Date: June 27, 2007 Time: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Organization:	UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund
Location:	National Press Club, Holeman Lounge 529 14th Street NW, 13th Floor Washington, DC
For More Information:	Micheline Kennedy, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, mkennedy@ccmc.org, 202-326-8710
Sees Hope But Cites Dangers, Calls for Policy Changes In a major milestone next year, 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 percent of the world’s population. Rather than reacting to urban problems as they emerge, we need to prepare now for urban growth and its impacts. On June 27, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, releases State of World Population 2007: Unleashing the Potential of Urban Growth. The report warns of dire consequences from inaction in the face of inevitable urban growth. It makes recommendations on ways to deal with the imminent doubling of urban populations in Africa and Asia. It also delivers some surprises: growing cities could have some positive impacts on the environment. BREAKFAST BRIEFING 9:30 am EDT Wednesday, June 27 National Press Club, Holeman Lounge 529 14th Street NW, 13th Floor Washington, DC George Martine, Principal Author, State of World Population 2007 Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) Christopher Flavin, President, Worldwatch Institute Kathy Bushkin Calvin, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, United Nations Foundation Sarah Craven, Chief, Washington DC office UNFPA – Moderator The UNFPA report examines the dangers to low-lying cities, such as New Orleans, from rising sea levels. It gives examples of creative urban planning that helps to equalize income disparity – through investments in public transportation, parks and other strategic use of public space. For an advance embargoed report, contact Micheline Kennedy, mkennedy@ccmc.org