Talking about urban economy is talking about how life unfolds in cities and, specifically, it studies how economic activities are structured and interact in urban spaces. Explores the relationship of what happens in cities with economic growth, infrastructure, mobility and territorial planning (Glaeser, 2011). Cities concentrate a large part of economic activity, employment and innovation, so studying them is studying one of the key axes of the development of countries. In Paraguay, urban growth has been somewhat chaotic and accelerated, and in too many cases, marked by territorial inequalities and deficits in infrastructure and little accompanied by local government. According to the 2022 National Population and Housing Census, 69% of the population resides in urban areas, while 31% live in rural areas (INE, 2023). In 1992, the urban population constituted 50.3% of the total, while the rural population represented 49.7%, which shows sustained urban growth in the last 30 years.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reinforce the importance of thinking about cities as spaces that must be sustainable, inclusive and well-planned. It is no coincidence that SDG 11 is dedicated to achieving more resilient and liveable cities. The presence of cities in the SDGs is practically transversal as they constitute the human habitat par excellence today. We also see them in SDG 8, which promotes inclusive economic growth and decent employment; SDG 9, which promotes sustainable and innovative infrastructure; and in SDG 13 that highlights the need for urgent actions against climate change, including sustainable urban planning.

In Paraguay, the differences in access to urban services are evident. Paraguayan cities present heterogeneity in the distribution of resources and services. While Asunción and its metropolitan area concentrate a large part of the investment in infrastructure, other intermediate and peri-urban cities face difficulties in accessing basic services. A clear example of this dynamic is the expansion of cities such as Luque and San Lorenzo, where population growth has exceeded the capacity of available infrastructure, generating road congestion and problems with access to basic services. A more equitable approach to the distribution of infrastructure and basic services is needed to reduce these gaps and foster inclusive urban growth. It is not just a question of population growth; It is a matter of long-term planning and vision.

It is worth mentioning that the development of cities cannot depend solely on government policies. Urban transformation requires citizen participation. The architect and urban planner Jan Gehl talks about the importance of designing cities on a human scale, where public spaces invite people to interact and take ownership of their environment. According to him, public spaces have never been as popular as they are now, which reinforces the need to promote community life and social interaction (Gehl, 2010). If the goal is more equitable and sustainable cities, citizens should take ownership of their environment, understanding that the city is their habitat and ecosystem. What will Paraguayan cities be like in the coming decades? The answer cannot be limited to technical decisions; It must also include the commitment of those who live in them. Actions such as demanding better infrastructure, denouncing the deterioration of public space or participating in urban planning initiatives are essential to achieve real changes.

For all this, the development of the urban economy in Paraguay requires integrated policies that address inequalities, improve infrastructure and reduce informality in the labor and housing markets. Implementing sustainable urban planning strategies adjusted to reality, along with investments in public transportation and land use and housing regularization policies, is key to building more equitable and resilient cities. It is essential that government institutions, the private sector and civil society work together to promote an urban development model that guarantees economic opportunities and a better quality of life for all citizens.

The future of our cities is not yet written, but every decision made today sets the course. Paraguay has the opportunity to learn from successful experiences and implement policies that prioritize planning, equity and sustainability. Only in this way will it be possible to consolidate urban environments that truly improve people's quality of life. Now the question is: are we ready to take on the challenge and build cities where everyone thrives?