World Habitat Day 2022: 3 October

World Habitat Day is marked on the first Monday of October each year, and is recognized by the United Nations to reflect on the state of towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. The day is also intended to remind the world that everyone has the power and the responsibility to shape the future of towns and cities.

Theme

This year’s theme is “Mind the Gap. Leave No One and Place Behind”. The focus is on the growing inequalities and challenges in cities and human settlements. These are the problems that have been aggravated due to what the UN calls triple Cs: Coronavirus (COVID-19), Climate, and Crisis.

History

World Habitat Day was first celebrated in 1986 in Nairobi, Kenya, and the theme chosen for that year was "Shelter is My Right".As urban cities continued to grow and rapidly become economic centres, inadequate planning and lack of resources brought about major problems. In response to this, in 1985, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to observe World Habitat Day. It was to be observed on the first Monday of October every year.

Significance

World Habitat Day is observed to advocate the basic right to shelter. Every person on this planet deserves a good home. Because a decent living condition is a stepping stone to success and opportunities. The day also helps bring to light the need for keeping a check on our environment due to ongoing urbanization. To create a world our future generations will be proud of living in.