To combat urban crime, mayors and other city authorities should not only rely on the police services, but should also encourage community participation in safety and security efforts.

That’s according to Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, a former mayor of Kigali, Rwanda, and Deputy Executive Director at UN-Habitat, which promotes a sustainable urban future.

Eighty cities across the world are part of the agency’s Safer Cities programme which was launched 20 years ago following a request from African mayors seeking to combat crime in their cities.

Hao Cheng caught up with Ms Kacyira at the Habitat 3 conference held this week in Quito, Ecuador.

Duration: 3’31”