UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach: The “People-Centered” Vision of Chinese Cities Represents the Inevitable Path for Urban Development Worldwide

Recently, Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, granted an exclusive interview to a CCTV journalist, during which she engaged in an in-depth exchange on realizing “adequate housing for all,” advancing the United Nations 2030 SDGs, and exploring implementation pathways. Ms. Rossbach highly commended China’s progress in urban governance, environmental protection, and smart city development, as well as the wisdom and commitment reflected in the Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) towards improving living standards worldwide.

I. Transformation of Chinese Cities Wins International Acclaim

Recalling her visit to China, Ms. Rossbach remarked, “China’s transformation is truly remarkable!” Taking Beijing as an example, she compared her impressions from 2012 and last year: a city once “noisy and congested, with grey skies” has become “a vibrant, clean, and livable city.” The promotion of electric vehicles, expansion of public green spaces, and reuse of Olympic venues have created welcoming spaces where elderly residents rest and families play-scenes that deeply impressed her.

II. Poverty Reduction Demonstrated Through Urbanization

China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty and advanced along the path of urbanization, which is an experience that offers valuable lessons for African countries undergoing similar transformations. “Over the next 25 years, Africa and Latin America will see about 800 million people move into cities. Urbanization must address housing, education, healthcare, and public space in parallel, building urban ecosystems where people and nature coexist in harmony.” She noted that China’s large-scale housing development has not only driven economic growth and created jobs but also ensured decent living conditions for workers.

III. Innovative Practices in Smart City Development

In the field of smart cities, Ms. Rossbach highlighted two notable Chinese innovations. (1) The intelligent use of space: demonstration housing projects employ flexible functional zoning to meet diverse living needs within limited space. (2) The application of resilience technologies: “sponge city” solutions, promoted by UN-Habitat, are being introduced for flood prevention in Brazil and explored for use in Nairobi. She added that the recently concluded resumed session of the UN-Habitat Assembly focused on “smart city” issues, and that the “people-centered” smart city guidelines, developed at the request of Member States, align closely with the governance philosophy of Chinese cities.

IV. Strategic Partnership as a Model of Institutional Collaboration

Ms. Rossbach described the partnership between China and UN-Habitat as “solid and innovative.” The solidity lies in China’s role as a member of the UN-Habitat Governing Council, its active participation in decision-making, the presence of a UN-Habitat office in China, and close cooperation between both sides at the Nairobi headquarters. Technical collaboration, such as on “sponge city” initiatives, has become part of routine work. The innovation is reflected in joint initiatives such as the Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) and the joint compilation of the annual Shanghai Manual report, which has become the second most downloaded document on the UN-Habitat official website-demonstrating the global impact of knowledge sharing.

V. The Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) Driving Innovation in Urban Governance

Ms. Rossbach noted that the innovation of the “Shanghai Award” lies in its ability to clarify the direction of innovation and promote forward-looking ideas. “Whether visiting countries, attending events, or engaging with governments at various levels, what people most often express is a desire to learn about global frontiers, innovative practices, and capacity building.” The award is attracting growing international attention.

VI. Global Housing Crisis Demands Coordinated Governance

Currently, around 2.8 billion people worldwide live in inadequate housing conditions, including over 1.1 billion in slums or informal settlements and more than 300 million who are completely homeless. Regionally, 62% of urban housing in Africa is informal; in the Asia-Pacific, over 500 million people lack access to basic water supply, and more than 1 billion have no adequate sanitation. “Achieving adequate housing for all requires global cooperation-the need for global solidarity is self-evident.” She noted that China’s experience in urban governance, environmental protection, and smart city development holds significant value for advancing sustainable urban development and implementing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Addressing the global housing crisis, Ms. Rossbach expressed strong agreement on the alignment between China’s vision of “cities are built by the people and for the people” and the New Urban Agenda. She emphasized that urban planning should avoid becoming “overly complex or overly technocratic,” and should ensure that the public can understand the planning rationale, while balancing the social and ecological functions of land and building a shared vision of an ideal city. The people-centered philosophy of Chinese cities, she reiterated, “is the path all cities must follow.”

Edited by Li Chun with reference to https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/QcIPu66Smj5y0uaCbtUV3Q