UN Secretary-General calls for more equitable urban development

The world needs to reaffirm people’s basic right of shelter and everyone should reflect on the transformation of urban environments, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres, has said in a message to mark World Habitat Day.

Mr António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Ms Anacláudia Rossbach, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat.

World Habitat Day 2024 is a global observance aimed at raising awareness about the importance of sustainable urban development, adequate housing, and access to basic amenities.
This annual event provides an opportunity to reflect on the state of cities and towns and to advocate for positive changes that promote better living conditions for all. World Habitat Day calls for action to address housing challenges, urban inequality, and environmental sustainability.
Mr Guterres said: “As we celebrate World Habitat Day, let us support youth everywhere, include young people in decision-making, and build cities where people of all ages can thrive.”
This year’s theme highlights the vital role of young people in creating a better urban future. By 2030, 60 percent of urban residents will be under the age of 18.
As cities continue to grow, so does the opportunity to tap into the energy of young people to turn urban challenges into opportunities, he said.
As last month’s Summit of the Future made clear, young people are crucial to building a more equitable and sustainable future.
Making the most of that potential requires investing in education, expanding digital skills, fostering entrepreneurship and promoting youth-led initiatives on climate action, affordable housing and durable mobility.
All of this and more is vital to shaping vibrant, inclusive and resilient cities and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms Anacláudia Rossbach said “Engaging youth to create a better urban future. we celebrate this World Habitat Day for our cities, the force driving us toward a better future.”
“On this day, we invite you to engage with us to find solutions and ensure that the right to housing and sustainable cities and communities is a reality.”
“As baby-boomers and Generation X pass the baton, we need millennials and Gen Z to step up and shape our world,” she added.
World Habitat Day was set up by the UN General Assembly to reflect on the state of cities and human settlements and the right to adequate housing.
This year’s theme, “Engaging youth to create a better urban future”, calls on young people to lead the way in shaping a world that reflects our shared dreams.

Solar lighting at the Nouhak Phoumsavanh Memorial Park.

Adequate and equitable housing is not just a right; it must become a reality for all.
“We live in a time of multiple crises: housing, conflict, and climate. One billion people are struggling in slums, and over 300 million face the unbearable reality of homelessness.”
Housing is the foundation of sustainable development; it impacts everything from poverty reduction and gender equality to climate action.
As World Habitat Day reminds us each year, cities are the pulse of our societies. They are hubs of economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange. Yet, they are also increasingly challenged by issues such as rapid urbanisation, climate change, and environmental degradation.
In Laos, efforts are being made to build safer, more resilient cities while embracing sustainable, low-emission development strategies, a UN press release stated.
A safe city is one where every resident, regardless of background, can live free from the risks posed by natural and human-made hazards. For Laos, this concept is particularly vital, as many urban areas are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including flooding and storms.
Creating safer urban spaces means designing cities that are resilient to these challenges, with infrastructures that protect and enhance the well-being of all inhabitants.
One of the key priorities for creating safer cities involves the integration of risk-reduction measures into urban planning. UN-Habitat is partnering with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in the Laos to tackle the issue of urban flood management.

The  Third Lao National Urban Forum.

Low-emission development in the Lao PDR focuses on renewable energy, pollution reduction, and energy-efficient infrastructure. As cities like Vientiane and Kaysone grow, smart cities planning, improved public transportation, and sustainable construction are key to reducing the environmental impact of urbanisation. UN-Habitat, in collaboration with city authorities in Pakxe and Kaysone, has initiated solar lighting pilot projects in public spaces to support green urban development.
On World Habitat Day, we are reminded that the future of our cities lies in sustainable development. The Lao PDR continues its commitment by hosting the 3rd Lao National Urban Forum from the 9th to the 13th of December 2024.
 The forum will gather diverse stakeholders and youth to discuss “SDG Localisation: Partnering with Youth for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals,” shaping a resilient urban future.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 8, 2024)