The Future of Global Cities
Description
The 21st century is becoming the defining era of urbanisation, with Asia and Africa driving almost all future city growth. UN-Habitat projects that by 2050, nearly 68% of the global population will live in urban areas, with 90% of urban expansion occurring across developing regions. Cities such as Lagos, Kinshasa, Mumbai, and Dhaka are growing at unprecedented speed, creating both engines of prosperity and immense governance pressures.
This transition exposes the scale of the infrastructure challenge. McKinsey estimates a staggering $15 trillion infrastructure gap through 2040 across transport, energy, sanitation, and digital networks. Many developing megacities already operate under severe strain, with informal settlements expanding faster than services can be provided. Yet well-managed urbanisation remains one of the most powerful mechanisms for poverty reduction, innovation, and economic productivity.
Smart city systems and climate adaptation strategies will determine whether this urban century becomes inclusive or unstable. The global smart city market is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, offering tools for mobility optimisation, water management, and public service delivery. However, over 800 million people live in vulnerable coastal cities threatened by flooding and heat stress. Building resilient, digitally inclusive cities is now a central development priority.
This transition exposes the scale of the infrastructure challenge. McKinsey estimates a staggering $15 trillion infrastructure gap through 2040 across transport, energy, sanitation, and digital networks. Many developing megacities already operate under severe strain, with informal settlements expanding faster than services can be provided. Yet well-managed urbanisation remains one of the most powerful mechanisms for poverty reduction, innovation, and economic productivity.
Smart city systems and climate adaptation strategies will determine whether this urban century becomes inclusive or unstable. The global smart city market is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, offering tools for mobility optimisation, water management, and public service delivery. However, over 800 million people live in vulnerable coastal cities threatened by flooding and heat stress. Building resilient, digitally inclusive cities is now a central development priority.
Table of Contents
20 Pages
- 1. Executive Summary
- 2. The Urban Century: Growth Concentrated in Asia and Africa
- 3. Megacities Rising: Lagos, Dhaka, Kinshasa
- 4. The $15 Trillion Infrastructure Gap
- 5. Housing, Informality, and Services Under Strain
- 6. Smart Cities and Digital Urban Systems
- 7. Mobility, Water, and Energy Modernisation
- 8. Climate Vulnerability and Coastal Risk
- 9. Green Infrastructure and Urban Resilience
- 10. Governing Cities of the Future
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