World Habitat Day, observed annually on 7th October, is crucial in elevating global consciousness around the imperative of sustainable urban development and equitable access to housing. The UN recognises the day to reflect on the state of towns and cities and the basic right of all adequate shelter.
This year’s theme underscores habitat protection as crucial for preserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable development & addressing climate change.
Engaging youth to create a better urban future
In 1985, The United Nations General Assembly officially designated the First Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day through Resolution A/RES/40/202 to spread and promote the idea that everyone deserves a decent place to live.
Healthy habits are vital for improving living conditions worldwide. Several international legal frameworks are in place to protect habitats. Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognises a right to an adequate standard of living. Article 11 of the International Convent on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights acknowledges the right to adequate food, clothing, and housing. This treaty obliges state parties to take steps to ensure this right. Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals aims to make “Cities and human settlements inclusive, safe resilient.”
The theme for World Habitat Day 2024 is ‘Engaging youth to create a better urban future.’ Various activities worldwide are organised to scrutinise the problems of rapid urbanisation and human poverty. Activities may include award ceremonies, including the ‘The Habitat Scroll of Honour’ award. The award aims to acknowledge initiatives that have made outstanding contributions in various fields such as shelter provision, developing and improving the human settlements and the quality of urban life.
Several International Organisations are collaborating with UN-Habitat for World Habitat Day 2024. International Organisation for Migration works with UN-Habitat to enhance urban planning in displaced areas, focusing on creating safe and inclusive cities. A significant financial institution, the World Bank supports urban development projects that improve living standards. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) collaborates with the UN-HABITAT to address settlement issues in crises.
Habitats are essential as they provide the resources and conditions for species to survive and flourish. Habitat loss results in species extinction, disrupts ecosystems, and diminishes biodiversity. This imbalance affects food chains, increases human-wildlife conflicts, and exacerbates climate change, directly impacting both wildlife and human welfare.
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