Special Forum 13: The Challenges of Hyper-Urbanisation in Emerging Economies: Sustainable and Equitable Development

Hyper-urbanisation in Asia-Pacific and South America is creating the planet's economic, environmental and social flashpoints. In 2008, more people will live in urban than rural areas for the first time in human history. In mega-cities such as Shanghai or Sao Paulo, fundamental human needs vie with social and environmental concerns and highlight the fact that the urban poor are the first to suffer from inequitable development and environmental degradation. 
In this session, an expert panel in urban development will explore the question of how to integrate social and environmental aspects into planning for urban development and infrastructure, policy mechanisms, decision-making, and financing. 



Speakers

Kaarin Taipale, Coordinator, UN Marrakech Task Force on Sustainable Buildings and Construction


Sivasankaran Thampi, Director, Environmental and Development Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)

Yiang Hua, Cornell University, Department of Design and Environmental Analysis

Wayne Westcott, CEO Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), Oceania

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