Celebrating Public Space on the Occasion of World Habitat Day 2022

Every October, UN-Habitat (UN-HABITAT) and its partners organize a month of events and discussions on urban sustainability. The events, which start with World Habitat (Human Settlements) Day on the first Monday of October every year, and end with World Cities Day on October 31, are called Urban October. Urban October is an opportunity for everyone to be part of the conversation about the challenges and opportunities created by rapid change in our cities and towns. Every October, under the Urban October, anyone interested in sustainable urbanization, from national and local governments to universities, NGOs, and communities, are encouraged to organize or participate in virtual and/or physical events and discussions. World Habitat Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985 with Resolution 40/202 and was first celebrated in 1986, also corresponds with World Architecture Day. Its purpose is to reflect on the state of our cities and the fundamental right of everyone to adequate shelter. At the same time, World Habitat Day aims to remind the world that we have the power and responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns and which is celebrated on the first Monday of October every year.

This year, in 2022, World Habitat Day (WHD 2022), under the theme "Mind the Gap. Leave No One and Place Behind" looks at the problem of growing inequality and challenges in cities and human settlements.
World Habitat Day 2022 seeks to draw attention to the growing inequalities and vulnerabilities exacerbated by the triple 'C' crises — COVID-19, climate, and conflict.

As part of the collaboration, the EMU Urban Research and Development Center (URDC) and City Space and Architecture (CSA) are organizing a webinar on World Habitat Day this year as a part of the series to celebrate public spaces under the scope of this significant international occasions.

Please join us on 3rd October 2022 for Mind(ing) the Gap & Leave(ing) No One and Place Behind!

Concept Note for WHD 2022