In order to address the issues of growing urbanization, its effects on the environment, and human poverty, World Habitat Day is commemorated in many countries across the world. 

As stated by the United Nations, towns are responsible for over 70% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, with transportation, construction, energy usage, and waste management making up the lion’s share of these emissions. This day promotes the UN-Habitat Climate Action 4 Cities initiative and the worldwide Race to Zero campaign, as well as encourages local governments to create workable zero-carbon strategies ahead of the COP26 International Climate Change Summit in November of this year.

The first Monday in October has been recognized as the World Habitat Day every year since the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voted to make it an annual celebration. The inaugural World Habitat Day was held in 1986 with the slogan “Shelter is my right.” In the inaugural year, Nairobi, Kenya served as the host city.

Before the Coronavirus pandemic began, the United Nations estimates that over 1.8 billion people were already residing in slums and informal settlements, subpar housing, or being homeless in cities all over the world. The demand for a house has significantly increased throughout the epidemic in order to create a secure environment for living, working, and learning.

The goal of this day is to raise awareness about everyone’s responsibility for the survival of humankind in a safe and healthy habitat.