World Habitat Day is annually observed on the first Monday of October and this year, the international event will be marked on October 7. The day focuses on inclusive growth and calls for equal access to urban resources and opportunities. The day further stresses the need for policies that ensure people of the world have a voice in urban planning and development. The global event aims to address the challenges and opportunities of rapid urbanisation by focusing on the active involvement of young people in shaping sustainable cities and communities. World Habitat Day was established by the United Nations in 1985 to reflect on human settlements and the basic right of all to adequate shelter. October 2024 Festivals, Events and Holidays Calendar: Complete List of Important National and International Days and Dates. 

Every year, the themes of World Habitat Day address issues like sustainable urban development, inclusive cities, housing challenges, and improving living conditions in slums. Each year, a different theme is selected to highlight specific challenges or opportunities in urban and housing development. World Habitat Day 2024 theme is ‘Engaging youth to create a better urban future’.

World Habitat Day 2024 Date

World Habitat Day 2024 will be observed on Monday, October 7.

World Habitat Day History

World Habitat Day was first celebrated in 1986 in Nairobi, Kenya and the theme chosen for the first observance was "Shelter is My Right". The United Nations General Assembly decided that World Habitat Day should be an annual event and the first Monday of October was chosen. The day is celebrated in many countries around the world and various activities are organised to examine the problems of rapid urbanisation and its impact on the environment.

World Habitat Day Significance

World Habitat Day is an important global awareness day that focuses on addressing global challenges related to human settlements and urbanisation. According to UN data, by 2050, cities are projected to host approximately 70% of the world’s population, highlighting the pressing need for inclusive urban planning and sustainable development.

The international event highlights the global housing crisis, where millions of people still lack adequate shelter and brings attention to issues such as homelessness, slums, and unsafe living conditions, emphasizing the basic human right to shelter.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 04, 2024 09:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).