Robert Neuwirth
Investigative Journalist & Urban Exploration Author | Global Squatter Communities Expert
About
Robert Neuwirth turned urban exploration into a groundbreaking journalistic investigation, living among squatter communities in four continents. As a respected reporter whose work has appeared in top-tier publications like The New York Times and Forbes, he offers unprecedented insights into global urban landscapes.
His seminal book Shadow Cities reveals the complex social dynamics of billion-person urban settlements, transforming how we understand informal urban development. Neuwirth provides event audiences with nuanced, firsthand perspectives on resilience, community infrastructure, and global urbanization trends.
Talks3
The age-old sharing economies of Africa -- and why we should scale them
From rides to homes and beyond, we're sharing everything these days, with the help of digital tools. But as modern and high-tech as the sharing economy seems, it's been alive in Africa for centuries, according to author Robert Neuwirth. He shares fascinating examples -- like apprenticeships that work like locally generated venture capital and systems for allocating scarce water -- and says that if we can propagate and scale these models, they could help communities thrive from the bottom up.
More Talks
The hidden world of shadow cities
At a Glance
Is this you?
Claim this profile to edit your bio, add talks, and get verified.
Know a talk we're missing?
Get in Touch
Save for Later
Frequently Appeared With
Speakers who have appeared at the same events
Amy Cuddy
Social Psychologist | Second Most-Watched TED Talk Ever | Body Language Expert
1 shared event · TEDGlobal
Ashraf Ghani
Former President of Afghanistan (2014-2021) | Economist and political leader
1 shared event · TEDGlobal
Aubrey de Grey
Biomedical gerontologist | Pioneer in radical anti-aging research
1 shared event · TEDGlobal
Barry Schwartz
Psychologist & Decision Expert | The Paradox of Choice in Modern Life
1 shared event · TEDGlobal
Bjarke Ingels
Founder of BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) | Revolutionary architect creating sustainable, imaginative buildings
1 shared event · TEDGlobal
Cameron Sinclair
Co-founder of Architecture for Humanity | Social architect turning crisis into design solutions
1 shared event · TEDGlobal
Carl Honoré
Father of the Slow Movement | Author of In Praise of Slow
1 shared event · TEDGlobal
Charles Leadbeater
Innovation Expert | Advisor to Prime Minister & Global Creative Strategist
1 shared event · TEDGlobal
Similar Speakers
Speakers with related expertise
Dan Ariely
Duke Professor | Behavioral Economics & Bestselling Author
Bill Gates
Microsoft Co-founder | Co-chair of the Gates Foundation
Barry Schwartz
Psychologist & Decision Expert | The Paradox of Choice in Modern Life
Clive Humby
Creator of Tesco Clubcard and ACORN geodemographic system | Data pioneer