UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity responsible for developing urban policies and translating them into action to create sustainable cities and communities. Cities are facing unprecedented demographic, environmental, economic, and social challenges. There has been a phenomenal shift towards urbanization, with half of the world's population living in cities. By 2050, almost 70 per cent of the population will reside in cities. This urban growth will be happening mainly in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.In the absence of effective urban planning, the consequences of this rapid urbanization will be dramatic. Urban policies need to change to turn this rapid urban growth into opportunities to create a better quality of life for people. UN-Habitat is at the helm of this change. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to address the issues of urban growth and sustainable urban development.