Iberoamerican Cities on the Way to the Model of Sustainable and Smart Urbanization

Over half of the world’s population now lives in cities, and the trend towards accelerated urbanization is projected to continue. By 2050 about 70% of people worldwide will become urban residents. Members of the Organization of Ibero-American States make up 15.3% of the world’s territory and account for 8.7% of the world’s population. Latin America is one of the most urbanized regions: 2/3 of its population is concentrated in cities of 20.000 people (or more). Latin America has some of the most populous urban areas, including Mexico City (21,91 million inhabitants), São Paulo (21,49 million), Buenos Aires (15,76 million), Rio de Janeiro (12,31 million). The degree of urbanization of the Iberian countries is slightly lower, varying from 69.5% in Spain to 66% in Portugal. The Iberian megalopolises such as Madrid (3,34 million inhabitants), Barcelona (1, 65 million), Lisbon (2.8 million) are not as populous, yet these urban areas are just as important as those in Latin America and the Caribbean. Iberoamerican urbanization is characterized by promoting «smart cities», with a focus on cultural and educational development. Iberoamerican countries are committed to the UN Global Urban Agenda which seeks to manage urban areas more efficiently, improve the quality of life in cities, and preserve cultural and environmental heritage via innovative projects.

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