Every year on the first Monday of October, World Habitat Day is marked to encourage harmonious interactions among people and to advance human equality. World Habitat Day 2022 falls on October 3rd, 2022 is being observed under the theme “Mind the Gap. Leave No One and Place Behind”. The theme is aimed at shedding light on challenges in cities and human settlements as well as the issue of growing inequality.
The goal of World Habitat Day 2022 is to raise awareness of the growing disparities and vulnerabilities that the triple “C” crises of COVID-19, climate change, and conflict have worsened.
In order to raise awareness about the condition of our habitats and everyone’s fundamental right to sufficient shelter, the United Nations declared the first Monday in October of each year as World Habitat Day. The Day also serves as a reminder that each of us has the ability and obligation to influence the course of our communities and towns.
World Habitat Day was established by the UN in 1985 and is observed on the first Monday in October each year. The purpose is to consider the state of our cities and towns as well as everyone’s fundamental right to safe, suitable housing. It also serves to remind everyone of their shared responsibility for the preservation of human habitat.
Message from UN Secretary-General and the Executive Director, Antonio Guterres on World Habitat Day
Each year, World Habitat Day focuses attention on the state of human settlements. This year’s theme – ‘Mind the Gap. Leave No One and No Place Behind’ – puts the spotlight on widening inequalities in living conditions across the world. A cascade of challenges – from climate chaos and conflicts to COVID-19 – is hitting the most vulnerable populations the hardest.
Addressing Poverty and Inequality: An Urgent Global Priority
Years of progress in the fight against poverty have been reversed by the pandemic and recent conflicts. As a result, there are now more poor people than ever before, including those who would have been able to escape poverty in the absence of the pandemic but are now stuck in it as well as those who have fallen into poverty as a result of it. According to the UN-Habitat World Cities Report, between 119 and 124 million people were impacted in 2020 and between 143 and 163 million in 2021. Urban poverty and inequality reduction are urgent worldwide priorities.
