UN-Habitat has launched the application process for cities to express interest in hosting the global observance of World Habitat Day or World Cities Day in 2023 and 2024. All completed applications should be received by 31 January 2023.
The two days – World Habitat Day and World Cities Day – are part of Urban October’s efforts to raise awareness of sustainable urbanization and share innovative practices and solutions to advance the New Urban Agenda and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UN General Assembly established World Habitat Day in 1985. It is celebrated on the first Monday of October. The World Habitat Day programme includes a high-level ceremony, a presentation of the prestigious UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award, and roundtables on urban topics. In 2023, World Habitat Day will be observed on 2 October. In 2024, it will take place on 7 October.
World Cities Day is celebrated on 31 October. This day was established in 2013 by the UN General Assembly, with the first global observance held in Shanghai, China, in 2014. World Cities Day has an overall theme of Better City, Better Life.
The topic of World Habitat Day 2023 will be linked to resilient urban economies: cities as drivers of growth and recovery and, in 2024, to engaging youth to create a better urban future.
The topic of World Cities Day 2023 will be linked to financing a sustainable urban future for all and, in 2024, to youth leading climate and local action for cities.
Cities can apply to host World Habitat Day or World Cities Day 2023 and 2024. The UN-Habitat’s selection committee will review all received applications and announce the host cities from 1 March 2023 onwards.
Article republished from UNHabitat Website (CC)