Abstract
This paper was written by the InFocus Programme “Boosting Employment through Small Enterprise Development” (IFP/SEED) and the “Employment Intensive Investment Branch” (EMP/INVEST) of the ILO. It was established at the occasion of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Istanbul+5, 6-8 June 2001. This Background Paper to the UNGASS on Istanbul+5 addresses the link between urban poverty and urban employment, and how the partners involved could work together to increase the decent employment opportunities for the urban poor. It pulls together strategic directions and practical approaches to job creation generated by the ILO and others over the past five years. The aim of the paper is to make a case for policies and strategies that put jobs at the heart of urban upgrading. If we want to get cities to work, we should improve the work of the poor. More and better job opportunities must be created in response to the huge demand for improved living conditions and a clean environment in urban settlements. Providing institutional frameworks in which people can create and take advantage of opportunities to earn a decent living for themselves and their families should be a priority of the future urban agenda.