For the first time, the World Urban Forum will take place in Latin America. At that March 2010 gathering in Rio de Janiero, one major topic will be at the center of the debates: What has become of urban planning?
The United Nations Human Settlements Program - more popularly known as U.N.-Habitat - will be one of the main actors at the forum. It works with professionals and organizations from governments, civil society and the private sector to improve the lives of the urban poor worldwide.
Cecilia Martinez leads the agency’s regional office in Latin America and the Caribbean. She spoke with Devex about the current challenges facing urban planners and gave some advice for those eager to work in the developing world, notably in Latin America.