Rapid urbanisation in developing nations threatens to trigger a water and sanitation crisis in quickly expanding slums, a report has warned. Charity WaterAid said chronic water shortages in many of the world's slums were being exacerbated by the arrival of millions of people each week.

Populations in developing nations are set to triple over the next 30 years. The authors called on the international community to take urgent action to tackle the problem.

"Sanitation and water are integral to urban development and yet there is no coherent commitment by governments and donors to address this crisis," said Timeyin Uwejamomere, the report's author.

This is the historic promise 189 world leaders made at the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000 when they signed onto the Millennium Declaration and agreed to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The MDGs are an eight-point road map with measurable targets and clear deadlines for improving the lives of the world’s poorest people. World leaders have agreed to achieve the MDGs by 2015.

It’s up to us to make sure leaders follow through on these commitments.

The United Nations Millennium Campaign supports and inspires people from around the world to take action in support of the Millennium Development Goals.

Join the UN Millennium Campaign and be part of the generation that puts an end to poverty.

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