Cities have long attracted people seeking opportunities, and today, the global urban population grows by 1.4 million weekly. By 2050, two-thirds of the world's population is projected to live in cities. Without proper urban planning, this rapid growth will increase the number of people vulnerable to disasters, diseases, and climate change, with the poorest communities facing the greatest risks due to their limited resources and location in high-risk areas.

Unplanned urbanization also poses challenges for authorities and humanitarian organizations in disaster response and recovery. Urban hazards often create cascading effects, such as floods leading to power outages. Cities, with their densely packed populations, face increased competition for resources, and their complex infrastructure—like water, sanitation, and transport systems—leaves residents highly dependent and vulnerable when these systems fail. Coordination among multiple stakeholders is crucial to managing these risks.