Approximately one in eight people on Earth live in informal settlements, and more than 300 million people have no home at all.
Modern.az reports, citing the UN website, that this was recalled at the United Nations on the occasion of World Habitat Day, observed on October 6.
This day is observed annually on the first Monday of October. Its purpose is to remind the world of every person's right to adequate housing and the importance of the development of cities and other settlements. Housing problems are not limited to developing countries. For example, in wealthy nations like the USA, many young people are deprived of the opportunity to obtain decent housing.
This year, Habitat Day is held under the theme “Urban Solutions to Overcome the Crisis.” This year, the UN focuses on finding large-scale solutions to forced displacement problems.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated in his message released on this day: “Armed conflicts, political instability, and the climate crisis have forced 123 million people to leave their homes, and most of them are seeking refuge in cities and towns already facing difficulties.”
He emphasized that cities can offer effective solutions to these problems: “A city is not just buildings constructed from bricks.”
Guterres also called for the creation of more sustainable cities where everyone feels safe and comfortable.
Within the framework of World Habitat Day, a series of events will be held at the headquarters of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Nairobi. These events will be dedicated to promoting effective urban solutions, the importance of urban and territorial planning, inclusive urban governance, as well as the role of local authorities in improving conditions for forcibly displaced persons.
Furthermore, today and tomorrow, the fifth meeting of the UN Mayors Forum will be held at the Palace of Nations in Geneva under the theme “Cities Shaping the Future.” Mayors from various countries around the world will exchange experiences and prepare joint recommendations emphasizing the key role played by cities and local governance bodies in shaping a sustainable future. (Source: Azertac)
