UNICEF Urban, Division of Policy and Strategy

UNICEF's global urban work is coordinated by UNICEF's Division of Policy and Strategy in New York. We develop and coordinate programmes and policies that improve living conditions for the most disadvantaged children and adolescents living in cities worldwide.

Today, for the first time in history, half of the world's people - including more than one billion children - live in cities and towns. By 2030, the majority of the world's children will grow up in urban areas. Infrastructure and services are not keeping pace with urban population growth and he poorest urban families are at risk of violence, exploitation, disease, natural disasters and without access to the most basic of services, which can mean the difference between life and death.

By addressing climate impacts in cities, environmental pollution, high rates of violence and unemployment, increasing food prices, and access to water and sanitation, UNICEF aims to develop strong public-private partnerships, advocacy and innovative design solutions for communities living in slums and informal settlements.