ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to introduce some elements of the changing international scenario which is becoming more favorable to enhance local-global linkages, with emphasis placed on urban development issues. It describes current international urban-related initiatives, especially the urban development cooperation strategy of the United Nations Development Program-UNDP in view of international trends, and it outlines some key elements conducive to sustainable urban development practices. The international development community is gradually acknowledging the inter-connections between global and local events and initiatives. Urbanization in developing countries has been accompanied by an alarming growth in the incidence of poverty and environmental degradation. Urban development is the more scientific of arts, or the most artistic of sciences. The "Rural Villages Program" is an initiative of the state of Parana aimed at curbing rural migration by providing housing, infrastructure, services and jobs to rural and peri-urban dwellers.
