As the world prepares to mark World Cities Day 2025 on October 31, governments, city leaders, and international organizations are reaffirming their commitment to building people-centerfed smart cities that harness innovation to improve urban living.
This year’s observance, to be hosted at the Grand Halls on the North Bund in Shanghai, China, will be held under the theme: “Innovative Development Towards People-Centered Smart Cities.”
The event will bring together policymakers, mayors, urban planners, and development experts from across the globe to discuss how innovation and technology can be used to enhance sustainability, inclusivity, and the overall quality of life in cities.
World Cities Day was established in 2013 through a United Nations General Assembly resolution and first celebrated in 2014.
The initiative stems from the Shanghai Declaration following Expo 2010, which introduced the enduring slogan “Better City, Better Life.”
Since then, October 31 has become an annual opportunity to reflect on the progress and challenges of urbanization while promoting global cooperation in sustainable city development.
The 2025 theme emphasizes the need for innovation that prioritizes people over technology. Experts note that as urban populations grow, cities must adopt smart systems that address housing, transport, energy, and environmental concerns while ensuring that no one is left behind.
The goal, they say, is to make cities not only more efficient but also more humane and equitable.
Across the world, countries are implementing various initiatives to achieve this vision. China, the host nation, has been expanding its smart city programs, integrating artificial intelligence, green energy, and digital infrastructure to enhance urban management.
The United States and several European nations are promoting sustainable transportation, renewable energy use, and affordable housing.
In Africa, countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda are investing in digital governance and eco-friendly city projects, while India continues to advance its “Smart Cities Mission,” focusing on inclusive and sustainable growth.
At the global level, the United Nations, through UN-Habitat and the SDG Cities Global Conference, continues to provide technical guidance, data support, and policy frameworks to help cities achieve Sustainable Development Goal 11 — ensuring that urban areas are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Collaborative efforts between governments, private sectors, and civil society groups are also being strengthened to ensure that technology serves human development rather than replaces it.
With more than half of the world’s population now living in cities — a figure projected to rise to 70 percent by 2050 — the need for smart, sustainable, and inclusive urban environments has never been more pressing.
As the world looks ahead to World Cities Day 2025, the focus remains clear: innovation must be directed toward improving lives, building community resilience, and creating cities that work for everyone.
The observance on October 31 is expected to reaffirm global unity in the pursuit of a shared vision — cities that are not only smarter and more connected but also truly people-centered, fostering dignity, opportunity, and a better quality of life for all.