Every year, the world celebrates World Habitat Day on the first Monday of October and in 2021, the day would be celebrated on October 4.
The United Nations has recognized the day to reflect on the state of our habitats, and the basic right of all to adequate shelter. World Habitat Day is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.
UN said World Habitat Day will amplify the global Race to Zero Campaign and encourage local governments to develop actionable zero-carbon plans in the run-up to the international climate change summit COP26 in November 2021.
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World Habitat Day 2021: Theme
Every year, the day is celebrated under a theme and the theme for this is – “Accelerating urban action for a carbon-free world.”
As per the official site of the UN, this year’s theme recognizes that cities are responsible for some 70 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions with transport, buildings, energy, and waste management accounting for the bulk of urban greenhouse gas emissions.
World Habitat Day 2021: History
In 1985 the United Nations designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day. For the first time, world habitat day was celebrated on the first Monday of October in 1986. The day was first celebrated in 1986 with the theme “Shelter is My Right”. The first event was hosted by Nairobi, Kenya.
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World Habitat Day 2021: Urban October
Urban October is a month of exciting meetings, discussions and events focusing the world’s attention on urban issues and sustainable development. Individuals, organizations, cities, communities, and governments at every level are encouraged to take part in activities that highlight the challenges and solutions relating to cities, towns and communities. Urban October starts with World Habitat Day and ends with World Cities Day, informs the official site.
This year World Habitat Day will open the month-long celebrations with a virtual event on Monday 4 October under the 2021 theme “Accelerating urban action for a carbon-free world”. We will end the month with World Cities Day on 31 October with the theme “Adapting Cities for Climate Resilience”. UN-Habitat invites everyone concerned with promoting sustainable cities and communities to join in the celebration.