World Habitat Day observed globally

2 October 2017: World Habitat Day

The World Habitat Day was celebrated across the world on 2 October 2017 with the theme ‘Housing Policies: Affordable Homes’.

The day is celebrated to reflect on the state of the world’s towns and cities and to emphasize the basic right of all to receive adequate shelter.

Background

• The United Nations In 1985 designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day.

• The day was first celebrated in 1986.

• The declaration is intended to remind the world of its power and responsibility to shape the future of all cities and towns.

• The United Nations Human Settlements Programme in 1989 launched the ‘UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour award’.  It is the most prestigious human settlements award in the world.

• The winners of the award are honoured on the occasion of the day.

Following are some of the UN-Habitat’s main focus areas:

• Inclusive housing and social services

• A safe and healthy living environment for all — with particular consideration for children, youth, women, elderly and disabled

• Affordable and sustainable transport and energy

• Promotion, protection, and restoration of green urban spaces

• Safe and clean drinking water and sanitation

• Healthy air quality

• Job creation

• Improved urban planning and slum upgrading

• Better waste management

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Current Affairs 2017