Urban information and research network the South African Cities Network (SACN) has published its fifth 'State of Cities' report, which recommends that cities take a whole-of-government and all-of-society approach to meet their objectives of becoming more economically and socially inclusive, sustainable and spatially transformed. Cities are crucial for global development, and their performance in delivering basic services and positive development outcomes is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of their citizens, regions, countries and the world, says SACN CEO Sithole Mbanga.