United Nations marks 40 years of World Habitat Day

The 40th anniversary of World Habitat Day is being marked this year, with the primary commemorative event scheduled to take place in Muscat, Oman. Since its inception in 1986, the day has served as a global platform to address housing challenges and improve urban living.

To mark the milestone, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has outlined key characteristics of an ideal, resilient city. These include the development of compact areas where essential services like schools, shops, and workplaces are within walking or cycling distance to reduce pollution and traffic.

Other priorities include integrating nature-based solutions into urban infrastructure to mitigate extreme heat and rainfall, ensuring the availability of safe and affordable housing for vulnerable populations, and utilizing smart technology for flood warnings and efficient resource management.