World Habitat Day 2022

Context

The United Nations observes the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day.

Key-points

• In 1985 the United Nations designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day. 
• The idea is to reflect on the state of our 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 human habitat. 
• First celebrated in 1986, Nairobi was the host city. 
• The theme was “Shelter is My Right”.
• The purpose of this initiative is to promote the fundamental right to have adequate shelter.
• The host city for the 2022 edition is Balikesir, Turkiye.

The concerning issue

• This issue has been worsened because of the triple Cs – coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, climate and crisis.
• These three Cs have halted the progress made towards poverty alleviation.
• The day calls for the prioritization of addressing urban poverty and inequality and promotion of local actions focusing on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.