DOCSLIB.ORG

World Habitat Award Finalists 25

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
World Habitat Award Finalists 25 The Building and Social Housing Foundation Building and Social Housing Foundation (BSHF) is an independent research organisation Memorial Square that promotes sustainable development and Coalville innovation in housing through collaborative Leicestershire research and knowledge transfer. LE67 3TU United Kingdom Established in 1976, BSHF works both in the UK ( ) and internationally to identify innovative Tel +44 0 1530 510444 Fax +44 (0)1530 510332 housing solutions and to foster the exchange of Email [email protected] information and good practice. Web www.bshf.org BSHF is committed to promoting housing policy Charity Number 270987 and practice that is people-centred and environmentally responsible. All research carried out has practical relevance and addresses a ISBN 1 901742 21 0 range of current housing issues worldwide. PRICE £5.00 PRESENTATION OF THE WORLD HABITAT AWARDS This publication is printed on paper made from ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) pulp supplied by WORLD HABITAT DAY 2006 ISO 14001-certified manufacturers. NAPLES, ITALY AND KAZAN, RUSSIA PRESENTATION OF THE Prepared by Silvia Guimarães, Jennifer Neville and James Robinson © Building and Social Housing Foundation 2006 Extracts from this publication may be reproduced without further permission provided that the source is fully acknowledged. WORLD HABITAT AWARDS WORLD HABITAT DAY 2006 NAPLES, ITALY AND KAZAN, RUSSIA Contents WORLD HABITAT DAY MESSAGE 1 Mr Kofi Annan, Secretary-General, United Nations CITIES: MAGNETS OF HOPE 3 Mrs Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director, UN-HABITAT THE WORLD HABITAT AWARDS 5 Mrs Diane Diacon, Director, Building and Social Housing Foundation WORLD HABITAT AWARD WINNING PROJECTS 8 Building and Construction Improvement Programme, Pakistan Johannesburg Housing Company, South Africa 2006 HABITAT SCROLL OF HONOUR AWARDS 20 THE LATEST FACTS ON MIGRATION 22 WORLD HABITAT AWARD FINALISTS 25 SOURCES OF FURTHER INFORMATION 31 WORLD HABITAT AWARDS 2007 – AN INVITATION TO ENTER 33 A World Habitat Day Message By the year 2050, some six billion people Almost everywhere, cities are the representing two-thirds of humanity will be destinations for people escaping poverty, living in towns and cities. Never before in conflict and human rights violations, or history has the world witnessed such rapid simply those looking for ways to build urbanisation. Neither has it witnessed such better lives. While many migrants head a swift rise in the absolute numbers of to the North, South-South migration also people migrating. The two phenomena – presents tremendous challenges. Major migration and urban growth – are strongly cities such as Dakar, Jakarta, Johannesburg linked, mainly because the majority of or Rio de Janeiro, to cite just a few people on the move go for the bright lights examples, are having trouble of the city. accommodating new migrants when so many long-standing citizens are already As we reflect on the theme of this year’s struggling. observance of World Habitat Day – “Cities, Magnets of Hope” – we must also bear in These and other challenges came into mind that cities can also be places of sharp focus at the third session of the considerable despair. Never before has the World Urban Forum held in Vancouver, world witnessed such a large proliferation Canada in June 2006. That meeting made of urban slums. Today, one billion people, it clear that UN Member States, along or one of every three urban dwellers, live with non-governmental organisations, the in slums. If municipalities and governments private sector and citizens all over the fail to manage urban growth and migration world, need to galvanise their strength as sustainably, this number is expected to never before in the quest for sustainable double in the next 30 years. urbanisation and inclusive cities. Mr Kofi Annan Secretary-General, United Nations A WORLD HABITAT DAY MESSAGE 1 Cities: Magnets of Hope On World Habitat Day, I urge all involved Every year on the first Monday in October According to the latest UN research, to work in partnership to manage one of we use World Habitat Day to reflect on the international migrants numbered 191 the key challenges confronting humanity state of the world’s growing cities and our million in 2005: 115 million lived in in the 21st century. planet’s rapid and irreversible urbanisation. developed countries and 75 million in We worry not only whether we can manage developing countries. Half of these people this growth, but how we can do it positively on the move, it is noted, are women. in a way that makes cities inclusive, welcoming places for all. As we reflect on the theme of World Habitat Day 2006, Cities, Magnets of Hope, As populations increase and more and I wish to draw your attention to some new more people migrate, cities lure us to their facts about the urban world in which we bright lights. Like moths to a flame, we live. These have just been published in our also worry about getting burnt. How many latest State of the World’s Cities 2006/07 more people will end up in the developing report: some time during the course of next world’s growing slums? Will there be jobs, year, demographers watching urban trends shelter, water, electricity, health services, for will mark it as the moment when the world all? Will we be able to cater for their basic entered a new urban millennium with the needs even if we cannot do the impossible majority of people living in towns and cities and meet the aspirations of all? for the first time in history. Rapid and irreversible. Those are the trends The year 2007 will also see the number of today of the greatest rates of migration and slum dwellers in the world reach the one urbanisation the world has known. billion mark – when on average one in Mrs Anna Tibaijuka Executive Director, UN-HABITAT 2 A WORLD HABITAT DAY MESSAGE CITIES: MAGNETS OF HOPE 3 The World Habitat Awards every three city residents will be living in Africa, and to a lesser extent, Latin America The annual World Habitat Award capacity of local people and to ensure the inadequate housing with none, or few, and the Caribbean. competition was established in 1985 by the project’s ongoing financial sustainability. basic services. It is still unclear how this will Building and Social Housing Foundation They have both moved to scale and influence government policies and actions, Cities make countries rich. Countries that (BSHF) to identify innovative and sustainable continue to extend their activity, bringing particularly in relation to Millennium are highly urbanised have higher incomes, housing solutions worldwide. BSHF also very real improvements to the lives of Development Goal 7, Targets 10 on water more stable economies, stronger works to ensure that the approaches thousands of low-income households. and sanitation, and 11 aimed at improving institutions. They are better able to developed in the winning projects are widely Details of the two projects are set out the lives of slum dwellers. withstand the volatility of the global shared, by organising study visits, as well as on the following pages. economy than those with less urbanised publishing and disseminating information in But it is important to understand that the populations. Urban-based economic a range of formats. Ms Rosa Iervolino Russo, Mayor of Naples growth of cities is not just a phenomenon activities account for up to 55 per cent and Mrs Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of migration from rural to urban areas. It of Gross National Product in low-income The winning projects receiving awards in of UN-HABITAT presented a cheque for also entails international migration – people countries, 73 per cent in middle-income 2006 are the Building and Construction £10,000 and a World Habitat Award seeking a better life in other countries both countries and 85 per cent in high-income Improvement Programme of the Aga Khan trophy to each of the two winners. in the North and in the South. Whether countries. Planning and Building Service, Pakistan and they are fleeing conflict, disasters or simply the Johannesburg Housing Company in The World Habitat Award trophies are seeking a better life somewhere else, the And major contributors here are the South Africa. predominantly crafted in solid silver and number of people on the move today is migrants who helped build many of the contain the symbol, in some form, of the greater than ever before. world’s greatest cities, the people who had Despite the differences in the context of the International Year of Shelter for the the courage to pack up and move. We two projects – one comes from the remote Homeless. This year’s sterling silver trophies It is very difficult to stop the flow of people need to look at ways of making our cities mountainous areas of northern Pakistan and have been individually designed and into cities and towns. It is estimated that 93 inclusive places able to provide for all. the other from the poor inner-city areas of crafted by the students of the Jewellery per cent of the future urban population Johannesburg, South Africa – they have Industry Innovation Centre, University of growth will occur in the cities of Asia and Instead of building fortresses, we need much in common. Both projects use a social Central England, Birmingham, United to build more bridges. enterprise approach to help build the Kingdom. Mrs Diane Diacon Director, Building and Social Housing Foundation 4 CITIES: MAGNETS OF HOPE THE WORLD HABITAT AWARDS 5 Mr Murphy Marobe and Princess Zahra Aga Khan receive the World Habitat Award trophies from Ms Rosa Iervolino Russo, Mayor of Naples and Mrs Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-HABITAT on behalf of the Johannesburg Housing Company, South Africa and the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan at the global celebration of World Habitat Day in Naples, Italy.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • UN-Habitat Supporting Brazil Favela Peace Programme Reprinted and Translated Articles Should Communities Making New Be Credited “Reprinted from Urban World”
    urban WWORLDORLD February - April 2011 Cities and Land Rights Volume 3 Issue 1 Volume urban CONTENTS WORLD OPINION IN-FOCUS www.unhabitat.org © 2011 UN-HABITAT 21 Africa 4 Message from the UN-HABITAT A big boost for energy efficient P.O.Box 30030, GPO Executive Director Nairobi 00100, Kenya buildings in East Africa Tel. (254-20) 762 3120 Fax. (254-20) 762 3477 COVER STORY A field trip to remember for E-mail: [email protected] Mozambique architecture EDITOR: Roman Rollnick students CITIES AND LAND RIGHTS EDITORIAL BOARD African Development Bank Anantha Krishnan 5 Land and climate change Christine Auclair boosts Lake Victoria urban Andre Dzikus in a new urban world Edlam Abera Yemeru water programme Eduardo López Moreno Mohamed El Sioufi Jane Nyakairu Helping young people in Lucia Kiwala Mariam Yunusa 8 African ministerial meeting Zanzibar Mohamed El-Sioufi adopts new action plan Naison Mutizwa-Mangiza World Water Week Oyebanji Oyeyinka (Chair) Remy Sietchiping Raf Tuts 22 Asia-Pacific EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS: Flossie Mbiriri, 10 Five years into the Global Japanese generosity Tom Osanjo Land Tool Network (GLTN) COVER DESIGN – a perspective from our Housing support in Andrew Ondoo partners around the world Sri Lanka ADVERTISING Eirik Sorlie To advertise in Urban World, please contact: Thanks to BASF, a new major [email protected] water project for schools 15 Land governance for rapid SUBSCRIPTIONS urbanization Contact: 23 Latin America and the Clarissa Augustinus and [email protected] Caribbean Eirik Sorlie REPRINTS UN-HABITAT supporting Brazil favela peace programme Reprinted and translated articles should Communities making new be credited “Reprinted from Urban World”.
    [Show full text]
  • World Habitat Day 2010 Better City, Better Life
    Century Square, Pudong, Shanghai, China. Photo © Shutterstock World Habitat Day 2010 Better City, Better Life “With half of humanity now living in an urban environment, the world is at the dawn of a new urban era. Expo 2010 in Shanghai, under the theme “Better City, Better Life”, is the first global exposition dedicated to the potential and the problems of urban living in the 21st century.” – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, 2009 “While liveable cities depend upon rational economics, that is just one leg of the stool. If our cities are to be truly sustainable and harmonious, we must improve the lives and well-being of everyone, especially the urban poor. We must not continue to consume natural resources at rates that deny opportunity to our children and grandchildren.” – UN-HABITAT Executive Director Anna Tibaijuka, 2009 2 Shanghai, China. Photo © shutterstock.com Introduction We are pleased to announce that the ills that afflict our daily lives, the global observance of World especially in the developing world. Habitat Day this year will be held The exhibitions will display our at the Shanghai World Expo knowledge, many best practices, 2010. Hosted by China’s Ministry and our unity of purpose in bringing of Housing and Urban Rural the new World Urban Campaign for Development and the Shanghai better, more sustainable cities to a Municipal Commission of Urban and wide global audience. Rural Construction and Transport, the celebration of World Habitat The Better Cities, Better Life theme Day will be a major concluding highlights our vision of a sustainable highlight of the Expo at which the urban world that harnesses United Nations has its own pavilion.
    [Show full text]
  • Sukkot 5772 by Jane Eisner
    Sukkot 5772 By Jane Eisner When I grew up, Sukkot felt like an after-thought following the intensity and purpose of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. No one in my Reform community in a lower-middle-class suburb of New York City ever built a sukkah; instead, we decorated the one at the synagogue—stringing together dried cranberries and making endless links with colored construction paper—and then sat in the finished project a couple of times through the week, as long as the weather held. Only years later, when I had my own family and my own backyard, did my husband and I put up our own sukkah. It is his design—unique and surprisingly sturdy—and when the children were little they would camp out together until the cold, uncomfortable ground drove them inside for hot chocolate and a warm bed. That’s the blessing of Sukkot in my community. There’s a warm bed to go to when the night air becomes inhospitable; there’s a dry table inside if rain leaves giant puddles on the outside furniture and the s’chach droops so low that relaxed dining is impossible. We enjoy the sukkah best when it is just an alternative to home—a symbolic reminder, an echo of the past. But what if it is the present? What if a temporary shelter like this is actually home? For too many people on the planet, “home” is a temporary notion—a series of flimsy, unreliable shelters—as fragile forever as our sukkah is meant to be for a week.
    [Show full text]
  • Adequate Shelter
    World Habitat Day World Habitat Day is observed every year on the first Monday of October throughout the world. It was officially designated by the United Nations and first celebrated in 1986. The purpose of the day is to reflect on the state of our cities and towns and the basic human right to adequate shelter. This year, it will be celebrated on Monday, 6 October 2014. The purpose of World Habitat Day 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 that we all have responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. This year, the United Nations chose the theme Voices from Slums. The campaign aims to recognise lives in slums and give a voice to slum dwellers to improve their living conditions. Habitat Scroll of Honour The Habitat Scroll of Honour awards have been given out by the United Human Settlements Programme (UNHSP) since 1986. The award acknowledges initiatives that make remarkable contributions to fields related to human habitats. Previous World Habitat Days Year Theme Venue 2014 Voices from Slums 2013 Urban Mobility 2012 Changing Cities, Building Opportunities Islamabad, Pakistan 2011 Cities and Climate Change Aguascalientes, Mexico 2010 Better City, Better Life Shanghai, China Planning our urban future Washington, D.C. 2009 2008 Harmonious Cities Luanda, Angola 2007 A safe city is a just city The Hague, Netherlands Development, (SEDESOL) on "Rescue of Public Monterrey, Mexico Spaces Programme" Previous World Habitat Days Year
    [Show full text]
  • New Urban Agenda
    NEW URBAN AGENDA www.habitat3.org #NewUrbanAgenda #Habitat3 NEW URBAN AGENDA © 2017 United Nations A/RES/71/256* New Urban Agenda English 2017 ISBN: 978-92-1-132731-1 The New Urban Agenda was adopted at the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) in Quito, Ecuador, on 20 October 2016. It was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly at its sixty-eighth plenary meeting of the seventy-first session on 23 December 2016. This publication is not subject to copyright, and it may be freely reproduced provided acknowledgement is given to the United Nations. An electronic version of this publication, as well as other documents from the Habitat III preparatory process and the Conference itself, are available for download from the Habitat III website at www.habitat3.org This is a United Nations publication issued by the Habitat III Secretariat. Cover: Quito urban pattern The printing of this publication was supported by the Government of the Republic of Ecuador. ii FOREWORD FOREWORD The New Urban Agenda represents a shared vision for a better and more sustainable future – one in which all people have equal rights and access to the benefits and opportunities that cities can offer, and in which the international community reconsiders the urban systems and physical form of our urban spaces to achieve this. In this unprecedented era of increasing urbanization, and in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, and other global development agreements and frameworks, we have reached a critical point in understanding that cities can be the source of solutions to, rather than the cause of, the challenges that our world is facing today.
    [Show full text]
  • Unitednations Nationsunies
    United Nations Nations Unies T HE PRESIDENT OF THE GEN ERAL ASSEMBLY LE PRESIDENT DE L’AS SEMBLEE GENERALE 7 October 2002 Statement of H.E. Mr. Jan Kavan, President of the 57th Session of the General Assembly, on World Habitat Day Seven October is a day to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to adequate shelter. This year's theme "City to City Cooperation" of the World Habitat Day highlights the importance of different links and networks between cities in this globalizing world. The observance of this day allows us to focus on the overall increasing role of cities, which are becoming the main engines of economic growth and social development in the developing world as well. It is expected that during the next 30 years the populations in cities will double, particularly in Asia. It is therefore necessary to be prepared for the challenges of the future and to fulfill the overall objective of sustainable development. Two years ago the international community agreed on targets relating to shelter and humane settlements as stated in the Millennium Declaration. Indeed "City to City Cooperation" can be perceived as one of the strategies, which can lead to the improvement of lives of 100 million slum dwellers by the year 2020. Partnerships between cities, as a means of fostering sustainable urbanization, through exchange of knowledge and best practices, are increasingly recognized as a promising and cost effective way to urban planning and development. Therewithal, the decentralized approach, which enables direct participation of the local inhabitants, is a very good example of development cooperation.
    [Show full text]
  • CPY Document
    FRANK T. MARTINEZ CITY OF LOS ANGELES Office of the City Clerk CALIFORNIA CITY CLERK Council and Public Services KAREN E. KALFAYAN Room 396, City Hall Executive Offtcer Los Angeles, CA 90012 Council File Wormation- (213) 978-1043 General Wormation- (213) 978-1133 When making inquiries Fax: (213) 978-1040 relative to· this matter refer to File No. HELEN GINSBURG ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA Chief, Connell and Public Services Division 05-2097 MAYOR October 25, 2005 All Councilmembers All City Departments All Boards and Commissions RE: DECLARING OCTOBER 3, 2005 AS WORLD HABITAT DAY AND ENDORSING THE UNITED NATION'S MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS OF POVERTY REDUCTION At the meeting of the Council h~1d OCTOBER 11, 2005, the following action was taken: Attached resolution (Garcetti- Greuel) adopted................ X FORTHWITH ...................................................... ------ Mayor concurred . ... 10/21/05 Ordinance adopted .............................................. ______ Ordinance number ............................................... ------- Publication date ............................................... ______ Effective date ................................................. ______ Mayor approved ................................................. ----~- Findings adopted ............................................... ______ Negative Declaration adopted ................................... ______ Categorically exempt ........................................... ______ Generally exempt .............................................. ·------
    [Show full text]
  • FINAL REPORT UN-Habitat Urban October & Urban Circuit 2019
    FINAL REPORT UN-Habitat Urban October & Urban Circuit 2019 The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Every year, UN-Habitat celebrates Urban October, which begins with was created in 1978 as a result of the first United Nations Conference World Habitat Day (on the first Monday of October) and ends with on Human Settlements (Habitat I). With its HQ based in Nairobi, the World Cities Day (31 October). It aims at encouraging all urban actors capital of Kenya, it is the United Nations agency that works for social, from various sectors to engage in and debate on the rationale and the economic and environmentally sustainable urban development and implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the SDG11. Every Urban promotes adequate housing for all. UN-Habitat has been operating in October two themes are selected for sharing related knowledge and Brazil for more than 20 years, with offices in the cities of Rio de Janeiro experiences to promote a better urban future. In 2019, World Habitat Day and Maceió, acting through projects in several urban themes in cities all theme was “Frontier Technologies as an innovative tool to transform over the country. Waste to Wealth” and for World Cities Day the theme was “Changing the world: Innovations and a better life for future generations”. UN-Habitat actively participates in global agendas, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, structured in 17 Sustainable In order to celebrate these days and raise awareness on these themes Development Goals (SDG), and is mainly responsible for SDG 11, that in a more effective and comprehensive way, UN-Habitat office in Brazil aims to “make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.
    [Show full text]
  • Global Observance of the Annual World Cities Day 2020
    EXPRESSION OF INTEREST 30 August 2019 Global Observance of the Annual World Cities Day 2020 Introduction The United Nations has designated every 31st of October as World Cities Day (WCD). UN-Habitat is the coordinating agency in the United Nations system to organize the annual Global Observation of World Cities Day, together with the host city. UN-Habitat is inviting cities to express their interest in hosting the global observation of the 2020 World Cities Day. World Cities Day was established on 27 December 2013 by the General Assembly in its resolution A/RES/68/239, in which the General Assembly “decides to designate 31 October, beginning in 2014, as World Cities Day, invites States, the United Nations system, in particular UN-Habitat, relevant international organizations, civil society and all relevant stakeholders to observe and raise awareness of the Day and stresses that the costs of all activities that may arise from observing the Day should be met from voluntary contributions”. The WCD has been strongly supported by the People’s Republic of China through the Ministry of Housing and Urban- Rural Development and the Shanghai Municipality. Background WCD is expected to promote the international community’s interest in global urbanization, push forward cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization, and contributing to sustainable urban development around the world. The general theme of World Cities Day is Better City, Better Life, while each year a different sub-theme and a location for its global observance is selected, to either promote successes of urbanization, or address specific challenges resulting from urbanization.
    [Show full text]
  • World Habitat Awards
    The Building and Social Housing Fou n d a t i o n Building and Social Housing Foundation (BSHF) is an independent res e a r ch orga n i s a t i o n Memorial Square that promotes sustainable development and Coalville innovation in housing through collaborative Leicestershire res e a r ch and knowledge transfer. LE67 3TU United Kingdom Established in 1976, BSHF works both in the UK ( ) and internationally to identify innovative Tel +44 0 1530 510444 Fax +44 (0)1530 510332 housing solutions and to foster the exchange of Email [email protected] in f o r mation and good practice. Web www.bshf.org BSHF is committed to promoting housing policy Charity Number 270987 and practice that is people-centred and en v i r onmentally responsible. All res e a r ch carri e d out has practical relevance and addresses a ISBN 1 901742 06 7 range of current housing issues worldwide. PRICE £5.00 PRESENTATION OF THE WORLD HABITAT AWARDS WORLD HABITAT DAY 2004 NAIROBI, KENYA Prepared by Diane Diacon and Silvia Guimarães © Building and Social Housing Foundation 2004 Extracts from this publication may be reproduced without further permission provided that the source is fully acknowledged. World Habitat Awards 2005 Entry Fo r m Please provide the following information relating to the entry that you are submitting. At the prel i m i n a r y submission stage this need only be in the form of a concise summary of the scheme, which contains the following informa t i o n Please note that entries can also be made directly on the BSHF website at ww w.
    [Show full text]
  • The Global Campaign for Secure Tenure
    United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN(UN--HABITAT)HABITAT) UN-HABITAT The Global Campaign for STSecure Tenure From HABITAT Agenda to the Millennium Development Goals Farouk Tebbal Global Manager of the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure Global Campaign for Secure Tenure launch in Rio de Janeiro, 7 October 2003 What is the GCST : UN-HABITAT an entry point to the implementation of The Habitat Agenda •The granting of secure tenure is one of the most important catalyst in stabilising communities •an advocacy instrument of the United Nations • gives a voice to the hundreds of millions of people living in slums •encourages negotiation as an alternative to forced eviction, •promotes legislative reforms, sustainable and affordable shelter policies Global Campaign for Secure Tenure launch in Rio de Janeiro, 7 October 2003 The Global Campaign for Secure Tenure UN-HABITAT essential elements of sustainable shelter strategies 1 - protection of housing rights 2 - secure tenure, 3 - gender equity, 4 - partnership, 5 - access to land and finance 6 - negotiated resettlements (no forced eviction) Global Campaign for Secure Tenure launch in Rio de Janeiro, 7 October 2003 A brief history of the Campaign UN-HABITAT Introduction at regional level • Global Campaign in Latin America , Santiago , Chile 2000 • Global Campaigns in Developed and Transitional Economies 2000 Global Campaign for Secure Tenure launch in Rio de Janeiro, 7 October 2003 A brief history of the Campaign UN-HABITAT Introduction at national level •In Africa: •In South Africa on October 1st 2000 :increased pppopular awareness of issues and led to partnerships between civil society and government •In Namibia during World Habitat Day in 2002:concrete policy and legislative outcomes:bill to go before parliament on flexible land tenure, which will ensure security of tenure for the slum dwellers.
    [Show full text]
  • National Observance of World Habitat Day, 5Th October 2020
    NATIONAL OBSERVANCE OF WORLD HABITAT DAY, 5TH OCTOBER 2020 Introduction World Habitat Day (WHD) is an international day observed on the first Monday of October every year. This day was designated by United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/202A of 17 December 1985. The day accords United Nations Member States an opportunity to share and reflect on their experiences, successful initiatives, and challenges encountered in their efforts to provide shelter and related basic services in a sustainable manner. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility in shaping the future of cities, towns, communities and the entire human habitat. In addition, it provides a forum for governments and stakeholders to take stock of achievements and actions aimed at improving housing and human settlements. World Habitat Day Theme Each year, WHD takes on a new theme and this year’s theme will be Housing for All: A Better Urban Future. This is in recognition of the fact that housing is a fundamental human right which is central in our battle against the spread of diseases including COVID-19 virus especially in our slums and informal settlements. It is for this reason that the Government of the Republic of Kenya has prioritized the cleaning of our human settlements through the National Hygiene Programme with special focus on Slums and informal settlements. The Covid -19 pandemic offers new opportunities for all stakeholders to participate in the process of ensuring that our human settlements are clean and have basic services as we continue working towards sustainable transformation of our cities and communities and hence safeguard a better urban future.
    [Show full text]