Radiografía Urbana6

United Nations Human Settlements Programme
P.O. Box 30030, GPO Nairobi, 00100, Kenya

Telephone: +254 20 762 3120
infohabitat@unhabitat.org
www.unhabitat.org
PHOTO: © Gobierno de Aguascalientes
“Let us work together to combat climate change, encouraging our cities and
towns to vigorously implement mitigation and adaptation measures.”
– UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, 2010
“Urban planning is fundamental for effective climate change action both in

mitigation and adaptation”
PHOTOS: © Gobierno de Aguascalientes
– UN-HABITAT Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos, 2011

World Habitat Day 2011
Cities and Climate Change
Introduction
03
W
e are pleased to announce that Prevention can be greatly enhanced The report seeks to improve knowledge on
the Global Observance of World through better land-use planning and urban development and climate change
Habitat Day this year will be building codes so that cities keep their including the contribution of cities to
held in Aguascalientes, one of the fastest ecological footprint to the minimum, climate change and its impacts on cities.
growing cities,Mexico under the theme of and ensure their residents, especially the More importantly, it identifies promising
Cities and Climate Change. World Habitat poorest, are protected as best as possible mitigation and adaptation measures to
Day 2011 marks the second occasion in against climate change disaster, be it support more sustainable and resilient
two years that Mexico takes a lead on drought, floods, or other calamities. urban development.
climate change. Last year, the country
hosted the United Nations climate change In tackling urban poverty and climate The long lasting cooperation between
talks in Cancún. As UN Secretary General change, we therefore have to think the Estados Unidos Mexicanos (Mexico)
Ban Ki-moon reminded us: “The outcomes globally and locally at the same time. and UN-HABITAT has gradually expanded
in Cancún have given us important tools. We need to understand that the fastest since 2004, when the Ministry for
Now we must use them, and strengthen way to mitigate against climate change Social Development offered to host a
our efforts in line with the scientific disaster is to reduce urban poverty and UN-HABITAT national office. The work
imperative for action.” save as much energy as we can. programme reflects Mexico’s commitment
in achieving significant improvement in
The theme of Cities and Climate Change It is no coincidence that global the lives of slum dwellers, in line with
was chosen because climate change is fast climate change has become a leading the Millennium Development Goals.
becoming the preeminent development international development issue precisely Urban development is closely monitored
challenge of the 21st century. Indeed, at the same time and at the same rate as through an extensive network of Local
no-one today can really foresee the the world has become urbanized. Observatories, and a State of Mexican
predicament in which a town or city will Cities Report is under preparation.
This is why UN-HABITAT’s 2011 Global
find itself in 10, 20 or 30 years time. In Activities today supported by UN-HABITAT
Report on Human Settlements also focuses
this new urban era with most of humanity Mexico focus on the water and sanitation
on Cities and Climate Change. A shocking
now living in towns and cities, we must sector, urban planning and promotion
finding of the report is that greenhouse
bear in mind that the greatest impacts of of urban safety and conviviality in public
gas emissions spewed out by cities
disasters resulting from climate change spaces. A new programme in the area
account for up to 70 percent of the world’s
begin and end in cities. Cities too have a of sustainable urban mobility is under
pollution – much of it coming from our
great influence on climate change. development.
fossil fuel consumption for electricity,
This gives us a compelling set of transport, energy use in commercial It is our hope that you will all join us to
opportunities because cities with their and residential buildings, industrial commemorate World Habitat Day on 3
people, industries, seats of learning, production and waste. It also shows October to raise greater awareness of
culture and infrastructure can provide the mounting evidence of the risks posed by the very important urban dimension
best solutions when it comes to reducing climate change for urban areas and their of climate change. Together, we can do
greenhouse gas emissions, improving growing populations which affect water something for the future of our planet
coping mechanisms and reducing supply, physical infrastructure, transport, by devising new actions to help offset or
vulnerability to the impacts of climate ecosystem goods and services, energy even reverse the climate change crisis
disruption. provision, industrial production and facing us.
economies.
Raise awareness in your city -

organize a world habitat day
04 event 2011
A
s a guide, here are some of the 6. Organise fund raising, recreational or Keep us informed
activities that you can help entertainment activities like football
organize matches, or concerts, and use the pro- Please let us know if you wish to organize
ceeds to upgrade and extend services a local awareness-raising event by
1. Use mass media, particularly for poor communities. sending an e-mail to whd@unhabitat.
newspapers, radio and television, to org providing as many details as possible
draw attention to World Habitat Day 7. Encourage postal authorities to issue about the event. And once World Habitat
celebrations. If possible, issue press special World Habitat Day stamps. Day is over, please provide us brief details
releases, display posters, organize of media coverage and photographs if
press conferences, and broadcast 8. Education authorities in collaboration possible. This year, you can also post your
video and audio spots. with local and national authorities event and photos on the Urban Gateway
can encourage the introduction into at www.urbangateway.org, our new online
2. Draw attention to the problems and is- the school curriculum of teaching urban community platform. We will post
sues on this year’s theme of Cities and programmes about cities and climate these on the World Habitat Day page of
Climate Change through press articles, change and environmental sustain- our website www.unhabitat.org/whd,
radio and television documentaries ability. which receives millions of visitors and
and panel programmes with policy include them in the final World Habitat
makers, government officials, aca- Day report, which is sent to all our key
demics, journalists, other profession-
UN-HABITAT support
partners. Thank you for your continued
als, and community representatives. To support city and country-level support.
activities, UN-HABITAT will compile
3. Organise public information cam- an information kit including a poster,
paigns, and use popular theatre to and a short video on the theme for
create awareness of the problems and use by any partner planning a World
issues. Habitat Day event. Information kits will
be mailed to partners, Embassies and
4. Use the occasion to publicize, reward
High Commissions, Inter-governmental
and demonstrate tangible improve-
Organizations, United Nations
ments in mitigating the impact of
Information offices, UNDP country offices
climate change.
and other UN agencies.
5. Organize competitions to find solu-
tions to human settlements and urban
problems. Essay and painting compe-
titions help create awareness of the
World Habitat Day theme in schools
and colleges.
World Habitat Day -

global observances from 1986 to 2010
05
YEAR THEMES VENUE CHIEF GUEST
2010 Better City, Better Life Shanghai Mr. Qi Ji, Deputy Minister for Housing and Urban-Rural
Development
Mr. Shen Jun, Deputy Mayor of Shanghai
2009 Planning Our Urban Future Washington Mr. Shaun Donovan, Secretary of State, Department of Housing
D.C. and Urban Development
2008 Harmonious Cities Luanda President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos
2007 A Safe City is a Just City The Hague Ms. Ella Vogelaar, Minister for Housing, Communities and
Integration
Mr. Bert Koenders, Minister for Development Cooperation
Monterrey Ms. Beatriz Zavala Peniche, Minister for Social Development
2006 Cities Magnets of Hope Naples Vittorio Craxi, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of
Multi-lateral affairs
Kazan Kamil Iskhakov, Plenipotentiary Representative of the
President of Russia in Far East Federal Region and President
of the United Cites and Local Government Euro-Asia Regional
Section
2005 The Millennium Development Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Goals and the City
2004 Cities - Engines of Rural Nairobi President Mwai Kibaki

Development
2003 Water and Sanitation for Cities Rio de Janeiro Mayor of Rio de Janeiro
2002 City-to-City Cooperation Brussels H.R.H. Prince Philippe
2001 Cities without Slums Fukuoka Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture
2000 Women in Urban Governance Jamaica Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Land and Environment
1999 Cities for All Dalian Minister of Construction
1998 Safer Cities Dubai Director General Dubai Municipality
1997 Future Cities Bonn Federal Minister for Regional Planning, Building and Urban
Development
1996 Urbanization, Citizenship Budapest Minister of the Interior and Human Solidarity
1995 Our Neighbourhood Curitiba Mayor of Curitiba
06
1994 Home and the Family Dakar President of Senegal
1993 Women and Shelter Development UN, New York SG, UN
1992 Shelter and Sustainable UN, New York SG, UN
Development
1991 Shelter and the Living Hiroshima Mayor of Hiroshima
Environment
1990 Shelter and Urbanization London Hon. Sir Geoffrey Howe
1989 Shelter, Health and the Family Jakarta President of Indonesia
1988 Shelter and Community London Archbishop of Canterbury
1987 Shelter for the Homeless New York SG, UN
1986 Shelter is my Right Nairobi USG, UNCHS (Habitat)
Habitat Scroll of Honour Award

Winners 1989 to 2010
07
2010 2008 The French firm Veolia Environment,
France
Sustainable Urban Renewal Programme, The ancient canal city of Shaoxing in
Austria Zhejiang Province, China The Government of Alexandria, Egypt
Kunshan Municipal People’s Government, The bustling port city of Zhangjiagang in Cardinal Renato Martino, President of the
China Jiangsu Province, China Political Council for Justice and Peace,
Italy
The City of Medellin, Colombia The city of Bugulma in the Tartarstan
Republic of western Russia Pag IBIG Fund, The Philippines
The Kingdom of Morocco, Morocco
The capital of Rwanda, Kigali Federation Yaroslavl City Administration,
Housing and Development Board,
Russia
Singapore The city of Juarez, Mexico
King Carl XVI Gustaf, Sweden and His
The Johannesburg Social Housing Nanjing Municipal Government, China
Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al
Company, South Africa (Special Citation)
Khalifa, Prime Minister, The Kingdom of
The Government of Spain’s Local Bahrain (Special Citation)
Investment State Fund (Special Citation) 2007
The Nanning Municipal People’s 2005
2009 Government of China
The Municipal Basic Information Research,
Peter Oberlander, Canada Dr. Eusebio Leal Spengler, Historian of the Brazil
Un Techo Para Mi Pais, Chile City of Havana, Cuba
The Municipal People’s Government of
Rizhao Municipal Government, China Institute for Housing and Urban Yantai, China
Development Studies, The Netherlands
CEMEX, Mexico The Municipality of Kazan City, Russia
Lieutenant-General Nadeem Ahmed,
The City of Grozny, Russia Ms. Rose Molokoane, South Africa
Deputy Chairman, Earthquake
The Saudi Al-Madina Al Munawarah Local Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Sarvodaya Shramandana Movement, Sri
Urban Observatory, Saudi Arabia Authority, Pakistan Lanka
The Alexandra Renewal Project, South The Palestinian Housing Council Professor Johan Silas, Indonesia
Africa Jakarta Metropolitan City, Indonesia
The Stavropol City Administration’s
The City of Malmö, Sweden Project, Russia North Sumatra Governor Tengku Rizal
Uganda Women’s Efforts to Save Children The Mwanza Rural Housing Programme, Nurdin (posthumous), Indonesia
(UWESO), Uganda Tanzania
Jan Peterson of Huairou Commission, USA 2004
Journalist Neal Peirce, USA 2006 Xiamen Municipal People’s Government,
The Seoul Metropolitan Government, The National Cities Conference China
Republic of Korea (Special Citation) Programme, Ministry of Cities, Brazil Centre for Development Communication,
The Yangzhou Municipal, The People’s India
Government of China The Big Issue magazine, United Kingdom
President Joaquim Chissano, Mozambique Fukuoka City, Japan Prof. Akin L. Mabogunje, Nigeria
(Special Citation) Father Pedro Opeka, Madagascar Vladimir A. Kudryavtsev, Russia
Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Lebanon Centre on Housing Rights and Eviction, Association des Habitants del Mourouje,
(Special Citation) Switzerland Tunisia
The Cooperating Committee for Japan
2003 Habitat Fukuoka Office (Special Citation) 1997
08
Mrs. Margaret Catley-Carlson, Canada Sen. Oscar Lopez Velarde Vega, México
Weihai Municipal Government, China 2000
Mother Center Stuttgart, Germany
Mr. German Garcia Duran, Colombia Ms. Ana Vasilache, Romania South African Homeless Peoples
Ms. Nasreen Mustafa Sideek, Iraq Ms. Caroline Pezzullo, USA Federation, South Africa
Pamoja Trust, Kenya Mrs. Jacqueline da Costa, Jamaica Mayor Huang Ziqiang, China
Mrs. Sankie D. Mthembi-Mahanyele, South Women and Peace Network, Costa Rica Reinhard Goethert and Nabeel Hamdi,
Africa Ms. Mary Jane, The Philippines USA, Britain
Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative International Union of Local Authorities, Federation of Canadian Municipalities,
Council, Switzerland The Netherlands Canada
Ms. Zena Daysh, Commonwealth Human Ms. Sheela Patel, India Mr. Peter Elderfield, United Kingdom
Ecology Council, UK (Special Citation)
Mr. Charles Keenja, Tanzania
Ms. Teolinda Bolívar, Venezuela Mr. Radinal Moochtar, Minister of Public
Ms. Mmatshilo Motsei, South Africa
His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Works, Indonesia (Special Citation)
Thailand (Special Citation)
1999
1996
2002 Ms. Habiba Eid, Egypt
Mohamed Hashi, Mayor of Hargeisa,
Mr. Bo Xilai Mayor of Dalian, China
City-to-City cooperation between Nakuru, Somalia
Kenya and Leuven, Belgium National Slum Dwellers Federation, India
The late Sidhijai Tanphiphat, Thailand
Brazilian Institute of Municipal Mr. Alvaro Villota Berna, Colombia
Ministry of Local Government and
Administration, Brazil President Rudolf Schuster, Slovak Republic Housing, Zambia
Baotou Municipal Government, China Mr. Pierre Laconte, Belgium The SISCAT Group, Bolivia
CITYNET based in Yokohama, Japan Mr. Millard Fuller, USA Jnos SZAB, Budapest
Dutch Habitat Platform, The Netherlands Hon. Kwamena Ahwoi, Ghana Hou Jie, Minister of Construction, China
Mayor Joan Clos, Spain Operation Firimbi, Kenya (Special Citation)
ENDA Tiers Monde, Dakar, Senegal Peter Kimm, USA (Special Citation)
Ren Frank, USA 1998
John Hodges, United Kingdom (Special Programa de Mobilizaco de Comunidades, 1995
Citation) Brazil Comunidades Programme State
Fu-Nan River Comprehensive Government of Cear, Brazil
2001 Revitalization Project Chendu, China Foundation in Support of Local
Hangzhou Municipal Government, China Mayor Mu Suixin, Mayor of Shenyang, Democracy, Poland
Ms. Pastora Nuez Gonzalez, Cuba China Urban Community Development Office,
Bremer Beginenhof Modell, Germany Forum Européene pour la Sécurité Thailand
Urbaine, France
Mr. Gangadhar Rao Dattatri, India Woodless Construction Project, Niger 1989
Projet de Taza, Agence Nationale de Mr. Laurie Baker, India Mr.Otto Koenigsberger, United Kingdom
lutte contre l’Habitat Insalubre (ANHI), Mr. Yona Friedman, USA Mr.Hassan Fathy, Egypt
Morocco
Mayor Jaime Lerner Curitiba, Brazil Mr.Lauchlin Currie, USA
La cooperative des veuves de Save
Mr. Rozanov Evgueni Grigorievich, Russian Habitat for Humanity International, USA
Duhozanye, Rwanda
Federation 09
Shanghai Municipal Housing Project,
Mr. John F.C.Turner, United Kingdom
China
Mr. Joe Slovo (deceased), South Africa
1991
1994 Ministry of Housing and Human

Settlements, Costa Rica
Mr. Qassim Sultan, United Arab Emirates
Urban Development Authority, Singapore
Bank Tabungan Negara (State Housing
Cooperative Housing Foundation, USA
Bank of Indonesia), Indonesia
National Housing Development Authority,
Programme d’Habitat Cooperatif, Senegal
Sri Lanka
Mr. Jorge E. Hardoy (deceased), Argentina
Housing and Urban Development
Housing Development Administration, Cooperation, India
Turkey
Housing Development Finance
Corporation, India
1993
Sengki Land-sharing Project, Thailand
Cités Unies Developpement, France Projet Assistance IECOSAT, Burundi
Build Together Programme, Namibia Institute for Building Materials, Viet Nam
Mr. Anthony Williams Bullard, United Tamako Nakanishi, Japan
Kingdom
11 Arch. Leandro Quintana Uranga,
Venezuela
1992
Intermediate Technology Development 1990
Group, United Kingdom
Lord Scarman, United Kingdom
Shenzhen Housing Bureau, China
Tangshan Municipal Government, China
Habitat International Coalition, Mexico
Construyamos, Colombia
East Wahdat Upgrading Project, Jordan
Craterre, France
Earthquake Emergency Reconstruction
Stone Town Conservation and
and Rehabilitation Programme, Nepal
Development Authority, United Republic
Rural Housing Reconstruction with of Tanzania
Appropriate Technologies, Ecuador
Human Settlement Foundation, Thailand
Namuwongo Upgrading and Low-Cost
31-03 American Society of Clinical
Housing, Uganda
Oncology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
New Urban Communities in Egypt, Egypt
World Relief El Salvador Housing
Reconstruction Project, El Salvador
GLOBAL OBSERVANCE
of World Habitat Day 2010 in Shanghai, China
010
T
he global celebration of World
Habitat Day was celebrated with
fanfare on Monday 4 October as
China and UN-HABITAT feted the 2010
winners of Scroll of Honour Awards, the
World Habitat Awards and China’s own
Habitat Environment awards.
“As our world grows predominantly urban,

World Habitat Day provides an annual
opportunity to reflect on how we can make
our towns and cities better places for all,”
said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in
a statement read on his behalf by Dr. Awni
Behnam, Commissioner General of the
United Nations pavilion at the Shanghai
2010 Expo.
Deputy Mayor of Shanghai, Mr. Shen Jun, UN-HABITAT Deputy Executive Director, Mrs. Inga Bjork-Klevby and
Deputy Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Mr. Qi Ji during the Global Observance of World
With the Expo theme ‘Better City, Habitat Day 2010 in Shanghai
Better Life’, also chosen to mark World
Habitat Day, the highly publicised 2010
observance highlighted the actions and thanked the Chinese authorities in Professor Mao Qizhi, Associate Dean
policies which can improve wellbeing her keynote address for hosting the of the Tsinghua University School of
for the millions and millions of people celebrations, and she also paid a special Architecture, launched an authoritative
languishing in urban slums and other sub- word of tribute to Dr. Behnam for making report, The State of China’s Cities
standard housing around the world. the UN pavilion such a success. published jointly by UN-HABITAT, the
China Science Centre of International
In keynote addresses the main hosts on After the Chinese awards were handed Eurasian Academy of Sciences, and the
Monday, Mr. Shen Jun, Deputy Mayor of out, Ms. Jane Nyakairu, Chief of UN- China Association of Mayors.
Shanghai, and Mr. Qi Ji, Deputy Minister of HABITAT’s Information Services Section
Housing and Urban-Rural Developed both presented the 2010 Habitat Scroll of Mr. Daniel Biau, Director of UN-HABITAT’s
highlighted the progress China had made Honour winners, and Ms. Diane Diacon, Regional and Technical Cooperation
in providing as much housing as possible President of The Building and Housing Division, presented the agency’s first
for those in need of shelter over the past Social Foundation headquartered in the ever State of Asian Cities which was also
30 years. Addressing an audience that United Kingdom, honoured the winners of launched on World Habitat Day.
included several African mayors, both also the 2010 World Habitat Awards.
offered to share the country’s wisdom and Celebrations to mark the occasion were
know-how in housing policy with other In another highlight, UN-HABITAT held in many cities around the world,
developing countries around the world. launched its official Chinese-language including Barcelona, Nakuru in Kenya,
website, sponsored by the Rizhao Kathmandu and scores of other locations.
Ambassador Inga Björk-Klevby, Assistant Municipality, a 2009 Scroll of Honour
Secretary General of the United Nations award winner.
and Officer in Charge of UN-HABITAT,
The Secretary-General’s message

on World Habitat Day 2010
011
A
s our world grows The challenges of urban poverty – from
predominantly urban, World pollution to criminal gang culture – are
Habitat Day provides an annual not insurmountable. Many cities are
opportunity to reflect on how we can finding successful solutions. Smart
make our towns and cities better places cities recognize the importance of
for all. With the theme “Better City, good governance, basic urban services
Better Life”, this year’s observance for all, and streets and public spaces
highlights the actions and policies that where women and children feel safe.
can improve well-being for the billion They also recognize that better cities Secretary-General
people who live in slums and other sub- can help to mitigate global challenges, of the United Nations
standard housing around the world. such as climate change, by promoting Ban Ki-moon
energy conservation and environmental
Typically living in developing countries, sustainability.
and largely powerless, disenfranchised
and under the age of 25, the urban Creating better cities demands the
poor are too often condemned to a combined efforts of national and local
life without basic rights, hope of an governments, civil society and the
education or decent work. Lacking private sector, supported by the best
adequate provision of fresh water, efforts of the United Nations system. On
electricity, sanitation or health care, World Habitat Day, let us pledge to join
they suffer privations that all too often hands to make better cities for a better
provide the tinder for the fires of social future for all.
unrest. Vulnerable to exploitation and
corruption, they need and deserve
better cities and a better life.
UN-HABITAT World Habitat Day Message
012
C
ities are the greatest We have all the tools at our disposal in
legacy of humanity and the good science to mitigate against most
greatest achievement of our such problems. We also have the tools
civilization. Around the world and and knowhow for good governance,
through the centuries cities have education – especially for women and
endured and survived wars, famine, girls – health services, toilets for all, or
natural disasters, epidemics, crumbling energy efficiency.
empires, and the disappearance of the
We are smart, but we have to be smarter. Deputy Executive Director
gods, kings and queens for whom they
And World Habitat Day 2010 is an of the United Nations Human
were built.
occasion to highlight five strategic steps Settlements Programme
But we have to keep improving our that can be taken: (UN-HABITAT)
cities, and doing that means making our
1. Improve the quality of life, Inga Björk-Klevby
cities better for those who live in them
and for those yet to be born in a world especially for the estimated 1 billion
that will be from here on forever urban. people living in slums and other
Today half of humanity lives in towns sub-standard housing around the
and cities, and the trends show that this world. Improved access to safe and
figure will increase to two-thirds within healthy shelter, secure tenure,
the next two generations. basic services and social amenities
such as health and education are
This is why the theme chosen for World essential to a better life for every
Habitat Day, Better City, Better Life is so individual.
important to all of us. To that I would
add the term smarter city, for it is only 2. Invest in human capital. This is
a smart city that can provide its citizens a condition for socio-economic
with a better life in our planet’s new development and a more equitable
urban era. It is an era we are entering distribution of the urban advantage.
with many unknowns, especially when This will also enable cities and
it comes to the global impact of climate regions to implement policies more
change. effectively and to ensure that they
are properly adjusted to local needs.
013
3. Foster sustained economic 5. Promote cultural inclusion. Culture
opportunities. Cities can stimulate has historically been left out of
sustained economic growth for the conventional international
the poor through labour-intensive development agenda. More and more
projects. These include primarily local development policies take into
public works and the construction account the cultural dimensions of
industry. Cities in the developing urban life, such as social capital,
world are starting to provide social tradition, symbols, a sense of
security to give better access to belonging and pride of place. This
economic opportunities for those helps integrate ethnic minorities,
traditionally excluded. preserve regional values, safeguard
linguistic and religious diversity,
4. Enhance political inclusion. Today, resolve conflicts and protect the
more and more municipal and national heritage. Mr. Jianzhi Huang of the Bureau of Shanghai
authorities share the same basic World Expo Coordination receives special award for
highlighting urbanisation at Expo 2010 which was
philosophy: bringing government As we move into a world of better cities themed Better City, Better Life
within the reach of ordinary with smarter policies, these are the five
people through enhanced mutual essential catalysts for success and a better
engagement. This means engaging life for all.
people and their neighbourhoods
in dialogue and participation in
decision-making as a fundamental
aspect of local democracy.
From L to R, launch of the UN-HABITAT Chinese
Website, launch of The State of China’s Cities
Report, and launch of The State of Asian Cities
Report at Global Observance of World Habitat Day
in Shanghai
SCROLL OF HONOUR AWARD WINNERS 2010
014
Sustainable Urban Renewal Programme

(Austria)
Vienna Municipality’s Sustainable Urban Renewal
Programme is awarded for putting people and
their views first in a model urban renovation
programme.
Dr. Michael Ludwig, Deputy Mayor of Vienna; Mr. Yury Fedotov,

United Nations Office in Vienna Director General, Mr. Antonio
Maria Costa and George Deikun, Head of UN-HABITAT Geneva
Liaison Office in Austria.
Kunshan Municipal People’s Government

(China)
The Kunshan Municipal People’s Government is
awarded for an innovative approach to granting
migrants the right to essential services in the city.
Mayor of Kunshan Mr. Aiguo Guan with his Deputy Mayor

Mr. Xiaoliang Xia.
The City of Medellin (Colombia)

The City of Medellin is awarded for the successful
implementation of three programmes to reduce
urban poverty, provide health care for children and
give citizens a say in urban services.
Medellin Mayor Alonso Salazar receives award from

UN-HABITAT Deputy Executive Director Mrs. Inga Bjork Klevby.
The Kingdom of Morocco

(Morocco)
The Kingdom of Morocco is awarded
for delivering one of the world’s
most successful and comprehensive
slum reduction and improvement 015
programmes.
Mr. Abdeloihed Radi, President of Parliament

and Mr. Taib Fassi Fihri, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and Cooperation
Housing and Development

Board (Singapore)
The Housing and Development Board is
awarded for providing one of Asia’s and
the world’s greenest, cleanest and most
socially conscious housing programmes.
Mrs. Cheong Koon Hean, CEO of Housing and

Development Board and Mr. James Koh Cher
Siang, Chairman of the Board
The Johannesburg Social

Housing Company
(South Africa)
The Johannesburg Social Housing
Company is awarded for providing tens
of thousands of affordable housing
units, improved living conditions and
basic services to poor families.
JOSHCO’s Chief Executive Officer Rory Gallocher

with Councillor Ruby Mathang
CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

There was a two-fold increase in the number of celebrations in 2010.
016 We would like to thank all those who organized and took part in events
to commemorate World Habitat Day and raise awareness of urban issues
around the world.
Argentina Austria the event were Divino Roberto Verissimo
of OPA and Maria Rosa of the Education
In Buenos Aires City a special invitation World Habitat Day was celebrated in Secretariat of Nerópolis, the teachers
was sent to the Information Center of Vienna by presentation of UN-HABITAT’s guiding the children’s clubhouse of
the United Nations - CINU, Chamber Scroll of Honor Award to the Honorable Nerópolis who mounted an exhibition of
of Deputies and Chamber of Senators, Michael Haupl on behalf of the City of poems, pictures and drawings of children
Social organizations, Non-governmental Vienna for the significant work of the city on the city in the lobby of the House. The
organizations of promotion and in social housing. The celebrations were event had an audience of 220 people.
development, cooperatives, public held in Vienna City Hall.
organisms, universities and centers of The Movement of Slum Women held a
research, international organisms in Brazil local awareness event in Southern Region
Argentina and social movements, to of Fluminense, covering about 19 cities
highlight the important theme Better In Nerópolis a special session dubbed in Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro State
City, Better Life. The event was held on 6 “The Children, thinking on the to encourage the introduction of urban
October in Rodrigo Bueno. construction of a city and a better life in sustainability in the school curriculum;
the Municipality”, was held at the Town organize competitions in schools and
Australia Hall of Nerópolis on 4 October 2010. This colleges to find solutions to human
special session involving children aged settlements and urban problems, create
Habitat for Humanity Australia held a between 6 and 14 years was requested by awareness of the World Habitat Day;
new event called “High Tea for Habitat” the OPA/ Brazilian Children’s Conference highlight the problems and opportunities
on World Habitat Day. The grand hostess of the Millennium (CCBM) and granted on the theme of this year, Better City,
(ambassador) of the event was Jill Jones- by City Council Nerópolis. Activities Better Life, providing a sustainable urban
Evans, co-owner of the Victoria Room, involved public dialogue between world through exhibitions, events and
who has been dubbed Sydney’s Queen of children and community authorities and discussions with policy makers, including
High Tea. the municipality of Nerópolis about the government officials, academics,
interests, behavior, attitude and social journalists, other professionals and
The International Union of Architects responsibility of the child as a citizen of community representatives; publicize,
organized the World Architecture Day law - citizen in childhood and adolescence reward and demonstrate tangible
on 4 October. The theme was Better City, in the same way that in adulthood and improvements and practices to ensure
Better Life - Sustainable by Design to link old age - in order to build a city and a a sustainable world city, to harness
to this year’s World Habitat Day theme, better life for themselves and for the the potential and possibilities, reduce
Better City, Better Life. The initiative entire municipality. The session was also inequalities and disparities and provide a
involved UIA’s 116 Member Sections in 124 covered by local media, by the newspaper home for people of all cultures and ages,
countries. “O Popular” of Goiás in its issue dated both rich and poor communities in the
of October 05, 2010. The organisers of region.
On September 28th, Habitat for Humanity

Brazil, Dow Brazil, Caixa Economica
Federal (federal savings and housing
loans bank), Guaruja’s Local Government,
and Whirlpool inaugurated the 32 houses
built in partnership with the families
selected using guidelines set by Guaruja’s 017
local government based on high social
risk situations. The first joint project
between Dow and Habitat for Humanity
in Latin America - families that used to
live on the banks of a polluted river in Pae
Cara neighborhood (district of Vicente de
Carvalho) will have access to healthier and
safer houses, served with complete water,
sewage and electric power systems.
Bangladesh
Career Development Centre (CDC)
Bangladesh organized a cultural event to
World Habitat Day 2010 national celebration at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, Kenya. © UN-HABITAT
celebrate World Habitat Day. The activities
included folk and classical dance.
Brazilian artist Cida Lima and Bangladeshi Union and UN-HABITAT. The partnership
The Coalition for the Urban Poor was sculptor Anisuzzaman, an assistant is symbolised in part by new European
formed with the guidance of the Ministry professor of fine arts at Dhaka University, funding to the tune of euros 10 million
of Housing and Public Works of the whose works reflect a construction theme. (USD 13.3 million) announced to help
Government of Bangladesh, and a group Other initiatives included the publication improve the living conditions of slum
of Government and Non-Governmental of a souvenir book and a media outreach dwellers in all the 79 Africa, Caribbean
organizations and activities chosen to plan. and Pacific (ACP) countries. The 2010
celebrate the World Habitat Day. The European celebration of World Habitat
Prime Minister was the chief guest. A The Department of Real Estate, Daffodil Day in Brussels was attended by senior
supplement highlighting the significance International University, Dhaka, observed European and Belgian officials. Gracing
of the day in the Bangladesh context was World Habitat Day jointly with United the occasion as guest of honour was Vice-
published in two Bengali and one English Nations Information Center (UNIC) President of the European Parliament,
national dailies and talk shows hosted in and RUPANTAR (A Direct Partner of Mrs. Isabelle Durant, a Member of
the electronic media. A number of other USAID working on climate change and the Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint
public activities were also held. sustainable housing issues in the country) Parliamentary Assembly and Substitute
on 4th October 2010 at the University Member in the European Parliament’s
Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh teamed campus. A Grand Rally and Seminar Committee on Transport. She cited the
up with the Bangladesh Institute of followed by a Cultural Program was importance of cities “at the heart of
Planners (BIP) and the local arm of the organized. sustainable development”. She also
German development agency GTZ to said there was a need to foster a better
commemorate the day with a roundtable Belgium quality of life in cities through reducing
forum. Papers were presented on the the effects of climate change by adopting
theme “Planning our Secondary Towns The European celebration on Monday
measures to lower energy and fuel
for Better Lives”. There was also an art 4 October highlighted the importance
consumption in urban areas, particularly
exhibition entitled “Connecting” by of partnership between the European
carbon emissions by the transport sector
morning of October 4 for the broadcast

of the Minister of Lands and Housing’s
speech. A cycling event was held at
Malotwane village on the eve of the event
as part of the campaign to encourage use
of non-motorised transport and exercise.
018 Every effort was made to encourage
the villagers and the nation at large to
participate. During the event, companies/
Government Departments/ Ministries
relevant to the theme showcased their
products and/or services. A march was
held on the morning of October 4 to mark
the event. Activities planned for the day
included choral music, traditional dance
and poetry based on the theme as well as
tour of projects relevant to the theme.
Burkina Faso
World Habitat Day 2010 national celebration in Chennai, India © UN-HABITAT
Burkina Faso joined the international
in developed countries. Calling cities Mr. Jean Bakole, Director of UN-HABITAT community to celebrate World Habitat
“the hot spots” of climate change, she Representation Office to the European Day, under the theme of “Best city, best
advocated change in consumption habits, Union and Belgium, inaugurated the life” in the municipality of Loumbila.
lifestyle and practices, concluding that event and Ms. Afsane Bassir-Pour, Director Under the theme of public private
cities must adopt good urban governance of United Nations Regional Information partnership, there was a production
policies, remain active in exchanging good Centre (UNRIC), presented the message of of 1000 social housing with urban
urban practices and most importantly the United Nations Secretary General. development partners public and private
- develop innovative models of urban urban and housing professional, technical
mobility. Ms. Durant expressed her wish Botswana and financial partner, NGOs, associations,
to continue cooperation with UN-HABITAT and representatives of various type of
on these matters. Keynote speaker, The Department of Housing under population (women, young, customary
Mr. Pierre Valette, from the European the Ministry of Lands and Housing leaders, religious leaders, etc). The
Commission’s Research Directorate, in Botswana commemorated the Day ceremony was marked by four speeches
delivered a presentation on the “World on October 4 in Malotwana Village, and ended by the visit of a witness
and European Cities - Insights from EU Kgatleng District. Other districts were followed by the interview of the Minister
Research”, a publication co-authored by also encouraged to commemorate the of Housing and Urban Planning.
his Directorate and UN-HABITAT - another day in their various locations so that
symbol of the longstanding tradition people at the grassroots are involved. Cambodia
of partnership between the agency Activities included; national visual
artworks competition based on the theme Habitat for Humanity Cambodia mobilized
and the EU’s executive, the European over 150 local volunteers to work on its
Commission. Mr. Valette spoke about for secondary schools, tertiary students
and the general public. The winners were “Hard Hat Days” builds. Volunteer teams
the European Commission’s concept of came from Pannasastra University, Logos
Cities of Tomorrow and how to make them awarded prizes at the ceremony. Other
competitions like performing arts and and Northbridge International Schools,
more sustainable and better places in ANZ Royal Bank and TWR Radio Cambodia.
which to live in the face of contemporary essay competitions were done at the local
level. A slot was also reserved on the The celebrations culminated with a special
urban and environmental challenges. house dedication at the New Holistic Hope
Community in Oudong, Kandal province, the other social housing organisations efforts to assist those who often face
as well as the construction of the first and the Ministry of Urban Development challenges finding affordable housing,
house of its newest project, “Enhancing and Housing, the local NGO named from newcomers and single parents to
HIV/OAC Programs with Holistic Housing CONGEH (Coalition des ONG et OCB du seniors and those with disabilities. It
Solutions” in Sen Sok community. Cameroun oeuvrant dans le domaine des states that all residents have the right
Etablissements Humains), CIAH (Collectif to equal treatment in housing without
Cameroon Inter-Africain des Habitants), ENSP (Ecole discrimination as provided by the Ontario 019
Nationale Supérieure Polytechnique) Human Rights Code. In addition, the event
Concerned Minds for Habitation Securities and Habitat for Humanity Cameroon, also honoured Toronto’s Home Ownership
(COMIHAS) celebrated World Habitat organised a conference debate/Workshop Alternatives for being one of nine world-
Day by organizing a choral singing on the theme: “Better City, Better Life” wide finalists for the UN’s 2008-2009
competition on the theme Better City, in Yaoundé. October 2 was Investment World Habitat Awards.
Better Life. The competition was geared day in Yaoundé bringing together the
at raising awareness on habitat issues beneficiaries, the staff of Congeh’s, CIAH Habitat for Humanity in Montreal
in Cameroon and the world. The World and Habitat for Humanity Cameroon in the promoted World Habitat Day at a block
Habitat Day activities startedc with a TV locality of Nyomo, 15 kilometres from the party in the Habitat for Humanity store in
talk show on Cameroon Radio Television city of Yaounde. The different actors have Montreal.
(CRTV) on 30 September, where the the project to build 500 houses on this
Executive Director of COMIHAS was Habitat for Humanity Toronto
site for the vulnerable people in need of
the guest. For the main celebration commemorated World Habitat Day to
decent shelters in Yaounde. On 4 October,
on 4 October, COMIHAS there were two raise awareness of the affordable housing
Guidioni Lowé, the RD&C Officer of HfHC
activities; a joint communal work with need. HFH Toronto held several events
was interviewed by the Communication
Habitat for Humanity Cameroon office at on October 4th, 2010 focused on raising
Unit of the Ministry of Urban Development
the low cost housing project site, situated the awareness of the need of affordable
and Housing of Cameroon on the
at “mile 14 Dibanda” Fako Division, and housing in Toronto, Canada and around
contribution of HFHC in the fight against
a Choral singing competition which the world. The charity urged Torontonians
poverty housing in Cameroon. This
will be held at the South West Regional to join them in commemorating World
interview was aired on the same day on
headquarters of Buea. Habitat Day 2010 and advocating
the National Radio.
for affordable housing in the city. In
Habitat for Humanity Cameroon observance of the day, W. Edmund Clark,
Canada
participated in a national radio and President and CEO of TD Bank Financial
television debate on social housing policy The City of Toronto marked World Habitat Group, opened trading on Toronto
with other housing organizations and Day at the Toronto City Hall on Tuesday, Stock Exchange on behalf of Habitat for
partners. They also hosted a build day on October 5, by signing of the City of Humanity Toronto and was be joined by
Saturday 2 October. Habitat for Humanity Toronto’s new Housing Charter. This Habitat Toronto homeowners, volunteers,
Cameroon on 29 September contacted special event was presided over by Mayor partners and staff.
journalists of various press organs (“COM. David Miller, and Councillor Giorgio
News” and “Integrations”) in order to Mammoliti, Chair, Affordable Housing The Home Ownership Alternatives
give them information to publish about Committee. Habitat for Humanity Toronto organized a cocktail reception in
the contribution of Habitat for Humanity co-sponsored the event with the City. The recognition of the World Habitat Day
Cameroon in the fight against poverty Toronto Housing Charter – Opportunity and to raise awareness of the need
housing in Cameroon. On 30 September, for All, the first in Canada, is a key part for affordable housing in Toronto and
the RD&C Officer of HFH Cameroon, of Housing Opportunities Toronto—An Ontario. The event was at the Enoch
Guidioni Lowé took part at the Cameroon Affordable Housing Action Plan 2010- Turner School House, Toronto on 4
Radio and Television debate, on the Social 2020, passed by the City Council on October.
housing policy in Cameroon with other August 5, 2009. The Charter is designed
housing organizations and partners. to guide City Council and staff in their
On the same day, in association with
The University of British Columbia people languishing in urban slums and Colombia
Okanagan held its annual Urban Forum other sub-standard housing around the
for Sustainability in collaboration with world. In keynote addresses the main UN-HABITAT’s National Office in Colombia
the local municipal government on hosts, Mr. Shen Jun, Deputy Mayor of had these activities: On 31 September Tree
World Habitat Day. Activities included Shanghai, and Mr. Qi Ji, Deputy Minister Planting and Stand Up for MDG 7 at the El
a panel discussion with academics and of Housing and Urban-Rural Developed Tunal Park. Partners included Botanical
020 community stakeholders on campus, a both highlighted the progress China had Garden, United Nations Volunteers and
mini-conference opened to graduate made in providing as much housing as Habitat for Humanity. On 1 October,
students from Western Canada, a public possible for those in need of shelter over the Safer Cities for Women March in the
lecture open to the community and a the past 30 years. Addressing an audience Candelaria (Bogota´s historic district)
photography or art contest involving the that included several African mayors, while the Woman and Habitat Network
Faculty of Fine Arts. both also offered to share the country’s held the Safer Cities for Women Dialogue
wisdom and know-how in housing policy with Bogota´s Mayor and UNIFEM at the
Cape Verde with other developing countries around Historic Urban Heritage Institute. On 30
the world. Ambassador Inga Björk-Klevby, September and 1 -4 October, the ‘Dreams
The Ministry of Habitat (MDHOT) and UN- Assistant Secretary General of the United inspire the future of cities- Cities in 2030’
HABITAT organized a debate: “Um Habitat Nations and Officer in Charge of event was held in partnership with the
Humanizado”, a Humanized Habitat UN-HABITAT, thanked the Chinese University of Rosario. The highlight of
address to university students, architects, authorities in her keynote address for the activities was on 4 October with the
engineers and social workers in order hosting the celebrations, and she also National Habitat Committee Seminar
to sensitize the different actors on the paid a special word of tribute to Dr. at UNDP Colombia. The subject was
importance of the theme Better City, Better Behnam for making the UN pavilion such ‘Contributions for the new housing and
Life campaign. The Resident Coordinator a success. urban development national policy’. On
made a presentation of UN-HABITAT 5 October, two dialogues, Dialogue on
activities in Cape Verde. Two specialists Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong office National and Local Housing Improvement
from Portugal presented and debated the designed a special polo T-shirt signed by Policies, in Kairos and Inter-local
theme Humanized Habitat in Cape Verde. two of their celebrity volunteers – actors Forum of the Youth Violence Prevention
Around 50 participants attended the 2 Karen Mok and Daniel Wu. For a HK$100 Platform at the Familia Ayara Foundation
hours conference at the University Piaget. (US$13) donation, caring companies Hill were held. The partners included
associated with home design, furnishings Planning National Department (DNP),
The second activity for the celebration and appliances received a shirt .Habitat Habitat Secretary of Bogota and Decent
consisted in airing of 6 television spots also launched a school competition to Housing Alliance (NGOs) and Government
on the campaign Better City, Better Life, educate and advocate for decent shelter. Secretary of Bogota’s Mayor and Urban
on the public television 3 times a day until Youth Platform.
the 21 of November. Habitat for Humanity China invited
students from 1,500 primary and The University in Bogotá organised a
China secondary schools to take part in a students’ workshop to commemorate
house design competition. Students World Habitat Day. The workshop lasted
The global celebration of World Habitat were encouraged to visit HFH China’s Tai for three days (30 Sept, 1 and 4 October)
Day was celebrated with fanfare as China O House Restoration Project and then and it aimed at creating a space for
and UN-HABITAT feted the 2010 winners submit their own design for a house built students, organized by groups, to answer
of Scroll of Honour Awards, the World on stilts, like those in Tai O. The winning one of six questions around how cities
Habitat Awards and China’s own Habitat entries were showcased in a public use public spaces, our identity as urban
Environment awards. With the Expo theme exhibition in early 2011. dwellers, the meaning of wealth, the use
‘Better City, Better Life’, also chosen for
of free time and consumptions patterns.
to mark World Habitat Day, the highly In Shanghai, a series of Habitat builds
publicised 2010 observance highlighted were organized in the Pinghu community
the actions and policies which can improve outside the city.
wellbeing for the millions and millions of
The University of Colombia in Antioquia Masters Programme in Habitat students Cuba

hosted the Habitat month. Activities who had a “meritory” distinction in
included lectures and an international their thesis, and by three of the School’s Provincial governments of La Habana,
workshop. The American Biennial of proffessors presenting published research Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Holguín and
Architecture and Urban Planning event results. These activities were linked to Bayamo organized a workshop on
was also hosted at the University. the OPEN CITY event of Medellin city “Developing Better Cities” in the five
government, which also makes part of provinces. This activity also supports the 021
The School of Habitat, Universidad the International Architecture Biennale. 100 cities initiative, and was held on 29 –
Nacional de Colombia, Medellin Branch, The central event of this week were the 30 September.
celebrated World Habitat Day by dissertations of Dr. Roberto Fernandez of
organizing a Seminar on Sustainable Universidad de la Plata in Argentina There was a National promotion of the
Habitat. This has been a tradition World Habitat Day in Cuba by the Habitat
since 2008. In that year, there was the National Committee from 4 September
presentation of six books produced by the to 4 October. The promotion was done
through mass media, radio and TV, with
a focus on Local Agenda 21 teams. On 4
October the People’s National Assembly,
local governments, Habitat National
Committee Ministries and Institutions
linked to Habitat issues, International
Agencies of Cooperation and NGOs in
Cuba celebrated the day. On 7 October the
WHO Collaborative Center of the National
Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology
and members of the Healthy Shelter
network organized an international
seminar on Healthy Shelter at NIHE and
the city of La Habana.
On 1 September 2010 the World Habitat

Day “Better Cities Better Life” National
Contest was launched. This involved
children and youth from the educational
system of Cuba and communitarian
projects. The contest is about how citizens
can contribute for a better city and a
better life.
Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic had two events for
WHD celebrations. The first one took place
on Saturday October 2 where 15 people
from the national media volunteered their
time and work on home repair in an urban
slum named El Bagazo, located in Haina,
near Santo Domingo. The event sought to
World Habitat Day celebrations at City Hall Toronto in Canada. © City of Toronto build awareness among important media
representatives.
the Capital and disseminating message on institutional arrangements in urban

of the Executive Director of UN-HABITAT governance. The development of Habitat
to relevant ministries, civil societies for Humanity projects in the Ghana;
and public libraries. Consequently, to exhibits detailing Ghana’s overall growth
commemorate the day and raise public plan and speech by CEO by Habitat for
awareness banners bearing the theme humanity were also held. Habitat for
022 were prepared and displayed in three main Humanity Ghana also adopted the Habitat
avenues of the capital city. for Humanity International’s question
theme of “What will you build” to draw
Ethiopia signatures in Ghana as a basis to engage
the government in a dialogue on coming
Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia celebrated up with a finalized housing policy.
the day with two Global Village teams in
the two affiliates Jima and Debre Markos. Awareness on Urban Housing Situation:
Mr Agyeman’s award winning Journalist
Germany of the year with documentary entitled:
MyHabitat, graphic design for World Habitat Day in “Shelter in the City”, which focused on the
Kuala Lumpur © Nurul Aini Ramly The University of Leipzig organized a plight of female head potters (popularly
half-day poster exhibition on the World known as ‘Kayayei’), who sleep in the
Habitat Day and the important theme night in front of stores, supermarkets,
A second event named “Ecoart in my Better City, Better Life, at the Institute of in uncompleted buildings and other
Community” was carried out by Habitat Geography. unsecured structures at the mercy of the
for Humanity in partnership with Centro
weather used this piece to highlight issues
León, an important cultural center of the Ghana
of human settlements in the country and
Dominican Republic. This event sought
On 4 October the Kumasi Metropolitan urban housing situation in Ghana. It was
to build awareness among community
Assembly in collaboration with the shown during the Word Urban Forum 5
members about environmental protection
Ministry of Local Government and Rural event.
of their own environment.
Development celebrated World Habitat
Housing the Masses, an NGO which
Ecuador Day in Kumasi. The national forum
is helping the Low-Income Housing/
brought together various stakeholders
UN-HABITAT office in Ecuador organised a Community Development Project in Yendi
including government ministers as well
cultural event to celebrate World Habitat in collaboration UN-HABITAT and UNDP,
as NGO and UN representatives. Target
Day. Activities included traditional dances Slum Inventory Pilot project and others
audience included disadvantaged slum
among other activities. held a post- World Habitat Day event that
residents and other stakeholders drawn
involved the construction and launch of
from various sectors of the community.
Eritrea a model house for Low-Income Housing/
Activities included Essay and Debate
Community.
Competitions for selected Secondary
To use the 2010 World Habitat Day as
Schools, visit to Slum community, Urban In event hosted by the College of
opportunity to highlight key human
Development Project Sites, Talk Shop/ Architecture and Planning of the Kwame
settlement issues the UN-HABITAT Office
Seminar, exhibitions and awards. Nkrumah University of Science and
in Eritrea called upon the Government
of Eritrea to organize activities to raise Technology (KNUST), participants at
Action for Community Development
awareness on urban safety and security a round table discussion to mark the
(AFCODEV) celebrated World Habitat Day
under this year’s theme “Better City, Better 2010 World Habitat Day called for the
in Tamale region in Ghana.
Life”. The Ministry of Public Works of the development of an Urban Policy to
Government of Eritrea, the focal Ministry As a preparation towards World Habitat promote effective and efficient planning
to UN-HABITAT, agreed to the proposal of Day celebration, Habitat for Humanity in urban areas in the country. They
putting banners in the main avenues of Ghana featured a workshop focusing said the increase in illegal settlements,
especially in the urban areas, could derail Habitat day on the theme: Better City, talk about reconstruction, at the Hotel
the focus of the nation to achieving the Better Life. A survey UFFD carried in the Le Plaza, Port-au-Prince, on Monday,
Millennium Development Goals as such metropolis showed that out of five houses October 4, 2010, from 10:00 am to noon,
developments had health, economic, there are two trees in between the houses in the presence of several government
social and environmental negative and that this was as a result of cutting ministers. This activity was marked by
implications. The participants, who of the trees for construction without re- three presentations entitled “Where
included land economists, architects, city planting and this posed a lot of threat to goes Port-au-Prince? Between the dream 023
engineers, planners and development the communities and to the development and reality”, “The reconstruction of the
agencies, called for a deeper consultation of the North. There was a football match districts with the communities” and
among stakeholders to address the between the Local Assembly and the youth “Reconstruction for whom and by whom”.
springing up of slums and other to celebrate the day and the occasion There were also animated exchanges
illegal structures in the urban areas. was also used in sending messages on following these talks. UN-HABITAT, the
They attributed this to poor lay-outs, the need for people to be friendly to their Réseau Haïtien d’Habitat Salubre and the
bad planning schemes and lukewarm environment. The event was organized in UNFPA presented to the general public
attitude to enforcing building and other Tamale. and participants in particular a number
construction regulations of initiatives and activities related to post-
Haiti earthquake reconstruction and that would
The United Force for Development rebuild better cities and neighborhoods
(UFFD), a youth led organization based Réseau Haïtien d’Habitat Salubre and to improve the living conditions of the
in the Northern region of Ghana held a United Nations Fund for Population population.
stakeholders forum for the Local Assembly Activities (UNFPA) on the occasion of
men and women to mark the World World Habitat Day 2010 organized a
World Habitat Day celebrations in Ecuador © UN-HABITAT Ecuador

collaboration with the India Habitat

Centre, organised a fun-filled event
called “Habitainment Quiz 2010” for the
institutional and individual members of
the India Habitat Centre. The idea behind
the event is to raise awareness on the
024 significance of “World Habitat Day” and to
provide an opportunity to the employees
and members of India Habitat Centre
to bond in a fun-filled and informative
event. The event brought together
the employees of various institutions
working within the India Habitat Centre
including its individual members. The
event witnessed participation from over
100 teams from amongst the various
institutional and individual members. The
World Habitat Day celebrations in Burkina Faso.
various institutions which participated
in the event included teams from NHB,
India reminiscences. At the function, www. TERI, HUDCO, CDC, National Foundation
Transparentchennai.com, an interactive for India (NFI), IHC, Indian Oil Corp,
The University of Madras and Centre for website that provides useful information OWH and some Individual Members of
Development Finance affiliated to IFMR about the city was launched. Apart from the India Habitat Centre. The qualifying
organized the inaugural session of the details of major projects like flyovers round was held at the Amphitheatre of
World Habitat Day, graced by, Minister and buildings, slums, bus routes, public the India Habitat Centre followed by the
for Information and Urban Development toilets, the website has the contact Quiz Finale. The winners of the “Better
Parithi Illamvazhuthi. The Minister details of elected representatives. City, Better Life” contest were awarded
spoke about the need to implement Citizens interested in mapping their own attractive prizes by Mr. R. V. Verma. The
policies more effectively and usher in information will be provided guidance, first prize of this contest which carried
more transparency in the processes. feedback and resources, said Nithya a cash prize of 2000 rupees along with
G. Thiruvasagam, the Vice-Chancellor, Raman, project head, Transparent an attractive bag was awarded to Siva
University of Madras stressed the need to Chennai. “The initiative will enable the Kishan of TERI, whose vision was “the
involve the society, especially youngsters citizens to understand the city better, source of all life is balance” along with a
in improving living conditions in cities. know where things went wrong, seek sketch depicting nature and city life. The
British Deputy High Commissioner Mike accountability,” she added. second prize which included a cash prize
Nithavrianakis talked about the need of 1000 rupees along with an attractive
to embark on a path to sustainable National Housing Bank has been bag was awarded to Ashwini Choudhary
development by addressing concerns such celebrating World Habitat Day as an of JNU, Delhi who envisioned that a
as climate change and rapid urbanisation. annual event through the conduct “Better City, Better Life is in the lap of
Citing the event as an opportunity to of various activities including essay nature” and drew a beautiful sketch to
reflect on the condition of our cities, P.M. Competition, release of booklet highlight the same. The third prize which
Belliappa said that it was time to remind containing award winning essays from carried an award of 500 and an attractive
ourselves of the collective responsibility previous years, a “Habitainment Quiz”, bag was awarded to Srisha and Papia
to improve our habitat. He highlighted the which are all conducted around the from CAPART whose vision was “Save
importance of involving the community theme of the World Habitat Day. As a part yourself, save the world. Be green, think
in preserving cultural artefacts and the of the World Habitat Day celebrations green”. Their sketch depicted the need
monuments that served as historical in 2010, the National Housing Bank in to employ environment friendly practices
in day to day life. The quiz ended with Delhi State Centre of The Institution of on how we can make our towns and cities
the organizers and the participants Engineers (India) organized World Habitat better places for all. Delivering the key-
proceeding for High Tea. Day-2010 on the topic ‘Better City, Better note address, Shri Khurana mentioned
Life’. Shri Ashok Khurana, Engineer that there are 291 slum clusters with
Architectural Engineering Division of The Member, Delhi Development Authority about 1,600,000 families on DDA land.
Institution of Engineers, West Bengal was the Chief Guest and he delivered the Allotment of plots was done in past to
State Centre, India organized an all India key-note address. On this occasion Shri eligible squatters where the encroached 025
Seminar on “Better City, Better Life” on 4th D S Sachdev, Former Director General lands is urgently required by DDA. There
and 5th October, 2010 at Kolkata, India. (Works), CPWD and Advisor, Public Works are several problems to relocate strategies
Mayor Shovan Chatterjee of the city of Department, GNCTD graced the occasion like - Socio-economic linkages are broken;
Kolkata is the Chief Patron of the event. as Guest-of-Honour. Welcoming the Service providers to the catchment area
The sub themes of the seminar are Better audience Prof. D.S. Varma, Chairman, are uprooted; Direct affect on lively-hood
Environment, Better Transportation, Delhi State Centre said World Habitat Day of dwellers; Transfer re-encroachment of
Better Administration, Better Safety, provides an annual opportunity to reflect public land. About 30% of slum dwellers
Better Culture, Better Water & Sanitation, are ineligible for resettlement - no
and Better Development Planning. mechanism to send them back from the
city and it leads to further encroachment
Bridge to India organized a World Habitat
on public land. Shri D S Sachdev Stressed
Day event with decision makers and
on the strategic steps on how to improve
activists who are working in the field of
the city including improving the quality of
urban planning, mobility, sustainability
life; investing in human capital; fostering
and energy supply in the megacity of
sustained economic opportunities and
Delhi. The forum discussed further ways
enhancing political inclusion as well as
of acting towards a sustainable future of
promoting cultural inclusion.
mega urban cities like Delhi.
Green-Sons celebrated World Habitat Day
Centre for Urban Studies, AMR – APARD,
celebrations in Dimapur on 4 October. The
celebrated the World Habitat Day on 4th
event was held at the Imliyanger Memorial
October in the pearl city of Hyderabad.
Centre. The Chairman of Green-Sons, T.
Various competitions were conducted for
Murry urged students who attended the
the students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan,
programme to spread awareness among
National Institute of Rural Development
their friends. “Reach out to fellows to
(NIRD), Campus and School of Planning
take part in such campaigns so that our
and Architecture of Jawaharlal Nehru
efforts are beneficial for all,” he advised.
Architecture and Fine Arts University,
The programme was graced by chairman
Hyderabad. Nearly 450 students
of Nagaland Pollution Control Board, A
participated in these competitions which
Rongsenwati as chief guest.
included 1) Poster Design depicting a
city, 2) Painting, 3) Elocution and 4) The Department of planning, School of
Essay writing. On 4th October Prof.P. Architecture and Planning Anna University
Padmavathi, addressed the main function. Chennai in association with the Centre
for Technology Development Transfer,
Costford organized a World
Anna University, Chennai and the Indian
Habitat Day event on 4 October in
Institute of Architects, Tamil Nadu
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State, India.
Chapter organized an essay Competition
Among the invited guests was the poet World Habitat Day Community Mural depicting “My for Architecture and Planning Students
Sugathakumari. Ideal Neighbourhood” painted by children on World
Habitat Day 2010 in Canada © Habitat for Humanity dubbed “Building Better Cities-Way Out”.
Canada The inaugural function was attended by
100 students of Architecture and Planning

for SAP Campus and Professional town
planners and architects, academic and
non teaching staff from the University.
The Krityandand UNESCO Club of

026 Jamshedpur in India lined up various
activities to mark World Habitat Day.
They included a conference on 4 October
2010, on the theme “Ensure our Natural
Environment”. The club also organised
a field visit m on the theme how the
industries are damaging our natural
forest and misusing the local river water.
The events were held at the Krityandand
UNESCO Club in Jamshedpur.
The Government of Rajasthan in India

celebrated World Habitat Day in Jaipur on
October 4. The planned events included a
Randolph-Macon College sophomore Brooke Templeton in virgina,USA makes a sign in front of houses made of
seminar, an exhibition and street plays.
corrugated paper board on campus to raise funds and awareness for World Habitat Day, October 4, 2010.
The co-organisers included IHCN-F. © JOE MAHONEY/TIMES-DISPATCH
The Government of India organized a

national World Habitat Day celebration in initiative involved the participation of problems related to development of
Delhi. Urban Planners, Mayors, Engineers, and urban settlements. The participants were
academics among other professions. university level scholars, faculty members
The Government of Andhra Pradesh of technological institutions, planners,
organized a local awareness raising Habitat for Humanity India invited the architects and other social workers.
event on 4 October in the state of Andhra public to the “Fun ‘n Fundraiser” at High
Pradesh. The event involved other Street Phoenix Mall, Mumbai, from 29 The Institution of Engineers Jammu
organisations to take up activities on the September to 3 October. The five-day celebrated World Habitat Day in its
proposed theme Better City, Better Life. event culminated with celebrations on the premises in Jammu, India.
eve of World Habitat Day. Shopper were
The Osmania Medical College marked inivited to donate toward the purchase of The Local Governance Network in
World Habitat Day with a roundtable bricks, roof tiles, windows or door to build Bhubaneswar organized a round table
discussion on the theme Better City, Better a model house. workshop to raise awareness amongst the
Life at Seminar Hall, Osmania Medical cities, with a focus on Climate Change,
College, Koti, Andhra Pradesh. The Urban Planning and Design at Groupe Good Governance, Heritage & Culture and
SCE India, as part of the World Habitat Urban Mobility. The activities included a
The Gujarat State Centre of the Institution Day, conducted a locality based design Photo Exhibition focusing on the Better
of Engineers organized activities to exhibition to demonstrate the principles City, Better Life.
celebrate the World Habitat Day. of sustainable urban design for strong
neighbourhoods, in Bangalore. The Center for Housing and Urbanization
The City Managers Association Orissa hosted the first ‘South India Green’
organized an awareness programme on The Institute for Regional Development conference in Chennai. The conference
Urban Issues under the theme Better City, Studies at Kanpur held an expert group created and sustained a dialogue for
Better Life to raise awareness amongst forum for spreading the message of World sustainable development in India.
the people living in cities in Orissa. The Habitat Day and also to discuss various
The Faculty of Architecture, Integral Nagaland state joined the rest of the Indonesia
University, Lucknow organized a World world in observing World Habitat Day,
Habitat Day quiz, poster and collage under the theme ‘Better City, Better Life’ A series of seminars and discussions
making competition on a topic related to at Chaü Parking with minister for urban were organized around the theme Better
this year’s theme, Better City, Better Life development and Higher and Technical City, Better Life. On September 30 the
on 1 October, and the prizes given on 4 Education Mr. Shürhozelie Liezietsü Ministry of Housing held a seminar
October. gracing the occasion as the chief guest. on ‘Better City, Better Life - creating a 027
Speaking at the occasion, the Minister humane and sustainable city’, inviting
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty called for greater and concerted efforts mayors from three cities that ranked
Alleviation in India organized an event to sustain and develop the ‘symbiotic highest in the Indonesian Association of
where Kumari Selja, Minister of Housing & Planner’s (IAP) survey of Most Liveable
Urban Poverty Alleviation and the Minister CIties in Indonesia: Yogyakarta, Manado
of Tourism delivered the World Habitat and Palembang. On October 19-20, the
Day address on the occasion. Secretaries Directorate General of Spatial Planning,
in the States / UTs dealing with Housing Ministry of Public Works, IAP, the French
and Human Settlement, Mayors / Government and UN-HABITAT organized a
Municipal Commissioners of 63 Mission seminar on “South East Asia Metropolises
Cities and other Dignitaries attended the and Urbanisation: Challenges and Tools
celebrations in the Context of Climate Change”. The
seminar brought together planners,
The BMS College of Engineering researchers and local governments to
Auditorium celebrated World Habitat Day discuss climate change and create a
in Bangalore India. network that is more responsive towards
climate change and participate in 100
Dr. A Ravindra, advisor to the chief
cities initiatives. The Directorate General
minister on urban affairs, called for a halt
of Human Settlements, Ministry of
to free parking facilities in most parts of
Public Works held a seminar on ‘Building
the city. He was speaking at a seminar
Collective Responsiblity for a Quality City’
on ‘Better City, Better Life’, organised
on October 26 and another seminar on
on the occasion of World Habitat Day
‘Creating Better Buildings and Spaces for
by architecture students of BMS College
Better Life’ on October 28. The Ministry
of Engineering. Panelists at the event
of Public Works hosted the Sanitation
included Ragini Narayan, trustee of
Jamboree for middle-high school students
BMS Education Trust; Vijay Gore, former
Gold prize winning entry for the World Habitat and 3-R communities from October 12-27.
additional chief secretary and Dr Eswaran Day painting competition in Japan © UN-HABITAT The National Habitat Secretariat and
Subrahmanian, chief scientist of CSTEP Fukuoka
the Institute of Technology hosted the
who spoke on how to build cities under
Youth Urban Forum and invited university
the guidelines of the UN. Ravindra said
students to discuss urban issues and the
that he had suggested the Bangalore
relationship’ of men and space, men and role of youth in sustainable urbanization.
Development Authority (BDA) to stop
the land he lives in. As part of the day’s A media campaign to promote World
offering individual sites in the new
programme, 25 buses under the initiative, Habitat Day and increase the public
layouts. Ravindra stressed the need to
Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal awareness on urban issues was aired
renovate old areas to protect heritage
Mission (JNNURM) of the ministry of on national radio, TV stations and
structures.
urban development were added. Winners newspapers/ magazines through-out
of an essay competition were awarded October. Also on 4 October the Ministry
prizes on this occasion. of Housing held a press conference to
explain about this year’s theme and
activities, and launch a photo exhibition developed through multi-stakeholder environment. In 2010 Oasi Zegna
on urban issues and paintings of debates and working groups, supported is partner of 2010 IYB, corporate
children’s drawing competition. The by national and global experts over an partner of Billion Tree Campaign
highlight of the celebration was on 18-month period. and celebrated International Day
October 18. The Minister for Housing, for Biological Diversity and World
Suharso Monoarfa launched two books Israel Environment Day.
028 on housing and urban development
in Indonesia. A bicycle tour was held The Association of Environmental Justice Jamaica
where cyclists toured the main street in Israel (AEJI) issued a special report
of Jalan Jendral Sudirman and distribute about the Arab towns in Israel, depicting The Nationwide News Network organized
promotional material on WHD to the the Socio-Environmental Profile of the World Habitat Day awareness raising
public. Further information World Habitat Arab towns in central Israel. The report events in Kingston.
Day activities in Indonesia can be accessed was issued at a public event, in October,
at www.habitat-indonesia.or.id with participation of the local inhabitants Japan
and decision makers, including member of
the parliament. UN-HABITAT Fukuoka organised a
Iran
Children’s Drawing Contest to celebrate
The Environment and Sustainable Italy World Habitat Day.
Development Office (ESDO) of Tehran
Municipality celebrated World Habitat Day Confederazione Italiana Sindati Lavoratori Jordan
under the title of “Electronic Cities on the (CISL) Taranto celebrated World Habitat
Day through an initiative developed in Habitat for Humanity Jordan incorporated
road to Better City, Better Life”. The ESDO World Habitat Day celebrations into a
held its program under two categories: partnership with the Province and the
CISL national, at the Enterprise Hall, function surrounding a Global Village
1. Conference and Specialized Panels team visiting the Al Taybeh community in
focusing on “Electronic Cities on the road Taranto. Invited guests included Mr.
Julius Colecchi, General Secretary of CISL; the north of Jordan from 7 October.
to Better City, Better Life”; 3 0ctober 2010,
and 2. Festival of “Better City, Better Life” Daniela Fumarola, General Secretary of
CISL Taranto; Prof. Luigi Fusco Girard of Kenya
for youth and children; 11-12 October
2010. the University of Naples and Dr. Salvatore The national observance was held at
Pisconti, Prof. Francis Marcaletti, Faculty Afraha Stadium, in Nakuru. The Chief
Iraq of Sociology, Catholic University of St. Guest was the Deputy Prime Minister and
Heart of Milan, Prof. Frederick Pirro, Minister for Local Government, Mr. Musalia
The Ministry of Construction and Housing University of Bari, and an expert in Mudavadi, other guests were the Minister
launched its National Housing Policy economics and industrial history, Dr. for Housing, Mr. Soita Shitanda, Members
on World Habitat Day 2010. The Policy John Florida, President of the Province of of Parliament from the Nakuru region,
outlines Iraq’s housing need, how the Taranto. other top government officials, the
policy aims to respond to it, and the representative of the Executive Director
process of arriving at the policy. The UN- Oasi Zegna, an environmental
improvement project by Zegna Group of UN-HABITAT, Kenya’s Permanent
HABITAT Iraq Program is confident that Representative to United Nations Office in
this policy sets Iraq on course to begin to started in 1993, celebrated the World
Habitat Day with outdoor educational Nairobi, and local leaders.
address its demands in the housing sector.
The policy was built on thorough analysis activities for children. Having the At the UN-HABITAT headquarters in
of key thematic areas surrounding the education of the future generations Gigiri, Nairobi, World Habitat Day was
housing sector; access to land, access to as its main objective, Oasi Zegna observed by UN-HABITAT’ and other UN
finance, housing production, building proposes during the whole year, several agencies’ staff members based in Nairobi.
materials, infrastructure, housing educational activities, including The event reminded staff of the goal of
management and maintenance and celebrations on the occasion of some World Habitat Day, which is to reflect
informal settlements, and has been important anniversaries concerning on the state of towns and cities and the
basic right of all, to adequate shelter Korea T-shirt which declares to their friends and
and to remind the world of its collective the wider community that they want to
responsibility for the future of the human Habitat for Humanity Korea held World help someone in need of decent shelter to
habitat. There was a World Habitat Day Habitat Day events in Seoul Plaza. The have a better home. The T-shirt with the
themed skit and a musical performance events were to advocate the fundamental most number of votes will be produced
by the Billian Music family from Mathare human right to adequate shelter. The by Habitat for Humanity to help raise
informal settlements. Other performances activities included among others, building awareness, support and funds for the 029
included traditional dances by Pillars a moving house, an extraordinary fashion mission. The winner also received several
of Kibera youth group, and a narrative show featuring hard hats, white shirts and of such limited-edition T-shirts to give
on HIV Aids showing how a healthy city jeans. “We at Habitat for Humanity hope away to friends and family.
promotes better life. There were also that everyone who is concerned about
speeches by UN-HABITAT senior staff, and decent housing joins a World Habitat Day Kosovo
an exhibition which was also the highlight activity to stand with others who want
of the celebration. to make adequate housing a priority, to World Habitat Day was celebrated in
help build strong and healthy families and Kosovo’s historic city of Prizren. On
KASWESHA organized pre- World Habitat communities,” said Peter Gape, Habitat’s this occasion UN-HABITAT was joined
Day STAND-UP & TAKE Action event to director of regional programs, Asia- in organizing the event by the Prizren
take place ahead of the World Habitat Day Pacific. Municipality and Organization for
celebrations on 4 October. The activities Security and Cooperation in Europe
took place in the Nairobi Eastlands area In the virtual realm, an online T-shirt (OSCE). The award granting ceremony
and Kariobangi South Estate. design competition on the theme “Hard took place in the Municipal Hall of
Hats for Habitat” was launched on World Prizren Municipality. Present to mark
Kilele Foundation organized World Habitat Habitat Day. Habitat supporters across the day were representatives from the
Day celebrations in Kenya. the Asia-Pacific were invited to design a local authority, UN-HABITAT’s Municipal
Spatial Planning Support Programme and
OSCE, as well as the pupils who had taken
part in the essay-writing competition,
the media, and representatives of other
international organizations. The event
began with courtesy speeches by the
organizers, who highlighted issues and
problems concerning the life in urban
areas in the 21st century. The focus was
also on the need to develop smarter,
innovative and inclusive approaches to
address challenges of urbanization. All
pupils were awarded a certificate for
participation in the competition and had
an opportunity to read their essays to the
audience gathered in the Prizren’s Town
Hall. This led to an interactive debate, and
pupils were able to put questions directly
to municipal authorities in relation to
the municipal vision concerns, plans and
obstacles to local projects, and different
urban issues. The essays covered a range
Korean volunteers build a Habitat for Humanity house on World Habitat Day © Habitat for Humanity, South
Korea
of global issues such as: global warming,
greenhouse effect, lack of public urban

transport, social housing, protection
of cultural heritage, alternative energy
sources, economic development and many
other contemporary issues of concern
worldwide.
030
Kuwait
Arab Towns Organisation in cooperation
with UN-HABITAT Kuwait celebrated World
Habitat Day in October by organising
its 15th General Assembly in Kuwait
in which there were four focus areas:
Cities and Environment, Cities and Youth
Knowledge, Cities and Heritage, Cities and
Information Technology. The Assembly
was inaugurated by his highness the
Prince of Kuwait and was attended by 400
mayors from Arab towns. The conference
addressed the above issues within this
year’s theme Better City, Better Life. Architecture for Health In Vulnerable Environments (ARCHIVE) gave talks to students at Imperial College
London about housing on the occasion of World Habitat Day in the United Kingdom. © ARCHIVE
Lesotho
The celebrations in Lesotho were Minister Moleleki thanked Habitat for Trust of Liberia. Apart from the formal
spearheaded by a partnership of Habitat Humanity - Lesotho and its partners readings of the Secretary General’s
for Humanity (Lesotho), World Vision for having constructed a total of 75 and the Executive Director’s messages,
and UN-HABITAT and featured a service houses for orphaned children and needy the Key note speaker, Amadou Kiawu,
event on October 9, 2010. HFH Lesotho households in Nazareth. Other activities Deputy Minister for Urban Affairs at the
mobilized over 200 volunteers to help marking the day included plastering and Ministry of Internal Affairs reflected on
vulnerable families renovate their homes painting houses as well as gardening and the progress Liberia had made over the
in the Nazareth area. At the celebration, tree planting. years since UN-HABITAT was founded
HFH Lesotho officially “handed over” and urged the participants to take the
more than 150 Habitat homes to Liberia message of the need for the development
orphan-headed and vulnerable families. of sustainable human settlements in
The national World Habitat Day Liberia. The first meeting between
Volunteers and HFH Lesotho staff worked
celebration in Liberia was observed at the Slum Dwellers Association and the
hand-in-hand to refurbish six Habitat
the Municipal Town Hall of Paynesville Women Land Access Trust took place in
homes. Orphans and vulnerable children
City in an effort to increase the level an effort to the chart the way forward
(OVC) currently reside in these homes
of sensitization and awareness about in addressing challenges inhabitants
and were present to partake in the day of
UN-HABITAT normative and operational in the various slum communities face
community service. Renovation activities
activities in Liberia. Participants included including the problems of access and
included: painting, plastering, gardening,
local authorities, citizens, residents and security of tenure. Additionally, the
tree planting, and other activities. The
students of the city as well as a cross Proclamation of the President of Liberia
event was graced by the presence of the
section of the leadership and members read in the print and electronic media in
Minister of Natural Resources, Monyane
of both the Slum Dwellers Association observance of the day called on all public
Moleleki and heads of diplomatic missions
of Liberia and the Women Land Access and private entities including individuals
in Lesotho. Speaking at the event,
to undertake initiatives befitting the day to apply critical thinking in finding a Malawi
and declared the day a working holiday. viable solution to the problem posed. The
On the heels of the observance of WHD, presentation of the solution was made via World Habitat Day in Malawi was
the Land Commission with support multimedia. For a second year in a row, commemorated in the northern border
from UN-HABITAT and the Norwegian MHLG published its 2nd Edition of Habitat town of Karonga on 4 October. It was
Refugee Committee held a National Urban Magazine and held a Photojournalism presided over by the Minister of Lands,
Conference at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Competition with the prime focus of Housing and Urban Development John 031
Sports Complex from 6 -8 October under creating awareness on issues pertaining Bande. The day was marked by traditional
the theme: Managing the Urban Interface, to human settlements in Malaysia and dances, drama, exhibitions and speeches
Strategies and tools for sustainable the interrelationship between physical by the District Commissioner, a traditional
urban land administration, management development, landscape and people. To chief, the Member of Parliament, UN-
and development. Among the many enhance Malaysian gastronomic tourism HABITAT representative and the Minister.
resolutions adopted by the participants sector in its cities, MHLG organised a Food The day was also marked by a tour of the
at the Conference was that the Land Safety Seminar to elevate the knowledge town to appreciate the rebuilding efforts
Commission holds an annual urban forum. of participants on legislations related to and the urban planning and development
food safety, provide exposure on issues challenges the town is facing. On the eve
The Global Foundation for Human Rights related to food safety in Malaysia and of the day a public debate on the theme
held week-long outreach activities in disseminate the latest research outcomes was broadcast live on Zodiak Broadcasting
observance of the World Habitat Day. on food safety. Station from Karonga Teachers’ Training
Activities started on 30 September to 4 College. In the two weeks leading up to
October and included an exhibition of The National Housing Department held the day, Chief Executives of all the cities
arts & craft, street parade and indoor the Management of People’s Housing held a press conference at which they
program. There were also radio and Programme (PHP) Competition to monitor explained the work of the city councils
TV talk shows and radio jingles on the the effectiveness of the Kuala Lumpur and the challenges they face in building
theme, Descent looks for our Cities& Towns PHP resident association’s management better cities and better lives for all who
in Post-War Liberia. Activities included a in creating a harmonious and unified live and work in them. The events were
football tournament & essay competition community. PHPs were judged mainly on organized by the Malawi Government in
among four high schools, culture, arts & the management of resident associations, partnership with UN-HABITAT and many
craft exhibition, street parade and indoor activities and programmes organized others including city councils, statutory
program. by the associations, management corporations, NGOs and civil society.
and maintenance of building and
Malaysia infrastructure, and participation and Mongolia
achievement awards.
The Ministry of Housing and Local Habitat for Humanity Mongolia celebrated
Government (MHLG) Malaysia organised a A team of international and local World Habitat Day with the dedication
programme called Habitat Moment to mark volunteers from Habitat For Humanity of 52 houses in Ulaanbaatar, Khangai,
the World Habitat Day in which selected Malaysia spent three to four weeks Erdenet and Darkhan. The Habitat team
student representatives from over 2,000 repairing six dilapidated hardcore poor in Ulaanbaatar said “thank you” to
secondary schools nationwide read out houses in Beaufort, Sabah; Tanjung students from a local technical college
the speech by the Hon. Minister on the Malim, Perak and Seremban, Negeri who volunteered at the recent Blue Sky
theme “Better City, Better Life”, during the Sembilan. Two prominent private housing international blitz build. The Khangai
respective schools’ weekly assembly. This developers namely IJM Land Corporation program team highlighted the need
program run throughout Malaysia with and Emkay Foundation also contributed for decent housing among local NGOs,
the hope to create awareness among the in the repairs of two additional houses churches, the media, governors and
young generation. MHLG also organised for this project in the states of Negeri government representatives.
a Problem Analysis Competition where Sembilan and Perak as part of their
secondary school students were given a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) The Centre for Human Rights and
scenario of the future and were required programme. Development (CHRD) celebrated the
Nepal
The Urban Development and Building
Construction Department, in Kathmandu
celebrated World Habitat Day on 4 October
by organising various programmes.
032 The Urban Development and Building
Construction Department organised
a function where participants said
that increase in migration and lack of
education, health, drinking water and
sanitation facilities have affected normal
life. On the occasion, the State Minister
for Physical Planning and Work Sanjaya
Kumar Saha said political instability
was the main reason of unorganised
settlement. Assistant Minister for Physical
Planning and Work Kalawati Paswan
stressed for increasing awareness about
the day among rural folks. The Ministry
World Habitat Day in Tehran © ESDO, Tehran Municipality
of Physical Planning and Works has been
celebrating the Day in cooperation with
World Habitat Day in three areas: 1. In zone where floods brought on by heavy other government and non-government
Uvurkhangai province, the Community rains have struck in recent years with organization working in the sector after
Saving Groups (CSG) and Community devastating impact. Mutarara village the United Nations designated the first
Development Fund (CDF) had essay is concealed between a low level area Monday of October every year as World
competitions and paintings, exhibition where two major rivers meet, namely the Habitat Day since 1995.
between local people. The theme was Zambezi River in the southwest and the
“My ger and my street”, and was held Chire in the northeast limit. As heavy During Habitat for Humanity Nepal’s
on 2nd of October, 2010. 2. In Khan-Uul rains and discharges from the Cahora Everest Build, about 700 international
district, 5th khoroo, in Ulaanbaatar, CSGs Bassa dam upstream the Zambezi are and Nepali volunteers were invited to
held an opening ceremony of a “Senior’s expected, people are working hard to display their national flags and declare
park”, on the 1st of October. This event ensure that they have an elevated place of that they are committed to the mission
involved people from the grassroots, CSGs refugee while they wait for expected flood of elimination of poverty housing. The
members, and representatives from the waters to subside. The platform, which government and local UN-HABITAT
Municipality and media. 3. In Darkhan once finished will house 3 classrooms in representatives participated.
city, CSGs had a debate on the housing its top, is part of a strategy advocated by
issue and how to improve their lives, UN-HABITAT through its governmental Nepal International Consumers Union
houses, streets and so on. partner INGC - the National Institute for observed World Habitat Day through
Disasters Management of Mozambique radio programs, workshops amongst local
Mozambique - aiming to assist communities in living community and print media. They also
with floods. Even in remote areas, people supplied free drinking water to schools on
In a bid to raise awareness about disaster are being taught how to change their 5 October.
mitigation and awareness, the UN- attitude, their city or their village, striving
HABITAT team in Maputo, Mozambique, for a better life.
held a special World Habitat Day event
with the country’s National Institute
for Disaster Management in the very
The Nepalese people have built homes The School of Architecture, Universidad
for 7,500 families, and in the month of Católica ‘Redemptoris Mater’organized a
October, 40 bamboo houses were built in “Congress for a Better World” to discuss
Lekhnath municipality. Nepalis involved various topics on environment protection.
six volunteers sponsored by Habitat for The event was held at the Barcelo
Humanity. Montelimar Hotel in Montelimar Beach.
033
Movimiento Comunal Nicaragüense in
New Zealand Nicaragua mobilized the community
The University of Auckland organised to celebrate the World Habitat Day on
a series of events on World Habitat ‘Building Cooperative Housing under the
Day and during the week that followed Law 677’ by the National Government of
World Habitat Day. Activities included; A Nicaragua. The event was on 2 October at
collaborative art project, A Home for all the Tiscapa Park.
Cultures, a photography competition and
The Centro de Estudios y Promoción
exhibition, workshops on Composting
del Habitar-HABITAR organized the
and Gardening, a panel discussion on
Habitat Fair and Inauguration of the
The future of Auckland’s public transport,
Environmental Risk Mitigation Works. The
seminars on Urbanisation and Health, and
initiative spread sustainable technologies
Sustainable Development Challenges, and
to raise environmental standards in the
a panel discussion on Shanghai World Expo
popular neighborhoods of Managua and
2010 - Better City, Better Life? Children plan their cities - Thailand © LUSH
encourage public participation in the
Nicaragua management of environmental risk. The
event took place at the Neighborhood Community of Chikun LGA of Kaduna
The National Dialogue for Access to Lomas de Guadalupe- District 7 in State Nigeria. Fusion Nigeria – Nassarawa
Serviced Land and Property Rights Managua. Centre organized the event with the
organized a World Habitat Day event to Support of the office of the Parish Priest
promote the creation of a Permanent Nigeria
of St. Paul’s Catholic Church Nassarawa.
Forum for the Promotion of the Equitable The event was aimed at; Bringing
The National Union of Tenants of Nigeria,
Access to Suitable Housing. The event was the people of Nassarawa community
in conjunction with the civil society
organized by UN-HABITAT Nicaragua at together to reflect on the development
organizations from all over Nigeria,
the Holiday Inn Hotel, Managua. of Nassarawa town; Joining Nassarawa
commemorated this year’s World Habitat
Day at the Conference Hall of Federal Community in the Global Celebration;
The city of Managua held a World Raising Social Capital to the deal with
Habitat Day activity at the Holiday Inn, Government Secretariat, Port Harcourt,
to highlight the scale of unlawful issues that affects the community; Setting
Mombacho Salon where a Declaration up a sustainable network to continue to
for a Sustainable Habitat was signed by forced eviction of families and wanton
destruction of people’s homes and lives by respond to issues affecting Nassarawa
Habitat Professionals Consultative Group community. The event was organized
in Nicaragua. the Government of Rivers State. Invited
to cover the occasion were local and under the theme “Better Nassarawa,
The Habitat for Humanity in Nicaragua international media. For more details Better life”.
joined in on the celebrations and about the event, send mail to: info.nutn@
The Toris Schools organized a road walk to
inaugurated the itinerant photographic yahoo.com
sensitize the community on the need to
exhibition, rewarding the best exponents keep the community clean and to promote
on the topics: A better city for a better Fusion Nigeria – Nassarawa Centre
observed the World Habitat Day at St. a healthy environment. This campaign
life; and housing and health. actively involved the Toris School children
Paul’s Catholic Church Hall, in Nassarawa
Pakistan
The Pakistan Wetlands Programme
had World Habitat Day activities to
commemorate the Day in Pakistan. The
Pakistan Wetlands Programme objective
034 is to conserve the globally important
wetlands biodiversity in Pakistan while
alleviating poverty. It is a progressive
initiative of the Federal Ministry of
Environment and is being implemented by
the World Wide Fund for Nature, Pakistan
(WWF-P). It is funded by consortium
of national and international donors
including, the Global Environment Facility
(GEF), United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP), Embassy of Kingdom
of Royal Netherlands (EKN) and WWF-
Network.
Philippines
World Habitat Day in Mexico © UN-HABITAT Mexico
The UN-HABITAT Country office in the
Philippines celebrated World Habitat Day
who were guided to draw a master plan for Occupied Palestinian Territory 2010 on October 4 at the UN Offices at
a new city plan for Okearo community in RCBC Plaza in Makati City with partners
Ogun State where the school is situated. The Battir Village Council, with support from the urban sector. The main activity
The plan contained features like a better of UN-HABITAT, organized a folklore was the convening of the Human
road layout, bridges, hospitals, call festival in Battir Public Park under the Settlements Committee co-chaired by the
centres, park, sports centre, the city mall theme “Better City, Better Life”. Battir lies Philippine Business for Social Progress
and much more. at the heart of the West Bank and is part (PBSP) and UN-HABITAT to discuss 1)
of the broader urban region stretching the ongoing on-site relocation project
With support from the Architecture from Bethlehem over Jerusalem to in the Hankins community in Pasay City
Students Association, Habitat UNEC Ramallah. Schools in Battir also held which involved the construction of a
planned an awareness raising programme a drawing and writing competition. In medium-rise building for affected 120
in and around the University of Nigeria, East Jerusalem, a special session took families, 2) updates on the policy reforms
Enugu Cmpus and in its Enugu State place at the Rosary Sisters’s High School, advocated by the Philippine Urban
community, to celebrate the World Habitat In the Gaza Strip where a wide variety Consortium and 3) partnerships for the
Day and this year’s theme Better City of housing actors, came together in a Montalban Resettlement Project. Around
Better Life. The programme advocated for three-day workshop, organised jointly, by 50 participants from the national and
sustainable urbanization. UN-HABITAT and the UN-HABITAT partner local governments, business sector, civil
University of Westminster (London, UK), society, academe and urban poor sector
World Habitat Day was celebrated in to develop innovative approaches to participated in the forum.
Nigeria at the Community Primary School the reconstruction and development of
Auditorium in October the Gaza strip, focusing on ‘sustainable The Butter N Toast Toastmasters Club
growth, greener houses and greener in Makati City marked the day through
neighborhoods’. presentations and speeches on the
World Habitat Day’s theme, Better City,
Better Life. The initiative engaged the remind us of those around the world who Sierra Leone
Toastmasters in a speech and discussion do not have sufficient housing.
session on City Life in the Philippines, and The Human Rights Shelter Committee
in other parts of the world, and is aimed Portugal celebrated the World Habitat Day at the
at advocating for a Better Life. The event National Forum for Human Rights, 29B
was held in Makati City, Philippines on 14 The Portuguese Ministry for Environment Big Water Loo Street, Freetown. Activities
October 2010. and Spatial Planning held country-level starting on 4 October 2010 marking 035
activities to celebrate World Habitat Day. the day have been divided into two- a
The Home Development Mutual Fund national forum as well as regional forums
(Pag-IBIG Fund) in the Philippines, Intermunicipal Service Waste Management in the four provinces of the country. The
through the North Luzon Operations of Greater Porto (LIPOR) organized national forum brought together various
Group participated through information presentations dubbed “Cidades Verdes” stakeholders including government
dissemination campaigns during office (Green Cities) on the World Habitat ministers as well as NGO and UN
flag ceremonies, with employers, Day theme, Better City, Better Life. The representatives. Target audience included
developers, and other key partners in the speakers included Dr. Fernando Leite and disadvantaged slum residents and other
housing finance industry, and other multi- Dr. Susana Abreu of Lipor. stakeholders drawn from various sectors
media engagements. of the community.
Republic of Panama
Habitat for Humanity Philippines The Youth Partnership for Peace and
engaged and energized their volunteers AVINA Foundation for Sustainable
Development Sierra Leone observed the
to join the fight against poverty Development mobilized some of the
World Habitat Day through the media and
housing through various digital media communities and cities they work with
through consultative programmes. Media
avenues. In October, the theme Hard in Latin America, in awareness-raising
campaigns included a press conference/
Hats for Habitat underpinned a series activities for World Habitat Day.
media round table, radio/TV discussion
of activities including a social media and news paper publication in the local
Russia
blitz, a youth build, a bloggers’ build media and online forums, and a one day
and a comprehensive media outreach UN-HABITAT Russia held a conference consultative forum, in collaboration with
exercise featuring print editorials, radio on the theme Better City, Better Life CSOs/NGOs in Freetown to raise their
interviews, cinema and outdoor public in Moscow with the participation of awareness on issues of urbanization and
service announcements. government officials, MPs, city planners, the essence of the World Habitat Day and
NGOs and international organizations. The to further encourage them to inculcate
Poland conference was co-organised jointly with the theme of Better City Better Life into
the Free Economic Society of the Russian their organizations’ activities and to
On 4 October, Arcadis, an int’l company further reflect on the state of towns and
that provides consultancy, design, Federation.
cities and the basic right of all Sierra
engineering and management services A national workshop in the city of Leoneans to adequate shelter. The forum
in the fields of infrastructure, water, Tver brought together six women’s was intended to remind the national
environment and buildings marked organizations to discuss activities aimed government of its collective responsibility
World Habitat Day by encouraging its at the promotion of women’s safety in for the future of the human habitat.
employees to become involved with Russian cities. The following Russian
Shelter, ARCADIS’ partnership with UN- cities were represented: Moscow, Tver, Somalia
HABITAT, consideration for the basic right Pushchino, Dubna, Petrozavodsk and
all humans have to adequate shelter, and Cheliabinsk. UN-HABITAT had World Habitat Day
reflect on their collective responsibility celebrations in Somaliland, Hargeisa and
towards the future of human habitat. In Puntland, Garowe.
celebration of World Habitat Day, Mark
DeMarta suggested that each office
display a small tent in their lobby to
followed by a music performance by the population; and, working with other

Thembisa Choir as well as the screening NGOs, governments, civil society and
of the 8 Goals for Africa song. The song, individuals from a kindred background in
by eight famous African artists, is part furthering the above objectives.
of an awareness and advocacy campaign
developed by the United Nations System Habitat for Humanity South Africa had
036 in South Africa on the 8 Millennium five-house builds on World Habitat Day in
Development Goals (MDGs). partnership with ArcelorMittal.
Habitable Human Settlements organized The National Department of Human

World Habitat Day events in South Africa. Settlements in South Africa hosted a
The activities are aimed at assisting national conference on World Habitat Day.
governments and institutions with the
The Department of Town and Regional
delivery of social houses to the less
Planning, at University of Johannesburg,
privileged with the highest needs for
organized an event at the university on
shelter on the housing waiting list;
the occasion of World Habitat Day. The
enforcing the governments’ indigent
programme included a quiz programme on
policies; keeping a data base of indigent
the context of cities in South Africa with
applicants; improving the quality of
themes like: visual round, thematic round,
constructed houses, roads, sanitation,
A young Habitat supporter in Hong Kong assembling rapid fire round, and state of cities round
a model stilt house representing HFH China’s Tai O schools and health facilities by
among others.
Restoration Project © Habitat for Humanity China screening service providers, monitoring
projects and offering certified quality Residents took ownership of newly built
assurance; helping place the homeless houses as part of World Habitat Day
South Africa into government subsidised shelters celebrations, under the umbrella of the
and secure additional funding for such Alexandra Renewal Project in Alexandra.
On 4 October 2010, UN-HABITAT in
shelters from business, communities and
Pretoria, in collaboration with the United
international organizations; educating South Korea
Nations Information Centre (UNIC)
communities on environmental,
Pretoria, celebrated World Habitat Day
social and economic well-being and Habitat for Humanity Korea hosted a
in partnership with the Department of
encourage volunteerism; facilitation of special event at the city hall square in
Human Settlements, the South African
the employment of local labour on the the country’s capital, Seoul. Twenty-five
Institute of Civil Engineering (SAICE)
projects; replacing traditional rondavels volunteers helped to build a house which
and the Johannesburg Social Housing
with modern architectural rondavels would be moved later to Yangpyung
Company (JOSHCO). The theme of this
with ventilation, lighting and easy to city, about 45 km. east of Seoul, to be
year’s Day was “Better City, Better Life”.
maintain; advocating universal design lived in by the Lee family. Among the
The event highlighted actions and
standards and close proximity to services volunteers was a special guest – In-Joo
policies that can improve the well-being
and amenities; erecting new schools Park, senior presidential secretary for
for billions of people who live in slums
and rehabilitating the existing schools’ social integration. He said: “Habitat for
and other sub-standard housing around
infrastructure in rural areas; ensuring that Humanity is a place to take action to share
the world. William Jiyane, Department
communities have access to clean water, and love.” About 1,000 visitors thronged
of Human Settlements Chief Director
sanitation, power and essential services; HFH Korea’s event. Other programs
opened the ceremony and welcomed the
building hospitals or community health included a fashion show which featured
audience. After an introduction to World
centres in response to their needs, and construction clothes or carpenters’ garb.
Habitat Day, he talked about the UN
developing infrastructural solutions as The models comprised Habitat staff and
HABITAT Scroll of Honour and why it was
identified by the communities; raise funds volunteers as well as professional models.
introduced as well as some of the previous
and build capacity to serve the homeless There was also a Photo Wall section
winners from South Africa. This was
of incorporating environmental
consideration in their daily business
activities. HDFC Bank Chairperson Siromi
Wickramasinghe, CEO and General
Manager Suresh Amerasekera, Deputy
General Manager S. Dissanayaka,
Assistant General Manager D.V. Pathirana, 037
school children and Officers of UN-
HABIATAT office in Colombo participated
in the walk
Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka hosted

its first Global Village volunteer team in
four years. HFH Sri Lanka, partnering with
the Stitch Movement, a local initiative
to encourage youth volunteerism and
activism in the country, organized a
one-kilometer barefoot walk to remember
those without adequate housing.
New housing in Zimbabwe - World Habitat Day. © UN-HABITAT The Condominium Management Authority,
a government agency in Sri Lanka
published their annual magazine for the
where the public was encouraged to have eastern Provinces in celebration of the
World Habitat Day event in Sri Lanka.
photos taken of their creative responses World Habitat Day. There were various
to the question “What will you build?”. workshops and conferences targeting Women’s CO-OP in Sri Lanka celebrated
Responses ranged from “hope”, “better school children and young audiences. the World Habitat Day in Colombo
world”, “a world with abundant love” Houses that have already been completed by focusing on implementing the
to “healthy family, happy home”. Some were handed over to their new owners Condominium Act of 1973. Women’s CO-OP
of the photos taken will be submitted from the beginning of the World Habitat is working for the rights for the dwellers
to Habitat for Humanity’s online photo Week, the 28th of September onwards. The of condominiums. The Co-op launched
petition. HFH Korea collected about 450 events were held at the Fort Art Center in a programme to commemorate World
petitions at the onsite advocacy drive and Battaramulla. Habitat Day in the housing scheme with
call to action. the participation of Urban Development
Housing Development Finance
Authority, REEL Company, Community
Sri Lanka Corporation Bank (HDFC) Bank held a
Development Council in the particular
walk to celebrate World Habitat Day. The
Scheme and other CDC leaders.
A National programme was launched objective was to develop awareness on
for the World Habitat Day with the the theme “Better City, Better Life” and the Spain
assistance of the Ministry of Construction, importance of protecting the environment
Engineering Services, Housing and among the general public. This was World Habitat Day celebrations started
Common Amnesties, National Housing also contributing to the bank’s policy in the framework of the Congress
Development Agency (NHDA), and the framework of promoting sustainable “Rehabilitation and Sustainability: the
Condominium Management Authority. housing and living and to be actively future is possible” www.rsf2010.org in
100 housing projects were launched at a involved in the Government’s effort of collaboration with the Spanish Council
cost of Rs. 50 million under the “Nagamu achieving the Millennium Development of Technical Architecture, the Spanish
Purawara” programme. NHDA also Goals on Environmental Sustainability, Ministry for Housing and Metropolis.
constructed and developed other urban ensuring that every employee of Discussion panels under the theme
and rural housing schemes in the north HDFC understands the importance “Responsibilities and challenges of local
Tanzania
In a colourful event in Dar es Salaam, the
Minister for Lands, Housing and Human
Settlements Development addressed
the public through his televised speech
038 to mark the World Habitat Day. He
started his speech by highlighting the
importance of World Habitat Day with
an emphasis that the government of
Tanzania in collaboration with UN-
HABITAT in Tanzania is celebrating this
very important event by highlighting
the government plans toward human
settlements and urban planning. He went
further to state that the government has
many programmes but there is also lack
of professionals in the relevant areas and
World Habitat Day 2010 launching gimmick in Kuala Lumpur © MHLG Kuala Lumpur sometimes, a lack of proper supervision.
The event was attended by various
stakeholders from the media, MDA,
governments in the sustainability of the The Professional Association of Technical
NGOs, CBOs, Private sector, Microfinance
urban planning” focusing in the Latin Architects of Catalonia in Barcelona
Banks, National Housing Corporation, the
America and Mediterranean countries supported the organization of the World
Ministry of Infrastructure, UN and Real
followed. At the same time, a series of Habitat Day in several Mediterranean
Estates companies.
events with the civil society took place cities.
at the Barcelona Maritime Museum, The Maarifa Youth Network in Mabibo,
including the projection of the winner The Barcelona Architects Association
Dar es Salaam, organized a World Habitat
of the short-movies competition “Better organized a congress in Barcelona from
Day event through public information
City, Better Life”. For more information 4 to 6 October. The congress focuses
campaigns and theatre to create
about World Habitat Day in Spain, please on sustainable revitalization and it
awareness on the problems and issues
contact: urban.eu@vivienda.es is sponsored by government bodies
facing people living in Tanzania. The
including the Ministry for Housing, the
planned activities included exhibitions,
In the following days, UN-HABITAT Province, the Region and the City Council.
and discussions by policy makers including
organized an exchange of experience
Sudan government officials, academicians,
on decentralization and municipal
journalists and other professionals and
development in Latin America and the
The Human Rights Society organized year community representatives.
Mediterranean. The UN-HABITAT office
also launched a short-film competition. long awareness campaigns for the housing
rights in Abyei Town. The immediate former Executive Director
Three films were shown during the of UN-HABITAT, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka,
observance of World Habitat Day in observed the World Habitat Day in her
Barcelona on 4 October. More information Switzerland
home town Muleba, in Tanzania by
is available at www.whdfilmcompetition. The World Business Council for launching a youth group for decent homes
pbworks.com Sustainable Development creates raises and clean neighbourhoods.
awareness of World Habitat Day through
their WBCSD website, www.wbcsd.org.
Thailand Habitat for Humanity programs held infrastructure, employment and safety
special builds in October. In Thailand, together, organized an eventful and
There was a succession of events across simultaneous builds in four locations creative day and to create a link between
the country throughout October, involving – Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Pathum the lives of the urban poor in Africa,
over 11,000 people. It culminated with Thani and Ranong, coupled with media Latin America and The Netherlands. The
the main event on the 22nd of October, interviews in Bangkok, raised awareness event at Podium 0950 Rotterdam was an
in Pathum Thani province, with a visit by of the issues of inadequate housing and interactive network meeting for which 039
the Prime Minister. The province has many call for volunteers to help build better 60 people from different institutions,
cities undertaking city-wide upgrading, homes to transform lives. backgrounds, and walks of life are invited.
with the support of the Provincial The guests took a creative trip around
Governor, who has made city-wide Thailand had land reform as a key issue the world and “visit” the three different
upgrading a policy. He has also linked for its World Habitat Day celebrations, identified neighborhoods created in
with the Lands Department to facilitate as the Baan Mankong slum upgrading three different rooms with three different
the rules and regulations with regard to project is now spreading to rural areas, ambiances, linked to a specific city.
land and land allocation. requiring land surveys and mapping, so Three Hub Amsterdam members also
land is a very important issue with regard participated in the event.
LUSH, an initiative that promotes positive to housing in Thailand.
environmental and social change through Togo
affordable high-quality events, celebrated
World Habitat Day in Bangkok through The Netherlands The Ministry of Planning and Housing
social and cultural events planned to The Netherlands Slum Dwellers planned World Habitat Day activities from
provide shelter and helping alleviate the Program and Cordaid Urban Matters, 1 October to 7 October in Kara. Activities
most urgent needs of the urban poor the an organisation that brings existing included open race, exhibitions, and
city of Bangkok. initiatives and ideas on housing, speeches.
SAID-Togo celebrated World Habitat Day

in Lomé through drawing competitions,
essay writing, media debates, and drawing
competitions under the theme Better City,
Better Life. The Essay writing competition
was organized in collaboration with
the English Club, University of Lomé.
The media debate programme aimed to
bring the citizens to reflect on the state
of cities and on the fundamental right
to decent housing. It was to draw the
attention of citizens to their collective
responsibilities for the future of the
human habitat. The drawing competition
engaged the students in primary schools
and is intended to bring the students to
think about their cities, the things they
like, and those they do not like about their
cities.
World Habitat Day in Colombia © UN-HABITAT Colombia

Tunisia from the Ministry of Construction, the funded (ERSO) slum upgrading project
provincial People’s Committee, and ACHR. in Tororo Municipal Council; Launching
Tunisia celebrated Arab and World Habitat This project is one where the poor have of the Slum Upgrading Strategy for
Days under the themes “adequate housing been able to negotiate a lower standard Uganda; Exhibitions by the Central and
to the environment, a right for all” of construction than legally required, Local governments, private sector, NGOs,
and “a Better City, Better Life”. Tunisia allowing appropriate housing for the financial institutions etc; Radio and TV
040 published a declaration on this occasion poor. This was followed by an afternoon live talk shows on the theme Better City,
highlighting the appropriateness of discussion on the implementation of the Better Life and a TV documentary on the
the subjects chosen to celebrate Arab peoples’ housing projects in Vietnam, state of urbanization in Uganda.
and World Housing Day and the policy allowing for international sharing of ideas
adopted by President Ben Ali which aims amongst the participants. Youth Initiative for AIDS prevention (YIAP-
at consecrating comprehensive and Uganda) mobilized their communities in
sustainable development. raising issues of sustainable urbanization
Uganda in Uganda.
Vietnam World Habitat Day was celebrated in
Entebbe and was graced by the Prime United Kingdom
UN-HABITAT Vietnam in co-operation with Minister of Uganda, Prof. Apollo Nsibambi,
Vietnam Urban Planning and Development the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Amnesty International UK hosted a
Association (VUPDA) organized the Development and the Mayor of Entebbe panel discussion and a short film about
conference “HANOI MILLENNIUM - City Past among others. The events held included; the impact of forced evictions with a
and Future”. It was also a realistic action opening of the show room for the CDS special focus on Port Harcourt, Rivers
to contribute for the 1000th Anniversary funded projects in Entebbe municipal State, Nigeria to mark World Habitat Day
of Ha Noi. The workshop went through council; launching of the Shelter Profile 2010. Over 200,000 people are currently
current challenges of Ha Noi and solutions report for Uganda; exhibitions by the facing eviction because the authorities
to address those challenges. Then it came Central and Local governments, private plan to demolish more than 40 informal
up with initiatives, concrete plan to draw sector, NGOs, financial institutions etc; settlements in Port Harcourt’s waterfront
the future of Hanoi, to make it become a Radio and TV live talk shows on the area as part of the ‘urban renewal’ of the
better city. theme Better City, Better Life and a TV city. Thousands have already lost their
documentary on the state of urbanization livelihoods as well as their homes to make
An exchange visit in Vinh was organized way for private development involving
in Uganda.
with groups from Thailand, Cambodia an 8 screen cinema (already built), and
and the Philippines joining in with Habitat for Humanity Uganda partnered a planned shopping mall, conference
local teams , from 1-4 October. The trip with the Independent Publications centre, hotel and theme park. Speakers
started with a visit of the savings groups Limited, a local but popular and widely included Joseph Croft, Stakeholder
activities in Danang, where there are 2000 read magazine in Uganda to publish Democracy Network, Lucy Freeman,
savings groups, each very small, around an informative, educative pull-out Nigeria Team Amnesty International and
10 members. These savings groups are highlighting the housing need in Uganda Naomi McAuliffe, Amnesty International
managed by the Women’s Union. The and the role played by key stakeholders in UK
group visited the savings groups and the provision of better housing.
shared ideas with the aim of eventually The international non-profit organisation
organizing a workshop on savings groups World Habitat Day was celebrated in Architecture for Health In Vulnerable
in the future. On the second day, the Tororo Municipal Council. The event was Environments (ARCHIVE) gave talks to
group went to the city of Vinh, where a graced by the Vice President of Uganda, students at University College London’s
formal event was held on the morning Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, the Minister of Development Planning Unit and at
of the 3rd, with a site visit to and the Lands, Housing and Urban Development Imperial College London about why
inauguration of the Huu Nghi community’s and the Mayor of Tororo among others. housing should be a central strategy
housing project, with speeches from the The events held included; Laying a for preventing illness and providing
community leader, and representatives foundation stone for the UN-HABITAT care among the poor. The talks drew
USA
Habitat for Humanity springfeild
celebrated World Habitat Day in
Massachusetts on Monday 4 October.
Habitat for Humanity International

organised a major event in Washington 041
DC featuring former President Jimmy
Carter. Habitat for Humanity International
hosted its annual Jimmy & Rosalynn
Carter Work in the week of 4 October in
cities across USA. Jonathan Reckford, CEO
of Habitat for Humanity International
said the organization’s model of offering
a hand up, rather than a handout, builds
responsible home-ownership. In honor
of President Carter’s 86th birthday,
thousands of volunteers that week
built, renovated or repaired 86 homes in
Official Opening for the World Habitat Day Celebration in Malaysia © MHLG Kuala Lumpur
Washington, D.C., Annapolis, Baltimore,
Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Birmingham,
Alabama.
on examples from ARCHIVE’s work in disasters. On this day we remind the The CourtView Justice Solutions held
Haiti and northwest London. During the international community that 640 The 2010 CourtView User Conference on
Habitat week ARCHIVE also published million children in developing countries the 4th and 5th of October, in Cleveland,
an article on its website and, via social still live without adequate shelter and Ohio, to mark the World Habitat Day.
media, encouraged its online followers around 55 million people last year were Special guest speakers Jeff Whytsell,
to reflect on the connection between affected by extreme weather conditions Faith OutReach Director for the local
housing and health. across the world. Simple measures such Habitat for Humanity and the honorable
as providing transitional shelter or good Judge Ronald B. Adrine, Administrative
Muslim Aid urged governments to honour drainage systems can save peoples lives.” and Presiding Judge of the Cleveland
their collective commitment to provide Muslim Aid is currently implementing Municipal Court spoke at the event on
their people with adequate shelter as shelter and construction programmes helping the community and the justice
part of creating more equal and just in many countries across the world in system in Cleveland. User Conference
societies. Muslim Aid also reiterated its order to make people’s habitat safer attendees learnt how others within the
firm resolve to help communities that and comfortable. It has also completed justice community are helping Build a
have lost their homes due to natural flood mitigation projects in Indonesia Better Community.
and man-made disasters through its to improve protection against future
relief and development projects by The Honolulu Field Office in Hawaii of the
flooding. These projects have allowed
providing temporary shelter, permanent US Department of Housing and Urban
communities to flourish and children to
housing and access to clean water. A Development developed an e-newsletter
build a life filled with security and peace.
Spokesperson for Muslim Aid said: “This in celebration of World Habitat Day to
task of providing shelter and housing highlight individuals and collectives
requires both national and international pioneering some potent ideas to create
efforts and practical solutions, especially better communities that improve lives
for people affected by crisis and natural and harness the potential of all people.
The e-newsletter will focus on the Habitat for Humanity and Rapid City, University of California, Berkeley and
immense possibilities being created by South Dakota celebrated World Habitat Cal Habitat for Humanity’s Campus
ordinary people to enrich the lives of Day by pushing toward adequate housing Chapter organized a whole week of events
others, promote their well-being and to for all and bring attention to the need surrounding World Habitat Day, dubbing
contribute so communities thrive and for more housing in the area. The it World Habitat Week! The hallmark of
flourish. Featured innovative projects organizations started Sunday 3 October by the week was a Photo Competition asking
042 include: Institute for Human Services, manning an aid station at the Run Crazy students “What Will You Build”? The
an emergency shelter for the homeless, Horse Marathon. Habitat also presented University used Social Media, Facebook, to
and its efforts to produce healthy food, Slumdog Millionaire at the Elks Theater disseminate and bring awareness to the
teach sustainable living to kids and learn on Wednesday night. On Saturday, Rapid college community. More details on the
meaningful employment skills; Small, City’s mayor and city leaders participated event can be found here http://www.ocf.
green affordable project for the elderly in a “Leaders Build” on 7th Street. berkeley.edu/~habitat/?page_id=89
proposed for an area in New Orleans
devastated by Hurricane Katrina selected Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County In Cornelius, North Carolina the
as a finalist in a competition sponsored hosted a photo contest and exhibit in World Habitat Day Lowe’s Media Event
by the US Green Building Council and The conjunction with World Habitat Day, was organized engaging the media,
Salvation Army. The home will be built in Concord, North Carolina. Entrants volunteers, donors and chambers. Lowe
and metrics applied regarding the green submitted photos and a short narrative is in the process of building a Lowe’s
aspects. Molokai Habitat for Humanity is on what home means to them, and photos Companies sponsored home. This home is
constructing an off-grid bamboo house were displayed at an ongoing exhibit, not only an excellent example of what an
that will be certified platinum by the US opened with a reception on World Habitat impact the Lowe’s national partnership
Green Building Council as a template for Day. Photos will then be compiled in to a has made, but it is also an excellent
expanding capacity to produce homes book and sent to lawmakers as an appeal promotion for our Green Building
that are greener and healthier. The for safe, affordable housing. program. This house will be the first
e-newsletter was published in October LEEDS-certified home.
Habitat for Humanity of Evansville held
2010.
an open house at 2113 Shadewood Ave., In Dickinson, Texas, the “Parade of
Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County a home in their newest development, Playhouses” event marking World Habitat
joined the celebration of World Habitat Shadewood Place. They invited the Day where tickets for mini Habitat for
Day 2010 with special events planned community to tour the home and find Humanity houses were sold. Students
for six weeks. These activities included: out how they can become involved in from Wisconsin built two playhouses while
A call for more volunteers to help build alleviating the burden of substandard volunteering. The students that take part
the first Habitat home in the county. housing. in Youth United Habitat program sold
The organization held a communitywide raffle tickets during Act! Speak! Build!
The NGO Committee on Human Week.
birdhouse decorating competition. The
Settlements organized awareness-raising
completed birdhouses were sold at a silent
events for World Habitat Day in New York. Two houses were donated to the local
auction 4:30-7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov.
affiliate by families from Montgomery,
10, at the Hutchinson Center in Belfast. The University of Wyoming in Larmaie, Alabama on the event of World Habitat
At the “Taste of the World” event, the celebrated this year’s World Habitat Day Day. The sponsors for the rehabs are
organization had cards available for those through community service involving their Kellogg and Winn Dixie
who would like to donate to Habitat for student-athletes.
Humanity of Waldo County in the name In Pacoima, California, there was a 5
of someone as a holiday gift. For more The Habitat for Humanity Student Chapter kilometer Habitat Way Walkathon in honor
information about the cards, call 557- held its first meeting of the year on 4 of World Habitat Day.
6071 or visit www.habitatofwaldocounty. October at the Hudson Valley Community
org. College
Representatives from Habitat, Housing and travels the world to aid in the battle HABITAT, UNDP, Kitwe Mayor, the Canadian
Authority, Rebuilding Together and against substandard housing conditions Ambassador to Zambia and HFH Zambia.
Redevelopment Agency presented their and poverty. Quinonez told the audience Habitat for Humanity representative for
programs during a World Habitat Day that, according to current data, the rate Zambia made a speech focusing on the
event in Warner Robins, Georgia called of poverty in the world will continue theme “Better City, Better Life” and asked
“Preparing Families for Homeownership” to increase and the need for decent local authorities to work in partnership
for housing agencies and enabling affordable housing will skyrocket. He also with NGO’s in order to achieve better 043
agencies. Enabling agencies such as discussed what Habitat and volunteers all cities and improve the lives of urban
Community Action Agency, Consumer around the world are doing to address the inhabitants.
Credit Counseling, Life Changers, State situation. Quinonez encouraged students
Dept. of Family and Children Services, to get involved by working with their local The Swedish Cooperative Centre worked
food banks and churches explained their H4H affiliates. with its partners to celebrate the World
programs to develop families. Habitat Day and to raise awareness on
Harvard University’s Habitat for Humanity this year’s theme Better City, Better Life
Randolph-Macon College students paid campus chapter held an advocacy in Zambia.
homage to World Habitat Week October campaign with a focus on secure tenure.
4-8, 2010. This annual event was an The students also created a photo collage
opportunity for Habitat for Humanity, to submit to Habitat International.
Zimbabwe
the United Nations and organizations For the first time the World Habitat Day
around the world to join forces in raising Several Community Work Days were commemorations were organized by
awareness about the global housing held throughout the month of October ZIM-Habitat in close collaboration with
crisis. On October 4, members of the in Prudenville, Michigan, involving the Ministry of National Housing and
college’s Habitat for Humanity (H4H) local churches and civic groups in Social Amenities. The National Housing
chapter “lived” in cardboard boxes commemoration of World Habitat Day. Convention in November 2009 strongly
all day to raise awareness on campus recommended the establishment of
The University of North Florida volleyball
about poverty and homelessness. Other ZIM-HABITAT which is the National
team paired up with Beaches Habitat for
student organizations also supported Chapter on Human Settlements. Its broad
Humanity to celebrate World Habitat Day
H4H by sponsoring a box for the day. All mandate is to facilitate the formulation of
on Tuesday at the Donner Neighborhood
donations received were donated to the the national housing policy and monitor
Pick Up ‘n’ Picnic. The volleyball team
Hanover County Habitat for Humanity, its implementation through diverse
helped the organization with their
which uses 100% of all donations stakeholders in the sector as well as to
neighborhood clean-up as well as helping
to build homes for Hanover County play an advisory role to the Ministry on
to beautify Jordan Park. UNF also assisted
families. “This was an opportunity for matters related to policies and strategies
with painting a handicap accessible ramp,
our students to educate themselves and on human settlement development in
picking up trash and planting flowers
their community and to advocate for general. The commemorations 2010
in the park adjacent to the Habitat for
decent, affordable homes,” says Christina were celebrated in Budiriro/Section 5 in
Humanity offices. Along with several other
Brown, assistant director of residence Harare. Numerous guests were invited
volunteers, the Ospreys interacted with
life and housing at R-MC. The event was to visit a current housing consortium
the community by doing art projects with
covered in the October 5 edition of the project in Budiriro. The City of Harare
some of the youth of the neighborhood.
Richmond Times-Dispatch. On Wednesday, allocated undeveloped land to the
October 6, Jose Quinonez, the director consortium in December of 2004. The
of Advocacy for Habitat for Humanity Zambia City of Harare mandated the consortium
International, presented “The State of to do the following developments:
Poverty in 2010” to R-MC students and Habitat for Humanity Zambia participated
Surveying, Water reticulation system,
members of the community. Quinonez has with the Ministry of Local Government
Sewer reticulation system, Road network
served Habitat for Humanity and other and Housing in a session on World Habitat
and Building housing units for members.
non-profit organizations for many years Day. The minister was the main speaker,
These developments were funded by
while other speakers included UN-
member subscriptions only. To date the Hon. Giles T. Mutsekwa officially opened
following has been achieved: Surveying a model house was followed by speeches
100%, Water reticulation 100%, Sewer from Mr. J Chiyangwa (Director of Housing
reticulation 100%, Road network up to and Community Services/City of Harare),
gravel level (the consortium is expected Hon. Dr.I.G. Karimanzira (Governor and
to tar the roads on their own before Resident Minister for Harare Metropolitan
044 processing of title deeds), Housing units’ Province) and L. Hlatywayo (Consortium
developments (consortium approximation Statement), Mr.Chiroto (Deputy Mayor
50%). The consortium went even further of Harare), Mr.Tutisani (Chairperson ZIM
to partner the Zimbabwe Electricity Habitat) and Christine Umutoni (Country
Supply Authority (ZESA) and provides Director UNDP). The town clerk of the City
about 70% of the required materials for of Harare Dr.Tendai Mahachi closed the
the electricity grid. To date the project event with a Vote of Thanks on behalf of
is 80% complete. All achievements made the councillor for Ward 43. The celebration
in the project were 100% self funded was accompanied by the Budiriro No. 5 Pry
and the success was recorded under a School &Churchill Pipe Band. UN Habitat
hyperinflationary environment. All project office in Harare had sponsored 500
participants believe these projects are a T-shirts for the event as well as a banner.
success story in Southern Africa if not in The celebration concluded with a group
Africa as a whole. The visit of the project lunch at Chinese Gardens Restaurant in
site where the Guest of Honour, Minister Harare.
of National Housing and Social Amenities
PHOTO: © Gobierno de Aguascalientes
“Let us work together to combat climate change, encouraging our cities and
towns to vigorously implement mitigation and adaptation measures.”
– UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, 2010
“Urban planning is fundamental for effective climate change action both in

mitigation and adaptation”
PHOTOS: © Gobierno de Aguascalientes
– UN-HABITAT Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos, 2011

United Nations Human Settlements Programme
P.O. Box 30030, GPO Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
Telephone: +254 20 762 3120
infohabitat@unhabitat.org
www.unhabitat.org

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United Nations Human Settlements Programme

P.O. Box 30030, GPO Nairobi, 00100, Kenya

“Urban planning is fundamental for effective climate change action both in

– UN-HABITAT Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos, 2011

Raise awareness in your city -

World Habitat Day -

2004 Cities - Engines of Rural Nairobi President Mwai Kibaki

Habitat Scroll of Honour Award

1994 Ministry of Housing and Human

“As our world grows predominantly urban,

The Secretary-General’s message

UN-HABITAT World Habitat Day Message

SCROLL OF HONOUR AWARD WINNERS 2010

Sustainable Urban Renewal Programme

Dr. Michael Ludwig, Deputy Mayor of Vienna; Mr. Yury Fedotov,

Kunshan Municipal People’s Government

Mayor of Kunshan Mr. Aiguo Guan with his Deputy Mayor

The City of Medellin (Colombia)

Medellin Mayor Alonso Salazar receives award from

The Kingdom of Morocco

Mr. Abdeloihed Radi, President of Parliament

Housing and Development

Mrs. Cheong Koon Hean, CEO of Housing and

The Johannesburg Social

JOSHCO’s Chief Executive Officer Rory Gallocher

CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

On September 28th, Habitat for Humanity

morning of October 4 for the broadcast

The University of Colombia in Antioquia Masters Programme in Habitat students Cuba

On 1 September 2010 the World Habitat

the Capital and disseminating message on institutional arrangements in urban

World Habitat Day celebrations in Ecuador © UN-HABITAT Ecuador

collaboration with the India Habitat

100 students of Architecture and Planning

The Krityandand UNESCO Club of

The Government of Rajasthan in India

The Government of India organized a

greenhouse effect, lack of public urban

followed by a music performance by the population; and, working with other

Habitable Human Settlements organized The National Department of Human

Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka hosted

SAID-Togo celebrated World Habitat Day

World Habitat Day in Colombia © UN-HABITAT Colombia

Habitat for Humanity International

“Urban planning is fundamental for effective climate change action both in

– UN-HABITAT Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos, 2011

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