No country has ever developed without urbanising, World Bank economist tells Euronews at Baku forum
No Country Has Ever Developed Without Urbanising, Says World Bank Economist at Baku Forum
No country has ever developed without – At the ongoing World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, World Bank Senior Economist Mark Roberts asserted that urbanisation is an inevitable and essential component of national development. Speaking to Euronews, Roberts challenged the perception held by some governments that urban growth is a problem to be controlled rather than an opportunity to be harnessed. His remarks underscored the critical role of cities in driving economic progress, particularly in regions experiencing rapid demographic shifts.
Urbanisation as a Catalyst for Growth
Roberts emphasized that the scale of investment required to support urban infrastructure is vast, especially in Africa, where the demand for development is outpacing traditional funding sources. “The financing needs for urban infrastructure in Africa are staggering,” he explained, noting that these challenges extend to other rapidly urbanising areas globally. “No single entity—be it a government agency, donor organisation, or public body—can meet these demands alone. It’s about mobilising finance from multiple sectors, including the private sector, to create sustainable urban environments.”
“When it comes to urban infrastructure, the financing needs are tremendous for Africa in particular, as well as all the very fast-urbanising regions,” Roberts said. “No one agency, donor organisation or the public sector by itself is sufficient. It’s really about catalysing finance from a range of different sources, including from the private sector.”
Roberts also highlighted the environmental threats that urbanisation exacerbates, such as flooding and extreme heat, which already disrupt city operations. “These challenges are not just local issues,” he argued. “They have global implications, as cities become more vulnerable to climate change while simultaneously contributing to it through emissions and resource consumption.”
Addressing concerns about the socio-economic pressures of urbanisation, Roberts acknowledged the realities of traffic congestion, soaring land prices, and housing shortages. “Cities attract people because they offer opportunities,” he stated. “This influx of population creates economic growth and job creation, even as it strains existing systems. The key is to manage these pressures effectively, ensuring that urbanisation benefits all citizens.”
Experts Worry About Informal Settlements and Inequality
Despite Roberts’ optimistic view, some experts caution that the pace of urbanisation in Africa and South Asia has led to significant challenges. Dr Moges Tadesse, chief resilience officer for Addis Ababa, expressed concern that many African cities are struggling to cope with the rapid expansion. “The pressures of urban growth are already surpassing the capacity of local governments to respond,” he said, citing the proliferation of informal settlements as a major issue.
“Climate change is a global challenge, but it doesn’t affect only housing. It affects the economy, it affects also the human life, and it is very disastrous,” Tadesse told Euronews. “For vulnerable countries, the costs of these challenges are often borne by communities with limited resources, and we need greater international investment to address them.”
He pointed out that the consequences of urbanisation are not evenly distributed, often deepening existing inequalities. “Informal settlements are a direct result of poor planning and insufficient infrastructure,” Tadesse explained. “They are not just spaces where people live without formal contracts; they are also breeding grounds for social and economic exclusion, compounding the effects of climate change on urban populations.”
Tadesse called for a coordinated global effort to support cities in the Global South. “The challenges we face are interconnected,” he said. “Addressing housing crises requires tackling climate resilience, economic development, and social equity simultaneously. Without international collaboration, these cities will continue to bear the brunt of rapid urbanisation.”
A Global Forum for Urban Solutions
The World Urban Forum, established in 2001 by the UN General Assembly, has become a pivotal platform for discussing urban development strategies. Since its inception in Nairobi in 2002, the forum has rotated through various host cities every two years, including Barcelona, Vancouver, Rio de Janeiro, Abu Dhabi, Katowice, and Cairo. This year’s session in Baku marks a notable shift, as Azerbaijan has organised a dedicated meeting at the heads of state level for the first time.
With over 40,000 delegates from 182 countries registered, WUF13 is poised to be one of the largest gatherings in the forum’s history. The event is expected to culminate in the adoption of the Baku Call to Action, a document designed to advance the UN’s New Urban Agenda. This agenda aims to create sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities by 2030, aligning with global efforts to address urbanisation’s dual role as both an opportunity and a challenge.
Roberts’ insights into the necessity of urbanisation for development are being juxtaposed with the cautionary perspectives of urban experts. While he argues that cities are the engines of progress, others stress the importance of addressing the negative impacts through targeted policies. “Urbanisation is not something to be feared,” Roberts concluded. “It is a process that, if guided properly, can lead to shared prosperity and innovation.”
The debate at WUF13 highlights the complex interplay between economic growth and environmental sustainability in urban settings. As cities expand, they must balance the demands of a growing population with the need to protect natural resources and ensure equitable access to services. This challenge is particularly acute in regions like Africa, where the combination of rapid urbanisation and climate change threatens to destabilise urban ecosystems.
International cooperation will be crucial in navigating these challenges, according to forum participants. “Cities are not isolated entities; their development is tied to global trends and local governance,” Roberts noted. “The Baku Call to Action must reflect this interconnectedness, fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between financial resources and urban needs.”
With the forum’s theme focused on “Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” discussions are expected to explore innovative financing models, climate adaptation strategies, and inclusive urban planning. The event’s significance lies in its ability to bring together diverse stakeholders, from policymakers to private sector leaders, to shape a collective vision for urban development. As the world grapples with the dual realities of urban growth and climate change, the outcomes of WUF13 will be vital in determining how cities can thrive in the years ahead.
