UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, hosted a special meeting for delegates attending the 17th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development this month at which she explained that the urbanization of our planet is unstoppable. Addressing some 50 delegates from 33 countries, she described the urbanization process as “irreversible and unstoppable”. She noted that globally, the majority of people now live in cities and small towns. “The world is becoming increasingly urban and this trend is irreversible. While 50 percent of the world’s population currently lives in cities, this number is expected to grow to 70 percent by 2050. Even Africa – the least urbanized of all the regions – is undergoing a process of rapid urbanization. While some 35 percent of Africans live in cities now, the number will increase to 50 percent by 2019 and will reach 60 percent by 2050,” she said. Addressing the theme of the 17th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, she added: “The food crisis is both a challenge and an opportunity.” Mr. Clifford Warmington, President of the 22nd UN-HABITAT Governing Council gave an outline at the special meeting of the main Governing Council conclusions, policy recommendations and resolutions that would contribute to the implementation of the sustainable development commission’s objectives. For further details click here. |
