Unplanned urban growth deepens pressure on global cities, expert warns

Despite economic growth opportunities, cities face major challenges, including affordable housing shortages, weak sanitation systems, unplanned urbanisation, climate risks, infrastructure gaps, and rising inequality, Nidal Salim, founder of the Global Institute for Water, Environment and Health (GIWEH) and member of the Asian Water Council, said.

He made the remarks during the General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform, held in Baku for the first time in the South Caucasus, noting that the current assembly is not merely an international meeting but a reflection of a shared commitment to building more inclusive, people-centred cities based on the real needs of society, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

“Today, the Global South is at the centre of the global urbanisation process. By 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in cities, primarily in countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other developing regions,” he noted.

Salim added that while urbanisation brings significant potential for economic growth and development, it also intensifies structural challenges affecting living conditions and governance systems.

“Millions of people continue to face basic problems — access to safe housing, protection from the impacts of climate change, and the ability to participate in decision-making related to urban development. This shows that sustainable development requires not only infrastructure building, but also inclusive governance, strong institutions, and active participation of civil society. NGOs and community organisations play a key role in this regard,” he said. 

GIWEH founder also noted that Azerbaijan demonstrates important leadership in promoting dialogue and inclusive development, adding that Baku serves as an example of balancing modernisation, preservation of historical heritage, and active civil society engagement.

By Jeyhun Aghazada