World Habitat Day, established in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly, takes place annually on the first Monday of October. The purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of the world’s towns and cities, and on the basic right for all to adequate shelter.
The theme for World Habitat Day 2021 is Accelerating urban action for a carbon-free world. Cities are responsible for some 70% of global carbon dioxide emissions with transport, buildings, energy, and waste management accounting for the bulk of urban greenhouse gas emissions.
The future of our planet depends on all levels of government and organizations, communities, academic institutions, the private sector and all relevant stakeholders working together to create sustainable, carbon-neutral, inclusive cities and towns.
World Habitat Day will encourage local governments to develop actionable zero-carbon plans in the lead up to the international climate change summit COP26 in November 2021.
You can search the use database using SDG 11 or housing (topics) to learn more about projects and policies that demonstrate effective metropolitan governance around the world. Additionally, the use platform partners with the World Habitat Awards and you will find a selection of their award-winning projects on the use platform here.
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