“According to the 2007 United Nations Population Fund “State of World Population” report, urbanization in Vietnam is a reality and is fuelling economic, social and cultural development.” In order to turn population growth into a positive shift, Vietnam must develop a long-term plan using pre-emptive, and pro-poor policies. Vietnam presently has 500 urban centers, occupying only 27% of the nation’s population. This number however, is expected to increase to 45 percent, and about 46 million people in 2020. While natural increase drives urban population, in Vietnam the urban growth is supplemented by internal migration. These new urbanites are poor women and men hoping to improve their lives and that of their children. The report recommends that policymakers see the right of the poor to live in cities, and to also take action to plan long-term strategies that will reduce poverty and promote equilibrium in both large urban areas and smaller towns where the population growth is occurring. Mr. Ian Howie reported that, city and national governments, together with civil society and international organizations, need to work together to plan for the growth of urban areas – including the needs of the poor for adequate land, housing and public space.” To promote the report, the UN is hosting a Film Festival in Hanoi entitled “Tales of the City”. The series of ten films shows the challenges and opportunities associated with urban growth.
I like this article because it shows a new way of informing the public of urbanization through the films. Showing the films will highlight the challenges the cities face but also the opportunities that are available. It will take a lot to make this urbanization positive, but it is accomplishable and can be done through proper planning.
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/social/2007/11/756185/
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