The world's cities are burgeoning. Fifty years ago, New York was the only metropolis with a population of more than10 million. Today there are 19 such cities. At present, some three billion people live in cities and towns. Between 1990 and 1995, cities in the developing world grew by 263 million people -- the equivalent of adding one Los Angeles every three months.
These facts were brought to notice at the first un World Urban Forum which opened in Nairobi recently. The aim of the forum is to explore innovative policies and best practices for sustainable urbanisation. In a video message, un deputy secretary-general Louise Frchette stressed the need to create cities that work for people and not against them.
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