A National Urban Policy (NUP) is a central tool available to governments and policy makers to facilitate the management and direction of urbanization. A NUP works to turn the challenges of urbanization into opportunities by facilitating discussion and emphasizing the importance of planning and coordination. This planning will facilitate the conditions that are required to turn urbanization into a productive force. This can ultimately increase international competitiveness at the local, regional, and national levels as well as promote the socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable growth of human settlements.