The Challenges of Urbanization in India are unprecedented in scale and significance. The magnitude of the challenge can be understood from the sheer fact that our urban areas may be required to accommodate 250-300 million people in addition to the population that they are already home to at present in about two decades from now.

The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) and the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) have released a preview of guidelines titled “Are We Building Competitive and Liveable Cities?”  The guidelines address the development of eco-efficient and sustainable urban infrastructure in Asia and Latin America.

Kathmandu Valley has been subject to a rapid process of urbanization. Particularly noteworthy in recent years has been the spiraling price of land, with an associated boom in the real estate sector and land speculation.

The objective of World Water Day 2011 is to focus international attention on the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialization and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems.

Citizens, governments and the United Nations increasingly are embracing a new paradigm for development: the Green Economy. Proponents seek to develop their economies along pathways of higher, more equitable growth at lower carbon, energy and resource intensity. The Green Economy is pro-growth and pro-jobs, as well as pro-environment.