World Habitat Day

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World Habitat Day

By Dr Arvind Kumar

Today is World Habitat Day. The first Monday of October every year has been designated by the United Nations as World Habitat Day. The underlying idea is to reflect on the state of towns and cities and the basic right of all, to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat. This year’s theme Better City, Better Life highlights collective vision of a sustainable urban world that harnesses the potential and possibilities, mitigates inequalities and disparities, and provides a home for people of all cultures and ages, both rich and poor. With half of humanity now living in an urban environment, the world is at the dawn of a new urban era. Cities are the greatest legacy of humanity and the greatest achievement of our civilization. Around the world and through the centuries cities have endured and survived wars, famine, natural disasters, epidemics, crumbling empires, and the disappearance of the gods, kings and queens for whom they were built.

This year’s global observance of World Habitat Day is being held at the ongoing Shanghai World Expo 2010 in China. The World Habitat Day 2010 is an occasion to undertake following five strategic steps:

1. Improving the quality of life, especially for the estimated 1 billion people living in slums and other sub-standard housing around the world.

2. Increased investment in human capital.

3. Fostering sustained economic opportunities.

4. Enhancing political inclusion.

5. Promoting cultural inclusion.

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