Today 50 % of the world population lives in urban centers by 2030 this is expected to increase to 60%. The majority of the largest cities, known as Mega Cities are in developing countries while 90% of the population growth of developing countries will be urban in nature.

Migration from rural to urban areas is often trigged by repeated natural disasters and lack of livelihood opportunities. However, at the same time many mega-cities are built in areas where there is a heightened risk for earthquakes, floods, landslides and other natural disasters.

Many people living in large urban centres such as slums lack access to improved water, sanitation, security of tenure, durability of housing, and sufficient living area. This lack of access to basic services and livelihood leads to increasing risk of discrimination, social exclusion and ultimately violence.