What happens when cars are banned for a day? 🚫 Every week, Colombia's capital city of Bogotá closes 75 miles of streets to cars from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm on Sundays and holidays throughout the year. This bold move aims to give space back to cyclists, pedestrians, and skaters through its iconic Ciclovía. Since a one-day protest in 1974 against cars, the car free day continued with over 1.5 million people participating every Sunday. Not only has it promoted more active travel amongst people in the city, but also improves air quality and brings down noise pollution. During Ciclovía, the number of tiny, harmful particles in the city's air is 13 times lower than on a regular weekday and in line with WHO recommendations. Plus, noise levels are seven times lower. This is the power of local action 💪 Join us at #WUF12 to drive more local actions and initiatives for a sustainable urban future. 🔗 wuf.unhabitat.org/wuf12 👉 World Urban Forum (source: https://loom.ly/y0zXRB8 - Instituto Distrital de Recreación y Deporte) #SustainableCities #SustainableDevelopment #SDG11
UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme)
International Affairs
Creating socially and environmentally sustainable cities and communities
About us
UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity responsible for developing urban policies and translating them into action to create sustainable cities and communities. Cities are facing unprecedented demographic, environmental, economic, and social challenges. There has been a phenomenal shift towards urbanization, with half of the world's population living in cities. By 2050, almost 70 per cent of the population will reside in cities. This urban growth will be happening mainly in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In the absence of effective urban planning, the consequences of this rapid urbanization will be dramatic. Urban policies need to change to turn this rapid urban growth into opportunities to create a better quality of life for people. UN-Habitat is at the helm of this change. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to address the issues of urban growth and sustainable urban development.
- Website
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unhabitat.org
External link for UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme)
- Industry
- International Affairs
- Company size
- 1,001-5,000 employees
- Headquarters
- Nairobi
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1978
- Specialties
- Urban Legislation, Land and Governance, Urban Planning and Design, Urban Economy, Urban Basic Services, Housing and Slum Upgrading, Risk Reduction and Rehabilitation, and Research and Capacity Building
Locations
Employees at UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme)
Updates
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What makes a truly sustainable city? 🏙️ Dive into our Urban Dictionary – your go-to guide to key terms and concepts linked to taking action on the #SDGs to drive sustainable urban development. Ready to explore? #SustainableDevelopment #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #SDGs #Urbanization
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Thank you, for your support on World Habitat Day and for highlighting the crucial role of youth in shaping sustainable urban futures. UN-Habitat shares your commitment to empowering young people, especially as cities rapidly expand. The Pact for the Future offers a valuable opportunity to ensure their leadership in building resilient cities.
By 2050, cities will host nearly 70% of the world’s population, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive urban planning. Today, on #WorldHabitatDay, we recognize the role of youth in shaping a sustainable urban future. As cities rapidly expand, especially across Africa, empowering young people is essential to create inclusive, resilient communities. The recently adopted Pact for the Future and its annexes offer us the opportunity to ensure that youth are empowered to lead and build the cities of tomorrow. We must champion their voices and leadership. UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme)
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This year's #WorldHabitatDay in Querétaro broke all records. We had 1,600 participants representing 288 cities and 88 countries and more than 1,000 people tuned online to watch the celebrations. #WorldHabitatDay was the 11th trending topic across #Mexico. Grateful to Edna Elena Vega Rangel, Minister of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development of Mexico, for her invaluable participation in #WorldHabitatDay 2024 in Querétaro. As she rightly emphasized during the opening ceremony, "The vision for habitat should extend beyond technical aspects, it should be recognized as a #HumanRight, beginning with #AdequateHousing." We thank the Governor of the State of Querétaro Mauricio Kuri and the Municipality of Queretaro for organizing an amazing event and mobilizing participation. World Habitat Day was not only about celebrating our collective achievements but also about recognizing the role of the youth in advancing sustainable development. This year’s celebration is a testament to Mexico’s commitment to advancing sustainable urban development. With the collaboration of visionary leaders and the energy of youth, we’re charting a path towards inclusive and sustainable cities. Anacláudia Rossbach Elkin Velásquez ONU-HABITAT América Latina y el Caribe UN-Habitat Youth
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Yesterday we came together in Querétaro, Mexico, to celebrate the theme "Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future." As cities continue to grow rapidly, we are reminded of the vital role young people play in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments. 🌆 With 70% of the world’s population expected to live in cities by 2050, the future of urban development relies on the energy, creativity, and leadership of youth. More on #WorldHabitatDay: https://loom.ly/lH_7_o8
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UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) reposted this
Yesterday, on #WorldHabitatDay, I was reminded of my time as an educator during my lecture at Columbia | SIPA. It was a true honour to address the next generation of leaders shaping the future of our cities and communities. Youth, like adults, face some of the biggest challenges of urbanization—poverty, unemployment, inadequate housing, and #climatechange. Yet they also bring innovative ideas and unmatched energy to overcome these obstacles and drive sustainable urban development. This year’s #WHD theme, “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future,” emphasizes the importance of young people's active participation in building sustainable cities and communities. I reiterated that UN-Habitat has long recognized this. Through some of our initiatives like the Young Gamechangers Initiative and Youth 2030 Cities, we look to empower young leaders to develop out-of-the-box solutions for urban challenges. I couldn't resist mentioning our Youth Advisory Board which ensures that youth voices guide our policies and programmes, while the upcoming World Urban Forum 12 Egypt or #WUF12 will further elevate youth perspectives, particularly through the Children and Youth Assembly. We must continue to encourage the involvement of young people in decision-making processes and recognize their unique perspectives and ideas. UN-Habitat Youth
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What an incredible day of inspiring conversations and bold ideas! This year's #WorldHabitatDay was packed with dynamic discussions on engaging the youth to create a better urban future. From youth-led innovations in sustainable #urbanmobility to the game-changing role of the youth in #climateaction the event showcased how the next generation is leading the charge. A huge thank you to our host country Mexico, where World Habitat Day 2024 became a trending topic! The country's enthusiastic participation highlighted the power of collective action and community-driven change, reminding us all how essential local voices are in driving global solutions. Let’s keep the momentum going as we gear up for #WorldCitiesDay 🌃 #WorldHabitatDay2024 #YouthForChange #TrendingInMexico
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🚦World Habitat Day Roundtable 2: Moving Forward - Youth-Driven Solutions for Sustainable Urban Mobility 🌍🚴♂️ Youth-led initiatives are revolutionizing mobility in cities worldwide, ensuring that no one is left behind. Join us as we explore how young innovators are leading the way toward sustainable urban mobility. Tune in: https://loom.ly/6xbzq94 #Youth4Change #UrbanOctober #WorldHabitatDay
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Join us for Roundtable 1 on 'Youth power leading the charge against climate change' where young leaders are stepping up to take on one of the biggest challenges of our time- climate change. From innovative solutions in energy efficiency to sustainable urban development, these young changemakers are reshaping the future of our cities and planet. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation! Be part of the movement and learn how youth are driving climate action in urban spaces! 📹 https://loom.ly/jbiJLSw #Youth4Climate #WorldHabitatDay #ClimateAction
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The opening ceremony of #WorldHabitatDay began with powerful messages that highlighted youth leadership, inclusivity, and collaboration for a sustainable urban future! 🌱🏙️ UNICEF is championing a global movement involving over 30,000 young people who are shaping the cities of tomorrow. "Youth play a decisive role in building a more equitable and sustainable future," said Peter Grohmann, UN Resident Coordinator in Mexico, referencing the #PactForTheFuture. Fernando Carrera Castro, UNICEF Representative in Mexico, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the transformative power of youth leadership worldwide. Mayor Felipe Fernando Macías Olvera of Qromunicipio warmly welcomed attendees, expressing pride in hosting the event alongside Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat. "Mexico will continue to strengthen collaboration with UN-Habitat to promote more inclusive cities," reaffirmed Enrique Javier Ochoa Martínez, Undersecretary of Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights at Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tune in for the next session: https://loom.ly/Glvz1ZA #UrbanOctober #Youth4Change