Urban October, World Habitat Day

Urban October

Urban October is an opportunity for everyone to be part of the conversation about the challenges and opportunities created by the fast rate of change in our cities and towns. Each October, everyone interested in sustainable urbanization from national and local governments to universities, NGOs, and communities is encouraged to hold or participate in activities, events, and discussions.

The month begins with World Habitat Day on the first Monday of the month and ends with World Cities Day on 31 October. Activities take place on those specific days or at any time during the month.

All stakeholders, cities can harness transformational change and ensure a better life for all in an urbanizing world.

World Habitat Day

World Habitat Day is held on the first Monday of October and launches Urban October. The day centers around the global observance, which is held in a different country each year with keynote speakers and roundtable discussions focused on a specific theme. World Habitat Day was first celebrated in 1986 in Nairobi, Kenya, with the theme ‘Shelter is my right’.

On 2 October 2023, the Global Observance of World Habitat Day, under the theme "Resilient urban economies. Cities as drivers of growth and recovery", looks at how cities can position their economies to benefit residents.