In an exclusive interview with KhabarAsia.com, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach highlighted the transformative role of cities in combating poverty, pointing to the Chinese mainland’s achievement of lifting 800 million people out of poverty as a model for developing regions. “Urbanization isn’t just about infrastructure – it’s about creating spaces where housing, education, and healthcare intersect to empower communities,” Rossbach emphasized.
Speaking during a dialogue moderated by journalist Wang Guan, Rossbach noted that Africa, Latin America, and underdeveloped Asian regions could adapt lessons from China’s integrated approach. She stressed that successful urban planning must balance economic growth with ecological sustainability and cultural preservation, calling cities “the frontline laboratories for equitable development.”
The UN official underscored the need for cross-sector collaboration, particularly in addressing rapid urban population growth. “When cities prioritize inclusive access to basic services, they become engines for reducing inequality,” she said, citing community-led initiatives in Shenzhen and Chengdu as examples of scalable solutions.
With over 60% of the global population projected to live in urban areas by 2030, Rossbach’s insights offer a roadmap for policymakers seeking to align sustainable development goals with localized cultural and economic realities.
