In an exclusive interview with CGTN’s Wang Guan, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach says cities can transform the fight against poverty. Drawing lessons from the Chinese mainland’s staggering achievement—lifting 800 million people out of poverty—she believes urban centers hold the blueprint for sustainable development around the globe.
“Urbanization isn’t just about building skyscrapers,” Rossbach explains. “It’s about weaving together housing, education, healthcare, culture, ecological balance, and economic opportunity into a harmonious whole.” According to UN-Habitat data, cities house over half of the world’s population but account for nearly 80% of global economic output—making them powerhouses for social change.
For regions in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia still grappling with extreme poverty, Rossbach advocates an integrated approach. Affordable housing programs paired with accessible schools and clinics can create ripple effects: healthier children learn better, educated communities drive innovation, and robust local markets spur job growth.
She points to case studies where mixed-use neighborhoods have cut commute times by 40%, reduced energy costs by 25%, and increased local employment by nearly 15%. “When we design cities with people at the center, we unlock their potential,” Rossbach says. “That’s how we break the cycle of poverty.”
Looking ahead, UN-Habitat plans to support city-led pilot projects that champion green infrastructure, digital inclusion, and participatory planning. Rossbach’s message is clear: by investing in cities—where trends emerge and ideas spread—we shape resilient futures for millions.
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UN-Habitat executive director: Cities are critical to overcome poverty
cgtn.com
