Ming Zhang: Financing the Future of Cities

In this episode of The Century of the Cities, Ming Zhang, Global Director for Urban, Resilience, and Land at the World Bank, brings a sweeping global perspective on how cities have transformed since 1980. From witnessing Shanghai's shift from a stagnant industrial city to a world-class metropolis, to tracking urbanization across South Korea, Brazil, India, and Africa, Ming explains how innovation, governance, and economic shifts have reshaped the urban landscape for billions of people. Ming outlines the profound challenges and opportunities that cities will navigate: rapid urbanization in Africa and South Asia, aging populations in mature economies, climate-related threats, and the need for massive investment in infrastructure, housing, and resilience. He shares insights from the World Bank's Banking on Cities report, underscoring why cities must build autonomy, mobilize revenue, and use technology wisely to remain livable, adaptive, and economically vibrant.