How Asia Can Reverse Rising Inequality in its Cities

Asia and the Pacific is experiencing unprecedented urbanization, with its cities set to accommodate an additional 1.2 billion residents by 2050. This rapid growth presents a critical juncture, determining whether urban expansion leads to shared prosperity or exacerbates existing exclusions and vulnerabilities.

Beneath the gleaming skylines of the region's expanding economic power, deep urban inequalities are taking root. Nearly 700 million urban dwellers currently live in slums or informal settlements, and over 65% of urban workers are employed informally. Compounding these issues are widespread unsafe air quality affecting 2.3 billion people, unmanaged waste, and escalating climate risks. These pressures fall most heavily on marginalized groups, including migrants, people with disabilities, low-income households headed by women, the elderly, and unemployed youth.

These disparities render cities fragile. When crises strike, whether geopolitical tensions or economic volatility, those already struggling are pushed deeper into poverty, hindering recovery for all. This erosion of social cohesion and trust in institutions weakens collective resilience. Recent global shocks have already impacted urban communities across Asia and the Pacific, with estimated economic losses ranging from $97 billion to $299 billion, mounting fiscal pressures, and millions at risk of falling into poverty, according to UNDP.

However, the path toward more equitable cities is not predetermined. The "Asia-Pacific SDG Partnership Report 2026" offers a roadmap, showcasing demonstrated practices and strategic choices that foster improvements in housing, basic services, employment, and environmental management. By adopting connected approaches supported by robust policy, strategic investments, and implementation capacity, cities across the region can enhance their resilience and build a more inclusive future.