News
Megacities: The Real Population Bomb?
Apr 11, 2012If forecasts hold, the 21st century will be the urban century—with three-quarters of world population residing in cities by 2050. In this set of interviews, two experts project dramatically distinct scenarios for our swiftly urbanizing planet.
Call for Papers: Reducing Urban Poverty
Jan 25, 2012The Comparative Urban Studies Project, USAID’s Urban Programs Team, the International Housing Coalition, the World Bank, and Cities Alliance are teaming up a third time to co-sponsor an academic paper competition for graduate and PhD level students focused on different challenges facing urban centers in the developing world.
Why Washington History Matters: Lessons from U Street
Nov 22, 2011Why Washington History Matters: Lessons from U Street reviews the importance of U Street for Washington, D.C. history, arguing that the exploration of local history can expand our knowledge of larger questions of urban life.
Kennan Institute Director Blair Ruble Speaks on the Challenge of Urban Diversity in Russia
Sep 21, 2011Kennan Institute Director Blair Ruble delivered a major speech on urban diversity in an era of large-scale migration in Yekaterinburg (September 12) and Moscow (September 19). The Moscow speech was delivered at a conference cosponsored by the Kennan Institute and the Gorbachev Foundation.
Those Who Would Carry the Water
Dec 24, 2010This article by Mark Nepo will appear as the introduction in the forthcoming Fetzer Institute and Wilson Center publication, Our Shared Future: Environmental Pathways to Peace, based on an event cosponsored at the Wilson Center in January 2009.
Defusing the Bomb: Overcoming Pakistan's Population Challenge
Jun 16, 2010Pakistan's population—currently about 185 million—is expected to rise to 335 million by 2050. On June 9, the Wilson Center hosted a day-long conference to examine both the challenges and opportunities of Pakistan's demographics, and to discuss how best to tackle the former and maximize the latter.
Lethal Rockslide in Cairo Slum Reveals Government's Lack of Preparedness
Sep 29, 2008Earlier this month, approximately eight boulders weighing 60-70 tons each split from the edges of the Muqattam cliffs and fell onto densely populated Manshiyet Nasr, a slum in eastern Cairo, killing more than 100 people and destroying 30-50 homes. This tragedy and the ensuing conflict between residents and local authorities highlight the need for effective governance and urban planning to alleviate poverty and rapid urbanization and avoid conflict.
2.5 Billion Lack Access to Proper Sanitation Facilities, Say UNICEF and WHO
Jul 18, 2008July 2008 – UNICEF and WHO release new report on global water supply and sanitation. Data shows improved water access, but lag in proper sanitation.
Podcast: Loren Landau Discusses Migration and Urban Transformation in South Africa
Jun 17, 2008Loren Landau, Director of the Forced Migration Studies Program at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, sat down with CUSP Program Associate Allison Garland to discuss migration and urban transformation in South Africa. Landau was at the Wilson Center to participate in a major conference on "Transnational Migration to New Regional Centers".
Transnational Migration to New Regional Centers
May 29, 2008Recent violent attacks against immigrants in poor areas of Johannesburg remind us that migration is one of the most pressing issues facing policymakers today. On June 4, fourteen leading specialists from around the world will convene at the Woodrow Wilson Center to discuss how new migrant communities are transforming cities across the globe and to explore local strategies to better integrate migrant communities.
