ENB:11:01
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RURAL/URBAN DEBATE:
One issue that remained unresolved by
the end of the Conference was its focus. Most countries wanted a
focus on the urban issues such as housing, shelter, air, water,
sewage and transport. For the Conference to be a success it must
define its focus and it should not attempt to tackle too many
issues. Boutros Boutros-Ghali was clear in his view that the proper
focus of the Conference should be on cities, hence his suggestion
that this be called "The City Summit." However, a few countries,
particularly in Africa, argued that the Conference should focus on
the poor, regardless of their rural or urban location. Many African
interventions noted that too much attention was being given to
urban areas. They suggested the Conference should focus on the poor
and their living conditions, regardless of whether they live in the
country or the cities. Several States noted that the Guidelines
require more emphasis on rural areas, particularly in developing
countries. Ecuador highlighted that it is the rural exodus to the
cities that creates many of the problems and hence the rural
problems deserve much more focus. Senegal suggested that there
should be no distinction between rural and urban human settlements,
rather discussion should focus on how all citizens can have access
to basic infrastructure and services.