Date: June 27, 2007 Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Organization:	UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund
Location:	Audio Press Conference
For More Information:	Nancy Bennett, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, 800-834-1110
— Sees Hope But Cites Dangers, Calls for Policy Changes UNFPA releases State of World Population 2007: Unleashing the Potential of Urban Growth on June 27. This report is filled with charts, photos, statistics and projections of a future in which most of us will live in urban centers. And some surprising information on the potentially positive impact of cities on the environment. It comes just in time to provide a wealth of material for stories on World Population Day, July 11. AUDIO PRESS CONFERENCE REPORT RELEASE 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday, June 27 Toll free number: (866) 290-0916 — Password: Urban Future To reserve a line, please call Nancy Bennett: (800) 834-1110 Speakers: George Martine, Principal Author, State of World Population 2007 Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) Christopher Flavin, President, Worldwatch Institute Sarah Craven, Chief, Washington DC office UNFPA – Moderator In 2008, more than half the world’s 6.7 billion people will be living in urban areas. By 2030, this number will grow to 5 billion – 60% of the world’s population. Rather than reacting to urban problems as they emerge, we need to anticipate urban growth and its impacts. The new report examines the susceptibility of low-lying cities, such as New Orleans, to rising sea levels. It gives examples of creative urban planning that help equalize income disparity through public transportation, parks and other strategic use of public space. An accompanying report, Growing Up Urban, contains frank, sometimes disturbing, interviews with seven young adults in cities in China, India, Egypt, El Salvador, Senegal, Bangladesh and Brazil. It calls for a departure from past policies and international support for helping cities achieve education and job training, health care, safe water, sanitation and housing. For an advance embargoed report, contact Nancy Bennett, nancy@nancybennett.info