Basic Information
World Cities Day is observed on 31 October every year to promote cooperation among countries to meet opportunities and address challenges of urbanization and contribute to sustainable urban development around the world.
Observed on: 31 October
Organized by: UN, UN-Habitat
Introduced in: 2013 (UN Declaration), 2014 (First Observation)
Observed: Worldwide
About Cities Day
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on 27th December 2013 to designate 31st October as World Cities Day. Aim of the observation is to increase cooperation among countries to meet opportunities and address challenges of urbanization and contribute to sustainable urban development around the world.
The importance of the observation is more as about half of the population living in urban areas and increasing daily. Urbanization is having a role and acting as a source of global development and social inclusion. Cities are also playing major role in country’s economy, market and cultural identity.
Activities and Programs on the Day
The day is observed with a general theme Better City, Better Life. Different sub-themes are selected every year to either promote successes of urbanization, or address specific challenges resulting from urbanization. United Nations Member States, all United Nations System, in particular UN-Habitat, relevant international and regional organizations, etc. taking part in this observation to raise awareness of the day.
Panel discussions, seminars, campaigns are conducting on this day as part of the observation and to spread awareness of the day.
Theme for World Cities Day
The general theme of World Cities Day is Better City, Better Life. Every year a different sub-theme is selected and are as follows.
World Cities Day 2020 Theme is “Valuing Our Communities and Cities“
Cities Day 2019 Theme was “Changing the world: innovations and better life for future generations”
Cities Day 2018 Theme was “Building Sustainable and Resilient Cities“
2017 Theme: Innovative Governance, Open Cities
2016 Theme: Inclusive Cities, Shared Development
2015 Theme: Designed to live together
2014 Theme: Leading Urban Transformations