Kazuko Ishigaki: Social risks on rise in Asia-Pacific

Rapid urbanization in the Asia-Pacific region is increasing climate and social risks, Kazuko Ishigaki, Regional Director of UN-Habitat for Asia and the Pacific, said during World Urban Forum 13 in Baku.

Report quotes her as saying the region is experiencing a period of rapid urbanization: nine of the world"s ten largest megacities are located in Asia, while cities are expanding faster than existing urban planning systems can adapt.

"Urban growth often outpaces the development of housing and basic infrastructure, increasing pressure related to climate vulnerability, environmental degradation, migration, and deepening inequality," Ishigaki said.