David Sanderson is Professor and Inaugural Judith Neilson Chair in Architecture at UNSW, Sydney. David has worked across the world in development and emergencies, both in practice, with NGOs and, latterly, in academia. In recent years, David is Editor of the 2016 IFRC World Disasters Report and the author of the ODI/ALNAP 2019 Good Practice Review in Urban Humanitarian Response. Laura Bruce is Research Associate for the Judith Neilson Chair in Architecture at UNSW, Sydney, where she is supporting research in urban resilience both internationally and in Australia. Laura has over 12 years’ experience working for international NGOs in project management, advocacy and research for development and humanitarian programmes.
An insightful read on the urgency for a critical understanding of cities in the Asia Pacific region with thoughtful analysis by leading experts. The combination of case-studies and interrogation of cross-cutting themes provides a concrete approach to address the pressing issues facing vulnerable populations with a focus on resilience. -Ronak B. Patel, Director of Urbanization and Resilience Program, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative The rapid rate of urbanization poses challenges in how humanitarian actors plan, prepare for and respond to disasters. The breathtaking speed of change in the urban environment urgently requires adaptability and agility on the part of humanitarians. Urbanisation at Risk is a timely publication as it provides pragmatic advice to a policy makers and inspiring examples to practitioners. For the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies with its broad reach to communities through its 192 national societies around the world, this book is essential reading, not only to ensure engagement at the policy level, but also in the design of appropriate programmatic interventions in towns and cities where we work. -Jemilah Mahmood, Under Secretary-General, Partnerships, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies