health, this certification demonstrates the County of Brant's unwavering commitment to data-driven excellence and sustainable development.

Positive indicators from the review for the County of Brant include having a low percentage of the population living below the poverty line which prioritizes the well-being of citizens. Active transit is also highlighted with the County having a high percentage of kilometres of bike paths and lanes for our population size. 

Dr. Patricia McCarney, the President and CEO of WCCD, congratulated the County of Brant on its achievement. "The County of Brant's commitment to data collection and analysis, as part of the WCCD global network of data-driven cities, empowers the County’s leaders and staff to make data-informed decisions and implement effective solutions that address the needs of their community," she stated. "Their efforts have set an exemplary example for other municipalities in Canada and worldwide to follow, and we are pleased to present them with their fourth certification. We anticipate a continued and fruitful collaboration with the County."

Since 2019, the County of Brant has actively pursued ISO 37120 certification. By adopting data-driven strategies and policies, and ensuring now four years of data continuity, the County has enabled informed decision-making and the ability to monitor progress on sustainable prosperity. 

The Platinum certification of the County of Brant underscores its transparency, accountability, and dedication to sustainable development. It serves as recognition of the County's ongoing endeavors to foster a vibrant and inclusive community for its residents and an enhanced quality of life.

For more information, please contact: 
 
Dr. Patricia McCarney
President & CEO
World Council on City Data
patricia.mccarney@globalcities.ca 





Friday, 14 July 2023

Makati City Receives WCCD ISO 37123 - Resilient Cities Certification

   

July 14, 2023

Makati City, Philippines 

In a momentous virtual ceremony, Mayor Abby Binay proudly accepted the World Council on City Data (WCCD) ISO 37123 Early Adopter Resilient City Certification on behalf of Makati City. Makati joins the ranks of one of the first cities globally to achieve this esteemed certification under the new ISO Standard, ISO 37123 Sustainable Cities and Communities – Indicators for Resilient Cities.
The WCCD certification recognizes Makati City's unwavering commitment to building a resilient and sustainable urban environment. Through comprehensive data-driven planning and implementation, the city has demonstrated its capacity to effectively address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, climate change, and other complex urban issues.
With this certification, Makati City showcases its dedication to adopting best practices and innovative strategies that promote urban resilience and enhance the quality of life for its residents. The ISO 37123 Standard sets forth a rigorous framework for measuring and assessing a city's resilience across various indicators, including governance, economy, environment, and social well-being.

Mayor Abby Binay expressed her gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of resilience in building a better future for the city. She highlighted the collaborative efforts of the local government, community stakeholders, and various sectors in achieving this milestone.

Dr. Patricia McCarney, CEO of the World Council on City Data, congratulated Makati City on this significant achievement, remarking, "We extend our warmest congratulations to Makati City and Mayor Binay for being awarded the WCCD ISO 37123 Early Adopters Certification. This recognition reaffirms Makati City's commitment to urban resilience and data-driven decision-making. Globally, Makati City has already demonstrated its dedication to resilience building, and this certification further underscores their commitment in this critical area. We look forward to Makati’s continued certification and partnership for many years."

This certification serves as a testament to Makati City's continuous pursuit of excellence and its proactive approach to sustainable urban development. By adhering to global standards and adopting resilient practices, Makati aims to create a city that can effectively respond to shocks and stresses while ensuring the well-being and prosperity of its residents.



Read more: Makati receives WCCD resilient city certification (metronewscentral.net)


For more information, please contact: 
 
Dr. Patricia McCarney
President & CEO
World Council on City Data

Tuesday, 11 July 2023

TOWN OF CALEDON AWARDED PLATINUM-LEVEL CERTIFICATIONN FROM THE WORLD COUNCIL ON CITY DATA

   


July 11, 2023

Caledon, Ontario, Canada

Today, the Town of Caledon received Platinum level certification from the World Council on City Data (WCCD) for the implementation of ISO 37120 in 2022.

Caledon is now among a global network of over 100 cities using data to drive innovation in service delivery. Standardized data enables municipalities, of any size, to measure and compare progress to other locations near and far. Joining the WCCD supports Caledon by creating opportunities for global benchmarking which aid in strategic planning in social, economic and environmental areas.

“Platinum-level certification from the World Council on City Data is a prestigious recognition and speaks to Caledon’s commitment to being a great place to live, work and play,” said Mayor Annette Groves. “This certification means we can make data-driven decisions and measure our progress against global benchmarks.”

ISO 37120 is the first international standard for municipal data collection and the Platinum-level certification is the highest certification the WCCD issues. The Town of Caledon implemented ISO 37120 by collecting municipal data in accordance with the WCCD’s standard of practice. This recognition means that Caledon’s data, specific to sustainability and quality of life benchmarks, is of the highest quality.

“I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the Town of Caledon for their remarkable achievement in receiving Platinum WCCD ISO 37120 certification,” said Dr. Patricia McCarney, President and CEO of the WCCD. “This well-deserved recognition highlights the town's exceptional commitment to delivering data of the highest quality. The certification not only acknowledges the Town of Caledon's exceptional data reporting but also underscores their dedication to transparency, inclusivity, sustainability, and exceptional service delivery for residents.”

The WCCD was founded in 2014 and helps communities of all sizes worldwide embrace standardized, independently verified and globally comparable city data to become more sustainable, resilient, prosperous, inclusive and smart.

Read Press Release from Town of Caledon here: https://www.caledon.ca/en/news/town-of-caledon-awarded-platinum-level-certification-from-world-council-on-city-data.aspx

For more information, please contact: 
 
Dr. Patricia McCarney
President & CEO
World Council on City Data

Thursday, 29 June 2023

Wednesday, 28 June 2023

With support of WCCD and UNDRR Pilot Project, data-driven cities chart path toward resilient future

   

 

WCCD - UNDRR Webinar for Data-Driven Resilience

June 28, 2023

Toronto, Canada

As part of their joint Pilot Project, the World Council on City Data (WCCD) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) are pleased to announce the WCCD ISO 37123 certification of five exceptional cities worldwide: Ajman (United Arab Emirates), Doral (United States), Makati City (Philippines), Reykjavik (Iceland), and Vaughan (Canada). This significant milestone, jointly recognized by the WCCD and UNDRR, empowers cities to embrace urban resilience and sets a compelling precedent for sustainable urban development globally.

These five cities have demonstrated their commitment to disaster risk reduction and resilience-building by not only obtaining the WCCD ISO 37123 certification but also by joining the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction's initiative Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030). As a result of WCCD ISO 37123 certification, the cities enter MCR2030 at the highest, C level. Through this partnership, they will actively contribute to the promotion of resilience-building practices and advance efforts to reduce disaster risk. They are now equipped with high-calibre data to inform Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Roadmaps for the future safety of their citizens

In a collaborative effort to share knowledge and best practices, the WCCD and UNDRR organized a series of three noteworthy webinars. These webinars brought together city staff and resilience experts from around the globe with the five participating cities, engaging in productive discussions on governing structures surrounding risk and building data-driven insights for effective strategies to build more resilient cities.

The webinars covered a broad range of topics vital to urban resilience, including profiling resilience in each participating city, key performance indicators for data-driven decision-making, exchanging knowledge on resilience governance structures designed to manage risk reduction, and discussing how data informs the creation of resilience roadmaps for the future. Participants had the opportunity to learn from the experiences of Ajman, Doral, Makati City, Reykjavik, and Vaughan, as these cities shared their success stories and demonstrated how the ISO 37123 certification has accelerated their journey towards resilience and disaster risk reduction. The webinars also celebrated the inclusion of these cities in the esteemed UNDRR MCR2030 Initiative, highlighting the importance of international peer-to-peer collaboration in addressing disaster risk and fostering sustainable urban development.

Dr. Patricia McCarney, President and CEO of the WCCD, and Ms. Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR, jointly expressed their enthusiasm for the achievements of the five cities and the impact of the UNDRR-WCCD Pilot. They stated, "We extend our sincere congratulations to Ajman, Doral, Makati City, Reykjavik, and Vaughan for their strong leadership in data-driven strategy for more resilient futures. The WCCD ISO 37123 certification and their participation in the UNDRR MCR2030 Initiative represent remarkable milestones in reducing risk and building more resilient cities”.

With WCCD ISO 37123 certification and participation in the UNDRR MCR2030 Initiative, these cities have solidified their position as global leaders in disaster risk reduction, resilience, and data-driven decision-making. The WCCD and UNDRR remain dedicated to supporting cities in their resilience journeys and will continue to work closely together to foster global collaboration and knowledge exchange. As cites confront evolving challenges, the WCCD and UNDRR's joint efforts to promote the ISO 37123 standard and build data for more resilient urban communities will remain resolute.

Wednesday, 7 June 2023

Royal Commission for AlUla Joins A Globe-Spanning Network of Cities Committed to Sharing, Analysing, and Utilising Data to Deliver Transformative Positive Change for Residents and Visitors

   


June 07, 2023

AlUla, Saudi Arabia

The Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU) use of comprehensively collected and expertly curated data to empower the ongoing sustainable development of AlUla and improve people’s quality of life through smart services and more have been recognized by the World Council of City Data (WCCD).

WCCD’s recognition of RCU for implementing ISO 37120 –a key standard for successful urban and social development through the practical use of data –means AlUla is now an integral part of WCCD’s globe-spanning network of more than 100 data-driven partner cities that work closely to share up-to-date information. 

The first international standard for city data and the gold level of certification, ISO 37120 establishes, defines, and steers the performance of city services and their impact on the quality of life of residents and visitors. Its scope considers key sectors and services including energy, education, transport, recreation, and urban planning among others.

Drawn from a variety of strategic sources and as a result of far-reaching policies on the ground, the data collected as part of the ISO 37120 Standard allows cities to make effective and transformative decisions that greatly aid infrastructure and social development on a large scale. A dashboard of unified data acts as a single source of truth for AlUla’s transformative development by RCU and alongside key partners.

WCCD officials attended a ceremony at the iconic Maraya venue in AlUla on 7 June to congratulate RCU on its long-term strategic decision to embed a culture of data use and analysis into its comprehensive regeneration plan for AlUla. 

Eng. Amr Almadani, CEO of RCU, said: “As part of our commitment to sustainable and responsible development, and to sharing our cultural legacy with the world, this certification and partnership with the WCCD are critical to RCU’s plans to move forward with the development of AlUla and to continuously improve the quality of life for everyone who comes here to live, work, or visit. A commitment to high-quality data underpins our sustainability and resiliency policies. The WCCD’s high caliber independently verified, and globally standardized data is an important opportunity to benchmark our progress, learn from other cities across Saudi Arabia and globally, and share AlUla’s lessons with the world.”

Dr. Patricia McCarney, WCCD President and CEO, said: “AlUla stands out in Saudi Arabia and globally for its commitment to providing a sustainable, resilient, smart, and prosperous future for residents and visitors alike. I am pleased to congratulate RCU and the impressive AlUla team. I am delighted to be able to extend the WCCD’s congratulations in person and visit AlUla, a city that is fast becoming one of the world’s premier destinations for nature, culture, and heritage.”

ISO 37120 includes 104 fully numeric indicators across 19 themes. It measures city services and quality of life, underpinned by standardized definitions and methodologies. The WCCD was founded in 2014 and helps communities of all sizes worldwide to report standardized, independently verified, and globally comparable city data.

For more information, please contact: 
 
Dr. Patricia McCarney
President & CEO
World Council on City Data

Monday, 5 June 2023

Ajman receives ISO 37120, ISO 37122, and ISO 37123 "triple" certification from the World Council on City Data

   
June 05, 2023
Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Edited into English and shortened--see original in links below.

On behalf of His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, Sheikh Humaid bin Ammar Al Nuaimi received WCCD’s ISO 37120 (City Services and Quality of Life), ISO 37122 (Smart Cities), and ISO 37123 (Resilient Cities) certifications from Dr. Patricia McCarney, the WCCD President and CEO. A number of the Emirate’s Government Directors and Senior Officials were also in attendance.

His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi said, "We are delighted and proud of Ajman's significant milestone achievement, which adds to its record of accomplishments as the first Emirate in the United Arab Emirates, the first in the Middle East, and the seventh globally to receive three ISO certifications. This achievement reflects the diligent and continuous efforts made by the Emirate and its partners towards the well-being of its citizens and the happiness of its entire society. It highlights our keenness to promote the Emirate and serve the interests of its community."

His Highness added that developing government services according to the highest and latest standards, improving the quality of life of residents in the Emirate, and ensuring their happiness, is at the top of their priorities. Today, with this global recognition, he announce[d] the continuation of Ajman's comprehensive development plans that contribute to sustainably [and] achieving the indicators of the Emirate's attractiveness, while preserving Ajman as a flexible and smart global city with leading services and modern infrastructure.

Sheikh Humaid Bin Ammar Al Nuaimi praised the cooperation of the relevant entities in this achievement, and the role of Ajman Statistics Center in supporting decision-makers by providing various international statistics as indicators of Ajman's attractiveness, enhancing knowledge exchange and expertise, and building strategic partnerships in the field of statistics and indicator measurement. This contributed to achieving three ISO certifications, which is considered one of the most globally recognized certifications.

Dr. Hajar Al-Hubaishi, Executive Director of the Ajman Statistics Center, provided a detailed explanation of the Emirate's journey in measuring indicators within the approved methodology. She also stressed the importance of cooperation between local and federal entities and their role in providing the required key indicators.

Dr. Patricia McCarney echoed the remarks and added: “The WCCD is privileged to work with cities around the world in helping them to harness high calibre, globally standardized and independently verified city data to drive prosperous change, and Ajman stands out in the United Arab Emirates and globally for its commitment to providing a sustainable, resilient, smart and prosperous future for its residents and visitors alike. I am so pleased to congratulate His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Dr. Hajar Saeed Alhubaishi and the impressive team at Ajman Statistic Centre and across the City, on Ajman’s “triple certification” – on the three ISO Standards in the ISO 37120 Series, for Sustainable, Smart and Resilient Cities.  In addition, it is such an honour to support Ajman as part of a global project with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). Ajman is such an important city in the global network of cities participating in Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030). Through the WCCD’s partnership with Ajman Statistic Centre, we look forward to our continued WCCD-Ajman cooperation for many years.”



The event received extensive media coverage in the UAE and across the Region. 

Read more:

عجمان تحصد 3 شهادات عالمية لـ «آيزو المدن» | صحيفة الخليج (alkhaleej.ae)

وكالة أنباء الإمارات - عجمان تحصد 3شهادات عالمية لآيزو المدن (wam.ae)

عجمان تحصد 3شهادات عالمية لآيزو المدن (emarat-news.ae)

عجمان تحصد 3شهادات عالمية لآيزو المدن - أردو بوینت (urdupoint.com)

#عجمان تحصد 3 #شهادات_عالمية لآيزو المدن . نيابة عن سمو الشيخ عمار بن حميد النعيمي ولي عهد عجمان رئيس المجلس التنفيذي، تسلم الشيخ حميد بن عمار النعيمي... | By ‎شبكة رؤية الإمارات الإعلامية‎ | Facebook

عمار النعيمي: تطوير الخدمات وتحسين جودة الحياة أولوية – اخبار الامارات العاجلة (emaratyah.ae)

For more information, please contact: 
 
Dr. Patricia McCarney
President & CEO
World Council on City Data


 

Friday, 14 April 2023

Standards Council of Canada & World Council on City Data Collaborate on a New ISO Standard Focusing on ESG Indicators for Cities

   

 April 14, 2023

Toronto, Ontario

On a global scale, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles are at the core of the discussion on responsible investment. One of the significant stakeholders in ESG-driven investments across Canada and globally are cities. Municipal leaders nationwide (and globally) recognize the importance of high-calibre data to support and validate the ESG-focused commitments made through their debenture programs with their investors. Similarly, the investment community is searching for standardized criteria and trusted measurement platforms to make investment decisions and monitor the year-over-year impacts of these investments. A new, Canadian-led ISO standard – ISO 37125: Environmental, Social and Governance Indicators for Cities – is emerging as a solution to this challenge.

"From our conversations with city leaders, it has become clear that a standardized set of ESG-focussed key performance indicators (KPIs) are needed to meet the demand by cities to embrace ESG-focussed financial instruments. Specifically, these city leaders require high-calibre KPIs to respond to ESG compliance criteria set by institutional investors," states World Council on City Data (WCCD) President and CEO Dr. Patricia McCarney. "From experience in leading the design of the ISO 37120 Series, ISO standardization emerged as a natural tool to overcome that challenge. Through the leadership of partners like SCC and forward-thinking municipalities like the City of Toronto, ISO 37125 will help cities obtain ESG-focused investment as a clear path towards a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future."

Following the successful collaboration that resulted in the development of the ISO 37120 Series, the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and the WCCD have partnered to contribute to the development of ISO 37125. The results of this months-long consultation process will bolster the ongoing work of the Canadian Mirror Committee of ISO/TC 268, which is leading the development of this standard.

"Standardization offers immense value in helping public and private sectors establish ESG frameworks to build a more sustainable future," says Chantal Guay, CEO of SCC. "We are committed to advancing solutions for ESG-driven investment and are proud of our partnership with WCCD, which under its CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney, created measurable change on a global scale. Together, we will continue to leverage Canada's leadership to collaborate with additional partners in the private sector and across all levels of government."

Convening discussions with municipal and private sector investment leaders across Canada as part of the WCCD-SCC collaboration, one of the most vocal champions of ISO 37125 is the City of Toronto's Chief Financial Officer, Heather Taylor. "The City of Toronto is committed to a ten-year capital plan which aligns with ESG principles to secure a sustainable and resilient future for Toronto residents, businesses and visitors," states Ms. Taylor. "Our work with the WCCD – and more than eight years of ISO-standardized city data – is an essential part of our annual ESG report and has become a critical benchmark for the City's sustainable debenture program investors. ISO 37125 will be another valuable and informative resource as we work with investors to secure the capital required to fulfill Toronto's commitments towards greater sustainability and resiliency."

In a recent news release, following a ceremony acknowledging the City of Toronto's eight-year collaborative partnership with the WCCD, Toronto has become the first city globally to announce its intent to implement ISO 37125 through its partnership with the WCCD.

About the WCCD

The WCCD was founded in 2014 and helps communities of all sizes worldwide embrace standardized, independently verified and globally comparable city data to become more sustainable, resilient, prosperous, inclusive and smart. ISO 37120, ISO 37122, ISO 37123 and the soon-to-be published ISO 37125, now called the ISO 37120 Series, is a Canadian-led, global innovation and is being implemented in more than forty countries.

About the SCC

Since 1970, the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) has helped make life safer, healthier, more prosperous and sustainable for people, communities and businesses in Canada through the power of standardization. SCC works with a vast network of partners nationally and around the world, acting as Canada's voice on standards and accreditation on the international stage, including as a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). As the country's leading accreditation organization, SCC creates market confidence at home and abroad by ensuring conformity assessment bodies meet the highest expectations. In all these ways, SCC opens a world of possibilities.

 

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Patricia McCarney

WCCD President & CEO

patricia.mccarney@globalcities.ca

Tuesday, 11 April 2023

WCCD & Statistics Canada Renew Longstanding Partnership

   

 


April 11, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario 

Hosted by the Chief Statistician of Statistics Canada, Mr. Anil Arora, the WCCD President and CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney, and members of the WCCD Team were in Ottawa to participate in a signing ceremony to renew the longstanding partnership between the two organizations. 
 
“For the WCCD, Statistics Canada is a critical partner. Both organizations share a common goal to equip cities with the critical data needed to increase prosperity while improving service delivery for residents,” stated Dr. McCarney. “Signing this partnership renewal is important not only for the WCCD but for the more than thirty cities across the country embracing the ISO 37120 Series of Standards on City Data. It helps to harmonize data sources and enables apples-to-apples comparisons while equipping city leaders with the information they need as they build back from the challenges of COVID-19.” 
 
The WCCD has been collaborating actively with Statistics Canada since 2017. Beyond the high-calibre data that this partnership provides for Canadian municipalities, it is also an opportunity to advance shared local and global agendas, including, for example, a mutual commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, this renewed partnership will seek to work across both partners – and with Canadian municipalities – to create “data-driven stories” highlighting challenges and successes across the country. 
 
Statistics Canada will also contribute advice on the development of the newest ISO standard for cities - ISO 37125 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Indicators for Cities - alongside the Government of Canada and, in particular, the Standards Council of Canada. Working with partners across all levels of government – and throughout the private sector – the WCCD is working to ensure that ISO 37125 will help to create a more effective mechanism to enable municipalities to unlock sustainable, private-sector finance underpinned by the principles of ESG. 
 
For more information, please contact: 
 
Dr. Patricia McCarney
President & CEO
World Council on City Data

Thursday, 30 March 2023

City of Toronto receives Platinum-level certification from the World Council on City Data for the eighth consecutive year

   

The WCCD President & CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney (far right), presented (from left) the City of Toronto CFO Heather Taylor, City Manager Paul Johnson and Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie with four years of WCCD ISO 37120 Platinum Certifications from the WCCD. 

The original release can be accessed here.

March 30, 2023

Today, the City of Toronto received Platinum-level certification from the World Council on City Data (WCCD) for implementing ISO 37120 (Indicators for Sustainable Cities) for years 2018 to 2021, resulting in Toronto receiving this Platinum certification for eight consecutive years.

The certifications were presented to Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Heather Taylor, and City Manager Paul Johnson by WCCD President and CEO Dr. Patricia McCarney during a presentation at City Council.

Toronto is among more than 100 global cities – including 30 Canadian – in the WCCD network that collect, share and use data to make effective and transformative decisions. Platinum Certification is the highest level of recognition by the WCCD and underlines the City’s commitment to high-calibre, globally standardized and independently verified city data.

Beyond its commitment to annual ISO 37120 reporting, the City will shortly begin implementing ISO 37122 (Indicators for Smart Cities) and ISO 37123 (Indicators for Resilient Cities). The City also intends to become an Early Adopter of the newest ISO standard on city indicators, ISO 37125 (Environmental, Social and Governance Indicators for Cities.) Toronto is the first city globally to announce its intent to implement ISO 37125 with the WCCD. Underlining Toronto’s commitment to data-driven decision-making, these year-over-year certifications will also support and validate the City’s Sustainable Debenture Program, a critical funding source for the City’s 10-year capital plan.

A Canadian-led, global innovation, the ISO 37120 Series (i.e. ISO 37122, ISO 37122, ISO 37123), is being implemented in more than forty countries. It contains fully numeric key performance indicators to measure city services and quality of life, underpinned by standardized definitions and methodologies.

The WCCD was founded in 2014 and helps communities of all sizes worldwide embrace standardized, independently verified and globally comparable city data to become more sustainable, resilient, prosperous, inclusive and smart. As a Foundation City of the WCCD, Toronto was among the first twenty cities globally to implement ISO 37120 in 2014 and is the host city for the WCCD’s headquarters.

Quotes:

“The City of Toronto is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the World Council on City Data. These annual benchmarks allow the City to make data-informed decisions to ensure that Toronto continues to be a global leader and a great place to work, play, learn and invest. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the WCCD for future certifications.”

– Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park)

“Platinum-level certification from the World Council on City Data supports the City of Toronto’s sustainable debenture program and demonstrates our commitment to climate action, bond performance and investor relations, while enabling us to make the best data-informed decisions for the residents of Toronto.”

– Heather Taylor, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

“Through its commitment to standardized city data, the City of Toronto stands out as a leader in Canada and globally. With its eight years of WCCD ISO data, Council and City staff are equipped to continue focusing on improving Toronto residents’ quality of life while attracting new and diverse talent and investment. I congratulate the City on this important milestone.”

– Dr. Patricia McCarney, World Council on City Data, President and CEO

 

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter (opens in new window), Instagram (opens in new window)or Facebook (opens in new window).

Media Relations

Thursday, 9 March 2023

North Grenville Achieves Platinum Data Certification from World Council on City Data for the Second Consecutive Year

   

Mayor Peckord (Centre Left) and Council receive WCCD ISO 37120 Platinum Certification from the WCCD President & CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney (Centre Right)

The original release can be accessed here.


March 9, 2023

NORTH GRENVILLE, ONTARIO - Recognizing North Grenville's commitment to data-driven decision-making, the Municipality has received its second consecutive Platinum Certification from the World Council on City Data (WCCD) for implementing ISO 37120 – the first international standard for city data. North Grenville joins a network of over 30 Canadian and 100 municipalities globally within the WCCD network that collect, share and use data to make effective and transformative decisions. This Platinum Certification is the highest level of recognition by the WCCD and underlines the Municipality's commitment to high-calibre, globally standardized and independently verified city data.

"As our Municipality emerges from COVID with a core focus on infrastructure investment, improved service delivery and continued support for local economic development and tourism promotion, high calibre data is at the core of measuring progress and tracking change," stated Mayor Nancy Peckford.  

“Council would like to extend our special thanks to Director of Corporate Services Hillary Geneau and her colleague, Ashely Cuthbert for their sustained efforts. We appreciate their dedication,” added Mayor Peckford.  

Highlights of this year’s certification for North Grenville include:

  • A highly educated population - North Grenville is a leader in Canada and the world with residents holding, collectively, more than 8,600 post-secondary degrees;
  • Sustained business attraction, expansion and retention - even during the pandemic - promoting local economic growth and a vibrant community. 
  • Low water consumption and loss, contributing to overall cost savings and climate change mitigation.
  • A place to be active - North Grenville is a global leader with over 698 square metres per capita of outdoor recreation space.

"Working with the WCCD – and annually implementing the ISO 37120 standard - is supporting our prudent approach to affordability, while promoting a high quality of life for residents and business leaders in North Grenville. Through the data-driven insights that we obtain through our annual WCCD ISO certification, our staff continues to monitor and respond to our strategic priorities while prioritizing data-driven investment in our community," emphasized Mayor Peckford.

The WCCD's President and CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney, was present at the March 7th Council Meeting to mark this important accomplishment:

"North Grenville is a remarkable community that is harnessing high-calibre data to drive a more sustainable future and inclusive prosperity for its residents," stated Dr. McCarney. "It is truly a pleasure to congratulate Mayor Peckford, Council and Municipal Staff on achieving WCCD Platinum Certification for the second consecutive year.

North Grenville is expertly “putting their data to work,” drawing on their ISO 37120 data to encourage economic growth and inform sound infrastructure investment. North Grenville is an example to communities across Ontario, Canada and the globe as their leaders embrace a data-driven culture that ultimately informs sound decision-making that ensures a high quality of life for all residents.”

A Canadian-led, global innovation, ISO 37120 is the first international standard for city data. With 104 fully numeric indicators across 19 themes, it helps to measure city services and quality of life, underpinned by standardized definitions and methodologies.

The WCCD was founded in 2014 and helps communities of all sizes worldwide embrace standardized, independently verified and globally comparable city data to become more sustainable, resilient, prosperous, inclusive and smart.

For more information on the World Council on City Data (WCCD) visit: www.dataforcities.org/.

Wednesday, 22 February 2023

Markham Receives WCCD Platinum-Level ISO Data Certification for Fourth Consecutive Year

   


The following is a link to the original release

MARKHAM, CANADA – February 21, 2023 – The City of Markham has received the ISO 37120 (Indicators for Sustainable Cities) Platinum-level certification from the World Council on City Data (WCCD) for the fourth consecutive year.

Markham joins more than 30 Canadian - and 100 cities globally - within the WCCD network that collect, share and use data to make effective and transformative decisions. This Platinum Certification is the highest level of recognition by the WCCD and underlines Markham's commitment to high-calibre, globally standardized and independently verified city data.

"The City of Markham is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the WCCD and to be awarded the highest level of WCCD ISO 37120 certification," said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "Through the data-driven insights that we obtain through our annual WCCD ISO certification, Markham can benchmark itself against other leading municipalities around the world and monitor our strategic priorities while implementing policies that will improve the quality of life for residents while attracting new investment."

"Through its commitment to standardized city data, Markham stands out as a leader in Canada and globally," said Dr. Patricia McCarney, WCCD President and CEO. "With its four years of WCCD ISO data, Mayor Scarpitti, Council and City staff are well-positioned to continue focusing on improving Markham's residents' quality of life while attracting new and diverse talent and investment. It is a pleasure to congratulate the City on this important accomplishment."

A Canadian-led, global innovation, ISO 37120 is the first international standard for city data. With 104 fully numeric indicators across 19 themes, it helps to measure city services and quality of life, underpinned by standardized definitions and methodologies.

The WCCD was founded in 2014 and helps communities of all sizes worldwide embrace standardized, independently verified and globally comparable city data to become more sustainable, resilient, prosperous, inclusive and smart.

Wednesday, 8 February 2023

City of Doral is Recognized by the World Council on City Data (WCCD) and Announces Participation in Joint WCCD/United Nations Project

   

 

The following is a link to the original release


Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Doral, FL – Today, the City of Doral achieved recognition for implementing ISO 37120 for the sixth consecutive year. Dr. Patricia McCarney - President and CEO of the World Council on City Data (WCCD) - recognized Mayor Christi Fraga, the Council and City Staff for Doral’s implementation of ISO 37120 (Indicators for Sustainable Cities) for the years 2020 and 2021 at the highest Platinum Level.

Receiving this important, data-driven achievement for six consecutive years builds on Doral’s similar data-driven successes in the past. Beyond its multiple WCCD ISO 37120 certifications, Doral is the first city in the United States to be awarded WCCD’s “Early Adopter” Certification for implementing the WCCD’s newest standards, ISO 37122 (Indicators for Smart Cities) and ISO 37123 (Indicators for Resilient Cities). Doral’s continued participation as a leader in the WCCD’s global network of over 100 cities across more than thirty-five countries supports Council’s dedication to building a more prosperous, smart, sustainable, and resilient future for residents.

“The City of Doral has been a long-standing partner of the WCCD,” stated Mayor Fraga. “Now equipped with over six years of data, City leadership is well positioned to harness this information to understand where we’ve been and to determine the best path forward through the high caliber data we collect annually with the support of the WCCD.”

In her remarks, Dr. McCarney congratulated the City of Doral, its leadership, staff, and important partners in Miami-Dade County for this accomplishment. “The WCCD is privileged to work with cities around the world in helping them to harness high caliber, globally standardized and independently verified city data to drive prosperous change, and Doral is at the top of that list,” stated Dr. McCarney. “Through the WCCD’s partnership with Mayor Fraga, Council and the dedicated teams within Doral and Miami-Dade, we look forward to continued WCCD-Doral cooperation for many years. Congratulations to Mayor Fraga, Council, and all involved in this partnership, highlighting Doral as a leader in Florida, the United States, and globally.”

Beyond the opportunity to recognize Doral for its dedication to data-driven prosperity, Dr. McCarney also announced Doral’s inclusion in a new joint United Nations and WCCD Pilot on City resilience. “Through a long-standing partnership with the United Nations, the WCCD is working with a select group of cities worldwide to harness the data within ISO 37123 to drive a more resilient future for cities worldwide. Doral was an immediate candidate for inclusion in this important pilot initiative. Doral will be a strategic member of this global conversation on making cities more resilient, and the lessons it shares with other cities will be as important as the lessons it learns. Alongside our UN Partners, we are pleased to work with Doral, Mayor Fraga, Council and Staff.”

Responding to Dr. McCarney, Mayor Fraga underlined Doral’s commitment to driving a more resilient future for the city. “With the continuing changes that we see all around us, becoming more resilient in response to extreme weather events is extremely important to Doral. However, we also know that cities face economic challenges beyond extreme weather – especially as we take Doral’s economy to even greater heights following the challenges presented by COVID-19. Participating in this UN/WCCD Pilot Project will allow us to learn from other cities worldwide and share with them what we have learned in our commitment to making our city more resilient.”

Working with the WCCD, the Pilot initiative will be implemented in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the UN agency tasked with supporting city-level resilience.

About the WCCD
The World Council on City Data (WCCD) was founded in 2014. It exists to help cities and communities of all sizes globally embrace ISO-standardized, independently verified, and globally comparable city data to make data-driven decisions. The WCCD team of professionals has led the development and implementation of three international standards on city data published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Geneva – now globally recognized as the ISO 37120 Series on City Data. The ISO 37120 Series includes ISO 37120 - Indicators for Sustainable Cities, ISO 37122 - Indicators for Smart Cities, and ISO 37123 - Indicators for Resilient Cities. WCCD is now working with 100 cities in over 35 countries, helping these cities to implement the ISO 37120 Series on City Data.