The supplement focuses on the urban wave of the 21st century and addresses both the challenges and the promises of this phenomenon, focusing especially on the youth who are affected the most. Through the profiles of young men and women from seven city centers across the globe, a sense of the opportunities and risks of modern urban living are brought to light. Challenges such as inadequate health services and education, housing problems, urban crime, sexual abuse and violence are dealt with and actions for overcoming them have been suggested. Meanwhile, the autonomy that is associated with urban living as well as the youth urban culture that exists in the cities is some of the aspects viewed on a more positive note. Finally the report points out the importance of using this urban wave as an opportunity to enhance development and promote sustainability by consulting and investing in the potential of the youth in world cities. Thereby they will be directly involved in ensuring that they receive the right to lives of opportunity; free of poverty, violence and abuse.