Growing Cities

This year, the State of the World Population Report 2007, issued by the United Nations Population Fund, highlights the positive and negative aspects of the rapid increase of people living in cities around the world. In Asia alone, it is estimated that urban population grows from 1.4 billion to 2.6 billion between the year 2000 and 2030. Together, we need to plan action to face this global phenomenon, with full participation of city people, including present slum dwellers. The special needs and rights of the urban poor have to be considered in each city plan. No one can survive living in the city without having adequate shelter, sanitation, electricity and clean water supply. Women, whether rich or poor, need special reproductive health and family planning services. City youth need, not only education and employment opportunity, but also sexual/health and environment-related education, especially the prevention of HIV/AIDS. I recommend that all policy-makers read this interesting report in order to make urbanization a positive force for change. They are key groups of people that can take real action to prevent future disaster that will come from a more crowded-living space and the danger that will come from the rising of sea level as a result of global warming. Also, all governments need to have better policy to stem population migration into urban areas.

Filed under Environment, United Nations, World Affairs |