Better Cities, Better Lives

31.10.2015 – Acknowledging the prominent role cities play in economic and social development, the UN has designated 31 October as World Cities Day. The aim of this observance, to be celebrated in Milan this year, is to raise awareness of the necessity of sustainable urbanization.

Today, over half of the world's population, or about 3.9 billion people, live in cities and it is estimated that by 2030 urban areas will be home to nearly 60% of humanity. Rapid urbanization, which is mostly taking place in developing countries, comes at a price, if badly planned. Slumproliferation, inadequate basic services, crime escalation, environmental depletion and climate change are just some of the consequences of ineffective policies.

The importance of urbanization was reaffirmed on 25 September with the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Indeed, Sustainable Development Goal #11 states that it is necessary to “make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.”

This year, the general theme of World Cities Day, “Better City, Better Life”, will be accompanied by the sub-theme “Designed to live together”. The goal is to emphasize the dimension of togetherness and harmony, and to encourage efforts to make our cities liveable spaces, generating employment and inclusive prosperity, while fostering social cohesion.

According to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, “Our struggle for global sustainability will be won or lost in cities”.

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UNRIC’s Related Links:

•   World Cities Day

•   UN-Habitat

•   Sustainable Development Goals

Photo Credits:

•   Photo: UN Photo