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Paris is a pretty fair current candidate even though it works in a different sphere from NYC and London (it is more diversified overall with less emphasis on the financial industry; it's more dominant in European political affairs, and is the most powerful Francophone city out there). Paris is also the seat of several major international organizations (and the capital of a fairly powerful nation).
I think Dubai, Beijing, Washington DC are next on the list to rival the top 5 (NYC,London,Tokyo,Paris,Sydney) There are others on the list but those cities in particular I see shaping the world in the 21st Century.....
Dubai is just an adult disneyland. It is a global city, but not in the sense that NYC or London are, and it will never be. It is the poster child for the building/financial bubble and now that it has popped so will the city.
I dont think SP will rise to NYC and London prominence anytime soon, but it will increasingly gain recognition. I would say Shanghai or Beijing.
I think there is no denying that New York, Tokyo and London are truly world cities, capitals of the world in business, culture, entertainment, tourism, density, landmarks, etc.
Usually Hong Kong is included with those three.
Although these days, China has been pushing for Shanghai to replace HK with that role.
Regarding culture, nightlife, atmosphere and diversity , Berlin ist worth mentioning.
The reason I mentioned São Paulo was because financially it has dominance in the South American continent like no other. In Asia Shanghai has competition with Tokyo, Seoul and maybe Hong Kong. In Europe it's basically London head to head with Paris, with Berlin following close behind. New York is very dominant in North America but L.A., Toronto, and Mexico City (and Chicago on a financial level) give NYC quite good competition. As where in South America the only competition I can think of São Paulo having is against Buenos Aires and Santiago, but even then, I believe São Paulo is much more powerful and influential. Buenos Aires has lost a lot of influence and Santiago, just like the rest of the country is a little more isolated in the way it works.
I also think things like the world cup, the olympics (even though they are in Rio) and Brazil's booming economy will bring São Paulo even further. It also helps that Brazil has beef with no one. There is animosty against the Chinese, not just by Americans but by the Japanese, South Koreans and quite a few other powerful countries. Brazil really has no beef with anyone which might create better investments in the country and specifically to the city. It would bring more business and people's interest to the country and their largest city.
Here is my shortlist:
Paris (although imo, might already be)
Shanghai
São Paulo
Mexico City
Seoul
Sao Paulo is definitely already a global city and has been for some time. Same thing with Shanghai, but ive never been there only Sao Paulo. It might not be the most well known global city, but it is one.
I lived in Sao Paulo for awhile. It's a powerhouse for South America.
But, as an English teacher, the pay and demand for English is incredibly low. It's there, but not so strong.
As opposed to Asia, where there is an insatiable desire to learn English in almost all Asian countries, and they'll pay top dollar to learn it.
One could make the argument that Portuguese is close enough to English, that there wouldn't be a demand for English teachers, as people could pick it up on their own. But unlike Europe, very very very few Brazilian people know even very basic English.
So, based on that alone, I'd have to say it must not be a worldclass powerhouse on a huge international world scale. It is important economic hub for Latin America though.
The reason I mentioned São Paulo was because financially it has dominance in the South American continent like no other. In Asia Shanghai has competition with Tokyo, Seoul and maybe Hong Kong. In Europe it's basically London head to head with Paris, with Berlin following close behind. New York is very dominant in North America but L.A., Toronto, and Mexico City (and Chicago on a financial level) give NYC quite good competition. As where in South America the only competition I can think of São Paulo having is against Buenos Aires and Santiago, but even then, I believe São Paulo is much more powerful and influential. Buenos Aires has lost a lot of influence and Santiago, just like the rest of the country is a little more isolated in the way it works.
I also think things like the world cup, the olympics (even though they are in Rio) and Brazil's booming economy will bring São Paulo even further. It also helps that Brazil has beef with no one. There is animosty against the Chinese, not just by Americans but by the Japanese, South Koreans and quite a few other powerful countries. Brazil really has no beef with anyone which might create better investments in the country and specifically to the city. It would bring more business and people's interest to the country and their largest city.
Here is my shortlist:
Paris (although imo, might already be)
Shanghai
São Paulo
Mexico City
Seoul
Sao Paulo is without a doubt the business and financial capital of SA. Like I said earlier it is already a global city, just not as prominent as NYC or London. I cant see it ever being in the same league within the next 20 years.
I lived in Sao Paulo for awhile. It's a powerhouse for South America.
But, as an English teacher, the pay and demand for English is incredibly low. It's there, but not so strong.
As opposed to Asia, where there is an insatiable desire to learn English in almost all Asian countries, and they'll pay top dollar to learn it.
One could make the argument that Portuguese is close enough to English, that there wouldn't be a demand for English teachers, as people could pick it up on their own. But unlike Europe, very very very few Brazilian people know even very basic English.
So, based on that alone, I'd have to say it must not be a worldclass powerhouse on a huge international world scale. It is important economic hub for Latin America though.
BTW how did you like living ins São Paulo? I might be making a move down there in the next few years for a job.
BTW how did you like living ins São Paulo? I might be making a move down there in the next few years for a job.
I absolutely loved it!
I lived in Pinherios and walked to Jardins often. Loved everything about Sao Paulo.
There are certainly bad areas, but there are certainly good areas too.
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