World Habitat Day is observed on the first Monday of October every year. This year, it is being observed on October 3 across the world. 3 October 2022 is also the 37th Anniversary.
World Habitat Day 2022 seeks to draw attention to the growing inequalities and vulnerabilities that have been exacerbated by the triple ‘C’ crises - COVID-19, climate, and conflict. A cascade of triple ‘C’ crises challenges is hitting the most vulnerable populations the hardest. According to the United Nations Habitat’s World Cities Report, the number of people affected was between 119 and 124 million in 2020, and between 143 and 163 million in 2021.
Tackling urban poverty and inequality have become an urgent global priority. The 2022 theme is: "Mind the Gap. Leave No One and Place Behind". The theme focusses on the problem of growing inequality and challenges in cities and human settlements.
The first World Habitat Day was celebrated in Nairobi, Kenya in 1986 and the theme chosen for that year was 'Shelter is My Right”.
The United Nation’s Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, “to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”, identifies sustainable urbanisation as one of the key priorities for global development. The adoption of the Urban Agenda by the United Nations in 2016 has seen national and local governments around the world embark on a transformative path towards making SDG 11 a reality. Everyone can help to make sure that the Global Goals are met.
Ten targets to create action to make cities and communities sustainable
- Safe and affordable housing.
- Affordable and sustainable transport systems.
- Inclusive and sustainable urbanisation.
- Protect the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
- Reduce the adverse effects of natural disasters.
- Reduce the environmental impact of cities.
- Provide access to safe and inclusive green and public spaces.
- Strong national and regional development planning.
- Implement policies for inclusion, resource efficiency and disaster risk reduction.
- Support least developed countries in sustainable and resilient building.
Event suggestions include:
- Engage in a Twitter chat on the theme of World Habitat Day.
- Promote World Habitat Day through social media - Tag your posts for World Habitat Day with #WorldHabitatDay.
- Use this occasion to publish, reward and demonstrate improvements in urban issues in your community.
- Approach local media to write articles or do radio or television pieces on the themes or organise interviews with policy makers, government officials, academics, journalists, other professionals, and community representatives.
- Promote World Habitat Day through social media - Tag your posts for World Habitat Day with #WorldHabitatDay.
Cities and local governments play a front-line role in responding to crises and emergencies, as well as in planning for an inclusive, resilient, and green future. To prepare urban areas for future catastrophes, we need to start with cities. Thus, local action and local implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals is more important than ever.
World Habitat Day Poster 2022 (1.49 MB)
