World Cities Day
#WorldCitiesDay
World Cities Day is a day celebrated every October 31. The aim of World Cities Day is to raise awareness about global urbanization. It is also an opportunity to push for global among countries in meeting opportunities addressing the challenges of urbanization and contributing to sustainable urban development around the world.
World Cities Day was created in 2013 by the United Nations to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities posed by increasing urbanization and to advocate for better urban governance and planning. The day also highlights Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which presents the ambition to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Cities are important for the environment because they are hubs of economic activity and innovation, which can lead to more efficient and sustainable use of resources. Well-planned cities with efficient public transportation systems, compact urban design, and sustainable building practices can help reduce carbon emissions per capita.
Urban populations often have higher levels of education and awareness about environmental issues, which can translate into stronger advocacy for policies and initiatives that promote sustainability and conservation.
And while cities are vulnerable to the impact of climate change, including extreme weather events and sea level rise, they have the capacity to implement strategies for climate change adaptation.
World Cities Day celebrates cities and encourages people from all backgrounds to work together and create a better future for cities worldwide.
How to celebrate:
- Learn about the history of cities
- Visit a new city
- Explore your own city’s neighbourhoods, parks, cultural sites and landmarks.
- Share information on social media to raise awareness about the importance of cities and urban sustainability.
- Advocate for policies that promote sustainable urban planning, transportation, housing, and environmental conservation.
- Engage with your local community to discuss urban issues
- Write to local policymakers to push for positive changes in your city.
Fun Facts:
- The first city was seen in 7500 BC in Mesopotamia
- About half the world’s population lives in cities.
- The UN has predicted that by 2030, there will be 41 megacities (cities that have over 10 million people)
- Istanbul, Turkey, is located on two continents. It sits on either side of the Bosphorus Strait, which divides Europe and Asia.
- The smallest city in the world is Vatican City. It is less than 0.5 square kilometres in size.
- New York City, USA, has the largest rapid transit system in the world, with 472 stations in operation.
- Tokyo, Japan, is the most populous city in the world, with over 37 million people in its metropolitan area.