Earlier 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.

Loren 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".

The population in cities around the globe is growing exponentially and is occurring in underdeveloped areas least able to cope with the increased demands. A recent conference convened scholars and practitioners to discuss the challenges and opportunities of urban assistance.