USAID Urbanization: Challenges, Opportunities, and Approach

By 2030, 60% of the world's population will live in urban areas, up from 30% in 1950. The document highlights the challenges and opportunities that come with urbanization, including increasing urban poverty, food insecurity, fragility, and health issues. However, it also emphasizes the potential for urban areas to catalyze inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty and hunger, and build resilience to shocks and stresses while protecting ecosystems and combating climate change. The document outlines USAID's approach to urbanization, focusing on systems-based, holistic approaches to development that prioritize partnerships, access to financing, local capacity building, good data, and technology.