Abstract
The world today is witnessing an unprecedented pace of urbanization, with cities evolving as epicentres
of economic activity, technological innovation, and demographic concentration. According to UN, 55% of
the world’s population lives today in urban areas, a proportion that is expected to increase to about 70%
by 2050. While urbanization brings opportunities, it also poses formidable challenges—particularly in the
Global South, where rapid population growth, inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, and
climate vulnerability converge in complex ways. Global South faces some of the most pressing
environmental and developmental challenges from deteriorating air quality to climate vulnerability and
fragmented urban governance. Addressing these multifaceted challenges demands not only scientific and
technological solutions but also inclusive, interdisciplinary, and participatory approaches.