Manila, Philippines – To call attention to the need for better shelter around the world and to let it be known that affordable, adequate housing should be a priority everywhere, World Habitat Day is observed on October 1 each year. With the theme for 2012 “Changing Cities, Building Opportunities,” UN-Habitat underscores the need to plan our cities and seeks to involve all in making their cities a better place to live in.
The fate of mankind is closely linked to the success or failure of human settlements. Many cities and towns have existed for thousands of years. The local environments from which they drew their resources. The unplanned growth of cities has led to chaotic development and an urban sprawl that has caused congestion and over
population.
But when planned, cities can continue to afford opportunities to the present and future generations. Cities are places where most economic activity takes place, where great wealth is generated, and where cultural centers receive much attention.
There is need to ensure the implementation of policies and initiatives for the efficient use of resources by cities. In the forefront of efforts to make sure that our cities are socially just, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable is the United NationsHabitat with its vision of an ecologically balanced urban world that provides a home for all cultures and ages, both rich and poor.
We greet the Officials of United Nations-Habitat headed by its Executive Director Joan Clos, Assistant Executive Director Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, for the United Nations Development Program Helen Clark, for their efforts to change the systems that can provide the world with better human settlements, and wish them success in all their endeavors. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!
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