UN-Habitat: Poor People's Number Could Increase by More Than 200M

In a new report issued this week, the United Nations Human Settlements Program, (UN-Habitat) warns that the number of people living in poverty could increase by more than 200 million by 2050.

This new report, entitled: the UN-Habitat’s flagship World Cities Report 2022 – Envisaging the Future of Cities provides key recommendations for actions that need to be taken immediately.

The report estimated three potential scenarios for the world's cities. In the worst-case or “high damage” scenario, the number of people with low income and the members of poor communities could increase by more than 200 million by 2050.

The “pessimistic” scenario foresees a reversion to the status quo before the awful pandemic, a business-as-usual approach which would lock in cycles of poverty, poor productivity, inequality and unhealthy living for decades.

In the optimism vision, by 2050 there could be 260 million people lifted out of poverty compared to the pre-COVID baseline.

"Governments and donors would invest in urban development sufficiently to create just, resilient, healthy and prosperous cities everywhere," the estimate noted.

According to a statement released by the UN, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat Maimunah Mohd Sharif said, “Urbanization remains a powerful 21st century mega-trend."

“That entails numerous challenges, which were further exposed and exacerbated by the pandemic. However, there is a sense of optimism that COVID-19 has provided us with the opportunity to build back differently. With the right policies and the right commitment from governments, our children can inherit an urban future that is more inclusive, greener, safer and healthier.”

Also in this regard, she called on the world to accelerate achieving the Global Goals (SDGs) as soon as possible

“If we don’t get cities right, then 68 per cent of the global population will face serious problems or challenges."

“We need to accelerate. We only have 90 months, or 2700 days, until we reach 2030, the target for the Global Goals. This report is a very timely wake-up call.”