Rapid global urbanisation will test governments

Subject

City fragility.

Significance

Urbanisation can bring employment, educational and social opportunities to many people, but rapid urbanisation, especially in lower and middle-income countries, is creating areas where public service provision and economic opportunity are low and susceptibility to security threats is high.

Impacts

• Lower and middle-income countries are set to see the bulk of the world’s urbanisation over the coming decades.
• City development will become synonymous with national development.
• Connecting urban communities with the global economy will be crucial for prosperity.
• However, this will require adequate protection from international criminal networks.