The 2007 edition of the World State Population that UNFPA regularly edits, is dedicated to urban dynamics, and it counts –as it did last year- with a “juvenile supplement”, that analyzes how the “growing up urban” experience is, in different contexts of the entire world.

The supplement includes six specific experiences: “Escaping rural poverty, earning a living in the city” (TianJin, China); “From pavement dweller to community mobilizer” (Mumbai, India); “An Es cape from Urban Violence” (Cairo, Egypt); “Former gang member finds it hard to adjust” (San Salvador, El Salvador); “Fighting against sexual violence: helping girls protect their health” (Rufisque, Dakar metropolitan region, Senegal); “From child marriage, finding freedom in the city” (Dhaka, Bangladesh); “Finding the Right Beat: A Matter of Urban Survival” (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).
 
As it is expressed in the report introduction, “In 2008, for the first time, more than half
of the world’s population will live in urban areas. By 2030, towns and cities will be home to almost 5 billion people. The urban population of Africa and Asia will double in less  than a generation. This will greatly increase the number and proportion of young people in the urban population. Most will be born into poor families, where fertility tends to be higher”.

“The wave of urban population growth –stands out the report - calls for policymakers to consult young people and reflect on their needs, both to realize individual potential and to stimulate urban economies. The  challenges will include increasing the number and quality of schools; attracting new investments to create jobs and economic vitality; and providing health services, including sexual and reproductive health, so that young people can live fulfilling lives and make their own decisions on marriage and family formation”.

This Youth Supplement is a voice on behalf of the right of young people in the world’s cities to  lives of opportunity, free of poverty, violence, and abuse”

The complete report is available at http://www.unfpa.org/swp/2007/presskit/pdf/sowp2007_eng.pdf
 
The Juvenile Supplement is available at

http://www.unfpa.org/swp/2007/presskit/pdf/youth_swop_eng.pdf