UN projects urban population reaches 70% by 2050

More than half of the global population currently lives in urban areas, and this share is expected to reach nearly 70% by 2050, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Water Retno Marsudi said during a panel session at the 13th World Urban Forum.

"Despite progress made, billions of people still lack access to safe water and basic sanitation services, and a significant share of the urban population lives in informal settlements without necessary infrastructure," Marsudi added.

She underlined that housing policy can no longer be designed in isolation from water supply and water resource management, as water remains the cornerstone of sustainable urban development.

According to her, adopting a water-centred approach in urban planning is crucial, since it has a direct impact on public health, inclusivity, and the long-term sustainability of economic growth.

Marsudi reiterated that water is the foundation of sustainable urban development, yet this factor is still not adequately reflected in urban planning practices.

She pointed out that urban resilience is often wrongly equated only with the scale of housing construction, while it should also cover access to safe drinking water, sanitation services, efficient drainage systems, and protection against climate risks.

Marsudi further highlighted the strong link between water access, housing conditions, and human dignity, stressing that the lack of basic infrastructure deepens social inequality.

In addition, she noted that climate change is placing growing pressure on cities, with floods, droughts, and water pollution becoming more frequent and disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable communities.

By Jeyhun Aghazada