World Cities Day: Importance, History, All You Need To Know

Every year, World Cities Day is celebrated on October 31 to make people aware about the role of urbanisation in global sustainable development. It encourages cooperation among countries in playing a key role in addressing the challenges of urbanisation. The day also instils everyone to contribute towards sustainable urban development.

History of World Cities Day

In a bid to promote global urbanisation, while also initiating action for sustainable development, the United Nations passed a resolution A/RES/68/239, in which the General Assembly decided to designate 31 October as World Cities Day.

How is World Cities Day Celebrated?

Since 2014, every year World Cities Day is celebrated across the globe, which includes seminars, lectures and social campaigns. United Nations (UN) plays a key role in selecting a theme each year that enables it to promote urbanisation globally.

What is the theme for 2024?

Last year, the theme was ‘Financing sustainable urban future for all’. It talked about exploring steps through which we can unlock transformative investment in urban planning while also laying focus on achieving adequate fiscal decentralisation. This year's theme is "Youth climate changemakers: Catalysing local action for urban sustainability,". It aims to showcase the participation of local governments and young people in addressing climate change in urban areas.

Notably, several initiatives, including the Pact for the Future and the Declaration on Future Generations aim at prioritising sustainable urban environments. Also the upcoming Summit of the Future acts as a platform that aims to integrate perspectives of youth into the global policy.

What are the trends of the urban population?

By 2050, about 70% of the population is expected to live in cities, which will face tough challenges due to climate change. It is also estimated that about 60% of the global population will live in urban areas, of which 60% of the urban dwellers will be under 18. The global south continues to struggle with poverty and environmental degradation, requiring an immediate call for action.