World Habitat Day 2009 to be celebrated on October, 05

The United Nations has designated the first Monday in October each year as the World Habitat Day (WHD).  The idea is to reflect on the state of human settlements and the necessity of adequate shelter for all.  It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of human habitat. 

The theme for the WHD 2009 is ‘Planning our urban future’. The theme has been chosen in order to raise awareness for improvement of urban planning to deal with new challenges of the 21st century, as in both developed and developing countries, cities and towns are increasingly feeling the effects of climate change, resource depletion, food insecurity, population growth and economic instability. For these reasons, urban planning needs to be given a fresh focus and the thematic World Habitat Day 2009 will be celebrated on 5th October, 2009. 

 Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation is organizing World Habitat Day 2009 celebrations in New Delhi to commemorate the Day. The focus will be on “Inclusive Planning” and the shifts, technological innovations and financial instaurations to achieve the same. 

Kumari Selja, Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Tourism will deliver the World Habitat Day Address. Secretaries in the States / Union Territories  dealing with Housing and Human Settlement, Mayors / Municipal Commissioners of 63 Mission Cities and other Dignitaries have been invited for the celebrations.