Established by the United Nations, World Habitat Day is celebrated every first Monday of October each year. This day is set aside to reflect on the state of our habitats and remind us all of our basic right to adequate shelter. In 2022, the day fell on the 3rd of October and was commemorated at Vigyan Bhawan under the auspices of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
The Purpose of World Habitat Day
World Habitat Day serves as a reminder to the global community that we all have the power and responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. This year, the focus was on addressing the increasing inequalities and vulnerabilities worsened by the Triple ‘C’ Crises: COVID-19, Climate Change, and Conflict, under the theme “Mind the Gap. Leave No One Behind and No Place Behind.”
History of World Habitat Day
The United Nations officially designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day in 1985. The inaugural celebration took place in 1986, anchored on the theme “Shelter is My Right.” Nairobi, Kenya, had the honor of hosting this landmark event.
Habitat Scroll of Honour Award
To support and recognize initiatives contributing to shelter provision and similar causes, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (U.N.-Habitat) launched the Habitat Scroll of Honour Award in 1989. As it stands, this award holds the highest reverence in the world for contributions to human settlements.
WHD Celebrations at Vigyan Bhawan: Key Highlights
Vigyan Bhawan’s celebrations for World Habitat Day 2022 emphasized various schemes focused on marginalized sections, including Pradhan Matri Awas Yojana (PMAY), PM SVANidhi scheme, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAY-NULM), and Swachh Bharat Mission. The aim is to achieve Sustainable Development Goals’ central pledge ‘leave no one behind’ by 2030 and make cities cleaner, greener, and sustainable for the next quarter-century.
India’s Initiatives for Urban & Rural Management
India has undertaken several initiatives for urban and rural management. These include Smart Cities AMRUT Mission, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005, Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
Understanding UN-Habitat Contributions
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), was established in 1978 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). It promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all. Partners include governments, local urban authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community organizations, and the private sector. UN-Habitat contributes to reducing poverty and promoting access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation, aligning with the overall objective of the United Nations system.
