World Habitat Day being observed today

World Habitat Day is being observed today (Monday) to address the problems of rapid urbanisation and its impact on the environment and human poverty.  

Every year, the day is observed on the first Monday of October to reflect on the state of our habitats, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter.

This year, the theme of the day is “Mind the Gap. Leave No One and Place Behind”.

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. Every person on this planet deserves a good home. Because a decent living condition is a stepping stone to success and opportunities. The day also helps bring to light the need for keeping a check on our environment due to ongoing urbanization. To create a world our future generations will be proud of living in.

The day seeks to focus on the growing inequalities and challenges in cities and human settlements. These are the problems that have been aggravated due to what the UN calls triple Cs: Coronavirus (COVID-19), Climate, and Crisis.  

These triple Cs have hampered the progress made against poverty. The UN calls tackling urban poverty and inequality an “urgent global priority”. They have called for local actions toward Sustainable Development Goals.

In 1985 the United Nations designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day. First celebrated in 1986, Nairobi was the host city. The theme was “Shelter is My Right”.