These are symptoms of mismanagement, lack of resources and failure to adapt to progressive social, cultural and economic trends in a changing world. Many cities are no longer efficient places for production, commerce and employment. On the other hand, enhanced communication, increased trade and capital flows and technological developments offer new opportunities for cities, not least in developing countries, to provide the framework for accelerated and ecologically sustainable industrialization. Thus cities can be part of the world economy and be the engines for sustained economic growth and sustainable development. If present urban problems are not solved, however, they will become obstacles to stability, well-being and the attainment of sustainable development.
Many countries are simultaneously sources of, and destinations for, migrants.
International migration, in its various forms, continues to be a matter of concern. Globalization is also interrelated with international mobility of women and men. Today, millions of people live and work outside their own country. Their particular needs for housing, education, employment and social integration without loss of cultural identity will be given adequate protection and attention within host countries. Throughout the world, millions of human beings are refugees or internally displaced persons, owing to war and natural disaster.