I understand cities not just as places in which we live, but as places that help inspire us and guide us in achieving our goals and aspirations. I’m especially drawn to the complex, inspiring and sometimes contradictory realities of cities in the Global South.

For me, urbanisation isn’t just about buildings and roads, it’s about people. It’s about how communities survive, create, and thrive in systems that weren’t always designed for them. I believe cities should be built with people, not just for them. That means respecting informal economies, community-built spaces, and local knowledge, not erasing them.

Cities aren’t blank slates – they carry stories and rhythms, in which heritage and traditions must be protected and celebrated. Urban development too often prioritises profit or image over equity. In my view, a truly successful city is one in which everyone, regardless of income or background, can access clean air, safe housing, dignified work, and a sense of belonging.

I am also interested in how climate change intersects with urban life and the role of the urbanisation process in shaping trade and regional integration. This blog is where I explore these ideas. It’s a space for questioning the dominant narratives of urban development and imagining alternatives that are rooted, just and equitable.