5 things people don’t know about World Habitat Day

By Nneka Nwogwugwu

World Habitat Day is the UN initiative that is aimed at promoting the basic right to adequate shelter and housing for everyone in a world which is densely populated, and has been affected by the impact of urbanisation. It is observed on the first Monday of every October, annually.

This year the event falls on October 4. The theme for World Habitat Day 2021 is ‘Accelerating urban action for a carbon-free world’.

5 major things to know about World Habitat day

1.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1985 had announced its decision to celebrate World Habitat Day annually. Following which the first World Habitat Day was observed in 1986 in Nairobi, Kenya based on the theme ‘Shelter is my right’.

2.Every year, different nations have been fuelling this initiative by opting for relevant themes to boost the drive to end lack of housing or shelter issues. The endeavor revolves around taking actions around – ‘Shelter and Urbanization’, ‘Housing For All- A Better Urban Future’, ‘Shelter for the Homeless’, ‘Future Cities’. These were some of the themes of the previous World Habitat Day events.

3.The importance of such an initiative at global scale stems from the fact that the population density (diversity), poverty, natural disasters and climate crisis have posed a threat to the quality of living. Lack of proper building techniques, and poor infrastructure have led to insecurity, crisis, and chaotic situations.

4.The side effects of unplanned cities, rapid urbanisation and its adverse effects on the environment have given rise to many problems, including the shelter crisis. Around 70% global carbon dioxide emissions are from the urban greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the event aims to develop actionable zero-carbon plans.

5.The endeavor is to come up with appropriate shelter provision, highlight the plight of the homeless, think of leadership in post conflict reconstruction and improve human settlements and the quality of urban life and avoid the crisis of urban sprawl.

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for making cities more environmentally friendly. He said that there are “enormous” benefits of taking this approach, which include reduced climate risk, more jobs, and better health and well-being.

“City leadership in using green materials and constructing energy-efficient, resilient buildings powered by renewable energy, is essential to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050,” said Antonio Guterres in his message for World Habitat Day.