The Global Spatial Inequality Index (GSII)
A new global framework by AZHJ to assess how cities distribute opportunity, infrastructure, and environmental risk within their boundaries.
The Core Idea
Inequality is not only about income or averages—it is about where people live, what they can reach, and the conditions they are exposed to.
Across cities, access to jobs, services, infrastructure, and environmental safety varies dramatically between neighbourhoods. These spatial differences shape life chances, economic mobility, and long-term resilience.
Yet most global measures remain blind to how inequality is structured across space.
The GSII addresses this gap.
Inequality is Spatial
Why Existing Measures are not Enough?
A city may perform well globally while remaining deeply unequal locally.
What Current Indices Miss
Traditional indices have transformed how inequality is measured—but they do not capture how it is experienced spatially.❋ Income inequality measures distribution, not location❋ Development indicators rely on national averages❋ Sectoral indices isolate dimensions without spatial contextWhat is Spatial Inequality?
A City Scale Reality
Spatial Inequality is Built into the Structure of Cities.
Spatial Inequality Refers to the Uneven Distribution of:
❋ Access to Economic Opportunities❋ Infrastructure and Services❋ Urban Connectivity❋ Environmental Conditions It is Embeded In:
❋ Infrastructure Reliability❋ Housing Conditions❋ Commuting Times❋ Exposure to Heat, Pollution, & RiskThe GSII Approach
Rather than relying on a single metric, the GSII captures how different urban systems shape access, inclusion, and exposure across neighbourhoods.
The GSII introduces a city-scale, multidimensional approach to measuring spatial inequality.
It is designed to:A Multidimensional Framework
❋ Assess inequality within cities, not only between them❋ Integrate multiple dimensions of urban life❋ Enable global comparability❋ Support evidence-based decision-makingWhat We Are Building
Global Baseline 2026
AZHJ is currently developing the first Global Urban Spatial Inequality Baseline, covering approximately 80–100 cities worldwide.This initial phase will:
Global Baseline – Phase I
❋ Establish a comparable measurement framework❋ Generate city-level spatial inequality profiles❋ Identify global patterns and typologies❋ Provide a foundation for future benchmarkingWhy It Matters?
Without measuring spatial inequality, policy interventions risk reinforcing existing disparities.
From Measurement to Action
Understanding spatial inequality is essential for:❋ Urban planning and land-use decisions❋ Infrastructure investment prioritisation❋ Improving access to jobs and services❋ Climate adaptation and risk reduction❋ Advancing inclusive urban developmentHow Cities Can Engage
AZHJ offers tailored city-level evaluations that integrate higher-resolution data and policy analysis.
Work with AZHJ
The GSII will evolve into a platform for cities and institutions to:❋ Benchmark spatial inequality❋ Track progress over time❋ Conduct deeper, localised assessments❋ Inform policy and investment decisions