In many developing countries, informal settlements are a widespread occurrence. "Informal settlement" is sometimes misinterpreted as a shorthand for urban poverty and misery, overcrowding, and exposure to environmental dangers. This may be influenced by the fact that informal settlements lack essential infrastructural services and facilities and have a high concentration of difficulties to cities' social and political fabric.
Speech By UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka | International Youth Day, 2020 | Youth Engagement For Global Action
Today, as we celebrate International Youth Day, UN Women recognizes the immense value of young people like Doreen who are at the forefront of global action for change, both in responding to the pandemic and in working to address the systemic inequalities it has unearthed. Young people bring fresh legs to the race, fresh eyes to see things from new perspectives, new energy for the long road ahead and sure-footed adaptability to change, despite themselves facing complex challenges and vulnerabilities brought on by the pandemic.