UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 19 (WSH) — A new UN report reveals that 45% of the world’s 8.2 billion people are city dwellers, a share set to grow. Published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the World Urbanization Prospects 2025 report projects that two-thirds of future global population growth will occur in urban areas.
The study highlights the rise of megacities—those with over 10 million inhabitants—which have quadrupled since 1975 to 33, with 19 located in Asia. Jakarta, Dhaka, and Tokyo are the world’s most populous. However, the fastest growth is in small and medium-sized cities, particularly in Africa and Asia.
“Urbanization is a defining force of our time,” said Li Junhua of UNDESA. “When managed strategically, it can unlock transformative pathways for climate action, economic growth, and social equity.”
The report underscores the critical role of sustainable urban planning for climate resilience and development, released as nations negotiate at the COP30 climate conference.
