World Cities Day

The global observance is organized by UN-Habitat under the general motto of "Better City, Better Life"

At the end of this month (31 October) we are celebrating the World Cities Day. Designated by the United Nations’ General Assembly in 2013, it is “expected to greatly promote the international community’s interest in global urbanization, push forward cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization, and contributing to sustainable urban development around the world.”

While each year the event passes under the slogan of 'Better City, Better Life', each year there is a different sub-theme addressed. Likewise, every year, there's a different host city which represents a different sub-theme, such as urban progress or urban challenges that we need to pay attention to.

But why celebrate cities?

Simply put, it’s because there are loads of people living in cities. Actually, the urban population exceeds half the world’s population. As the number is expected to grow twofold by the mid-century, urbanization proves to be one of the most influential global trends.

Naturally, this massive phenomenon is related to both challenges and opportunities. Alongside the issues related to housing, environment, climate change, infrastructure, basic services, food security, health, education, decent jobs, safety, and natural resources, one can also look forward to the myriad of opportunities for sustainable development.

It is widely believed that the battle for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will either be won or lost in cities, as they are drivers of innovation, industry, technology, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Global cities create prosperity, enhance social development and provide employment.

World Cities Day strives to educate the public to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems and to celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity.