The Harvard University economist Edward Glaeser who has ranked Christchurch on the Foreign Policy list of global cities to watch, said the massive rebuilding efforts following the earthquake devastation earlier this year poses a unique opportunity for the city to rethink urban form.

The list of 16 cities expected to shape the next century was compiled by Glaeser in partnership with Columbia University sociologist Saskia Sassen.

Christchurch took 9th place on the list, after Sao Paulo and ahead of London. Taking the number one position was Singapore, noted by the economists as “surely the world’s best-managed city”.

The top 10 global cities to watch in order are: Singapore, Gurgaon (India), Cairo, Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Athens, Vancouver, New York, Sao Paulo, Christchurch and London.