António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, has stressed the importance of cities working towards inclusive, green, and sustainable growth in his message for World Habitat Day. He believes that investments in sustainable infrastructure, early warning systems, and affordable housing are essential to build greater resilience and protect vulnerable populations. He also noted that local action is necessary, but global cooperation is indispensable.
Currently, more than half of the world’s population is living in cities, and this amount is projected to rise to 70 per cent by 2050. In addition, over one billion people are living in slums, and this number is expected to grow. The goal of creating a fair, just, and green future for all people and the planet by 2030 is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, countries are “far behind” in achieving SDG 11 due to data reporting and monitoring at the national and local levels.
At the official ceremony for World Habitat Day in Baku, Azerbaijan, the leader of the UN’s urban development agency said that the issue of financing was raised by most delegates at the UN General Assembly last month. She also revealed that UN-Habitat is collaborating with over 600 cities worldwide and will soon present a position paper on financing sustainable urbanization.
World Habitat Day is celebrated annually since 1986 and marks the start of Urban October, which is an opportunity to discuss the potentials and threats of a planet that is becoming more urban. The month concludes with World Cities Day on 31 October.