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October 31, 2024 10:24
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World Cities Day 2024 is set to be celebrated on October 31, 2024. Learn more about the World Cities Day 2024 theme, history, and significance.
World Cities Day 2024 is observed on October 31. This day raises awareness of the effects of urbanization. The United Nations promotes sustainable development through this global observance. The focus is on making cities inclusive, safe, and resilient. Urbanization is happening rapidly, particularly in countries like India. Sustainable urban growth is essential to handle these changes effectively.
The goal is to encourage balanced, sustainable urbanization across the globe. World Cities Day highlights the importance of global collaboration for better cities. It emphasizes the need for strategic urban planning. Here is an overview of World Cities Day 2024:
| World Cities Day 2024 Overview | |
| Particular | Details |
| Date | October 31, 2024 |
| Inception | First observed in 2014 (10th Anniversary in 2024) |
| Founder | United Nations |
| History | Established by UN resolution on December 27, 2013 |
| Objectives | To raise awareness of urbanization’s role, promote its global interest, and enhance cooperation to tackle challenges. |
| Slogan | Better City, Better Life |
| Theme | Youth leading climate and local action for cities |
| Activities | Seminars, lectures, conferences, educational programs, and social media campaigns with an annual theme. |
The theme for World Cities Day 2024 revolves around “Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities.” This year’s theme emphasizes the significant role young people play in advocating for climate resilience and driving sustainability in urban spaces. It highlights how youth can contribute to innovations in renewable energy, green infrastructure, and climate adaptation measures to help create more sustainable, resilient cities worldwide.
This theme also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable
World Cities Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 through its resolution 68/239. It was first observed on October 31, 2014, as part of the broader UN-Habitat agenda to promote sustainable urbanization.
The idea for World Cities Day originated from the Shanghai Declaration, which was made during the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China. The declaration emphasized the importance of sustainable urban development to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization.
Key Points to Remember:
World Cities Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable urban development and the critical role cities play in shaping the future of our planet. With more than 55% of the global population living in urban areas, the challenges related to infrastructure, housing, transportation, pollution, and inequality are more pressing than ever.
The celebration encourages collaboration between governments, civil society, businesses, and international organizations to address these challenges through innovation and policies that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience in urban planning.
India is urbanizing rapidly, with one of the fastest urbanization rates in the world. By 2036, around 600 million people are expected to live in towns and cities. This will mean about 40% of India’s population will be urban, up from 31% in 2011. Urban areas are projected to contribute nearly 70% of India’s GDP. This shift reflects the significant economic role of urban centers.
Rapid urbanization in India has brought both opportunities and challenges, including the need for better infrastructure, affordable housing, and efficient transportation systems.
The rise of smart cities and urban planning initiatives, like the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), aim to address these issues by promoting sustainable urban development in India.
| Year | Percentage of Population in Urban Areas |
| 1990 | 25.78 |
| 2001 | 27.92 |
| 2021 | 35.39 |
| 2036 (proj) | 40%+ |
While urbanization offers numerous benefits such as economic growth and access to services, it also poses several challenges in India:
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