ABSTRACT
Cities are places where people come together, they are the ultimate gathering places and some have been so successful in this regard that many, such as Delhi, Mexico City, Shanghai, Dhaka, Tokyo, Cairo and others are now approaching or exceeding 20 million people in size. Where cities attract large numbers of people, and especially cities that are global in outlook, they become centres of diversity. The great success of the city lies in its ability to accommodate these differences and its ability to provide homes and livelihoods for a wide range of people. However, within cities markedly different degrees of success are achieved in creating environments that meet the needs of these diverse populations. Unfortunately, not everyone feels welcomed or adequately supported as is the case for three groups examined in this chapter: migrants, indigenous people and people with disabilities. The chapter goes on to explore the challenges planners and all those responsible for urban development and decision making face, in addressing diversity and difference in the city. Planning can and must play a role in arresting the ‘obsession’ with market ideology and help to re-centre urban planning and development on social and spatial justice, enabling cities to work for all.
