2024 Theme: Engaging youth to create a better urban future
The , marked on 7 October 2024, is under the theme “Engaging youth to create a better urban future.” This event aims to address the challenges and opportunities of rapid urbanization by focusing on the active involvement of young people in shaping sustainable cities and communities. The observance focuses on how we can engage the new generation in planning their urban present and future through participatory processes and local leadership opportunities.
ends on Saturday, 05 October 2024 at 18:00 (UTC-06:00, Mexico time).
See the .
The world is rapidly urbanizing, and many urban residents these days are young people, especially in some countries in Africa and Asia. Currently, youth in the global South make up 70 per cent or more of cities.
By 2050, cities are projected to host approximately 70 per cent of the world’s population, highlighting the pressing need for inclusive urban planning and sustainable development.
Despite global efforts, the United Nations acknowledges persistent challenges in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in the areas of poverty, inequality, and the looming threat of climate change. These and other issues pose significant obstacles to the equitable growth and resilience of urban areas worldwide. Mobilizing support from all segments of society is crucial, with a particular emphasis on engaging the youth. Empowering youth and involving them in urban decision-making is essential for developing inclusive and resilient cities. By harnessing the energy, creativity, and perspectives of youth, cities can work towards more sustainable and equitable development, ensuring a brighter future for all.
World Habitat Day presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the contributions of youth to sustainable urbanization, while addressing the challenges of rapid urban growth.
2024 Scroll of Honour Award
UN-Habitat, the United Nations agency focusing on sustainable urbanization, is awarding its prestigious 2024 Scroll of Honour Award. Nominations closed on 17 May 2024 and . The winners will receive their awards at the global observance of World Habitat Day in Querétaro City, Mexico, on 7 October 2024. More information on the Award.
Background
The United Nations designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of our habitats, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. The Day is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.
In 1985 the United Nations designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day. The idea is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities and the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.
History
World Habitat Day was first celebrated in 1986 with the theme "Shelter is My Right". Nairobi was the host city for the observance that year. Other have included: "Shelter for the Homeless" (1987, New York); "Shelter and Urbanization" (1990, London); "Future Cities" (1997, Bonn); "Safer Cities" (1998, Dubai); "Women in Urban Governance" (2000, Jamaica); "Cities without Slums" (2001, Fukuoka), "Water and Sanitation for Cities" (2003, Rio de Janeiro), "Planning our Urban Future" (2009, Washington, D.C.), "Better City, Better Life" (2010, Shanghai, China) and Cities and Climate Change (2011, Aguascalientes, Mexico).
Scroll of Honour award
The UN-Habitat Award was . It is currently the most prestigious human settlements award in the world.
The Scroll of Honour Award aims to acknowledge initiatives which have made outstanding contributions in various fields such as shelter provision (providing adequate, affordable, and accessible housing), highlighting the plight of the homeless, leadership in post conflict reconstruction, and developing and improving the human settlements and the quality of urban life.
The Scroll of Honour Award recognizes both individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to urban development.
As last month’s Summit of the Future made clear, young people are crucial to building a more equitable and sustainable future. […] Let us support youth everywhere, include young people in decision-making, and build cities where people of all ages can thrive."
António Guterres
Resources
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Documents
- (Habitat III)
Future building: towards a sustainable habitat
The energy-intensive building sector alone accounts for 39 per cent of global carbon emissions. In light of this, a fundamental transformation is the only option for the sector to become eco-responsible. Innovative technologies, the role of recycling in the built environment, the use of natural materials, and construction techniques adapted to local conditions are some of the paths to be explored in the quest for more sustainable architecture.
