Youth-led initiatives have the potential to significantly impact local urban development, according to the deputy chief of the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

Haoliang Xu spoke to UN News ahead of the World Urban Forum which begins in Cairo, Egypt, on 4 November and which brings together people from across the world to discuss the challenges faced by cities.

It’s estimated that by 2050, some 70 percent of the world’s population will be living in urban areas, which will put pressure on health services, housing, as well as education, transport infrastructure and the police.

Pia Blondel asked Mr. Xu how cities will cope with the increase in people.