Will you be a City Changer on Monday, 7th of October 2013?

I am sure you are wondering what the significance of the 7th of October is and once I inform you, I am sure, when you discover the importance thereof; you will be inspired to get involved.

What is happening on the 7^th of October 2013?

World Habitat Day!

The United Nations has nominated the first Monday of October each year as World Habitat Day.

What is World Habitat Day?

It is a day dedicated to reflect on the state of our towns and cities and the basic right to adequate shelter for all. Furthermore, it is intended to remind the world that we have a responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.

What is the theme of World Habitat Day 2013?

Urban Mobility!

The access to goods and services is an important aspect of an efficiently functioning city or town. The more accessible a city or town is, the greater the encouragement to shift towards more sustainable modes of transport.

However, urban mobility involves more of a mind shift than simply encouraging people out of their cars and onto trains, buses, bicycle routes and sidewalks. Urban planning and design decisions need to center around bringing people and places together, by creating cities that focus on accessibility and optimal urban densities, rather than increasing the length of urban transport infrastructure.

What is a City Changer?

I’m a City Changer is a global movement to share individual, corporate and public initiatives that improve our cities around the world.

The campaign is promoted by UN-Habitat through the World Urban Campaign.

The aim of the campaign is to create awareness among citizens of the urban issues affecting their cities and towns to achieve a better environment.

Why be a City Changer?

I can give you 10 reasons why you should be a City Changer…

• World population is growing: global population will reach 60% by 2030.
• 21^st century challenges: rapid urbanization, globalization and climate change are challenges present in the cities as over half of the world’s population lives in cities.
• No slums: 1 billion of the global population lives in sub-standard housing. By 2020, an estimated 889 million urbanites will reside in informal settlements.
• Climate change: urbanisation places tremendous pressure on the world’s limited resources.
•   For fewer emissions: Cities are responsible for 70% of total emissions of our planet.
•  Economic opportunity: A well-planned city offers businesses a competitive advantage and disadvantaged people have the opportunity to be lifted out of poverty.
•  Cities are the future of the younger generation: In many cities around the globe, more than 50% of the inhabitants are under the age of 24.
• Cities are creative and productive: Cities are the engines of wealth creation and innovation. The 40 largest urban mega-regions account for 66% of global economic activity and 85% of all technological and scientific innovation.
• We love cities: Cities are our community, where we relate to each other and where life goes on.
•  It is the time to change: We have a social responsibility to be part of the change to ensure a better future life for all.

How can I celebrate World Habitat Day and make a change?

I’m a City Changer Campaign aims to foster sustainable urban development to achieve better cities and a better life through core components which offer opportunities to be part of the change:

A resilient city: Urbanisation can only be sustainable if it is adaptable to future demands and is resilient to the consequences of climate change.

A green city: Buildings alone account for 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. The construction of buildings needs to be environmentally sound and carbon efficient.

A safe and healthy city: We need to create a highly livable environment in order to capitalise on a city’s potential and drive sustainable solutions to problems concerning the economy, climate change, food security and more.

An inclusive city: In order to create a shared, sustainable urban future we need to build a socially inclusive city and develop social equity.

A productive city: If we make cities more efficient then we can ensure more economic opportunities for citizens. Economically sustainable development is a pillar of creating a healthy, livable and sustainable city.

So why don’t you…

Raise awareness in your city about World Habitat Day and what it signifies.

Organise a World Habitat Day awareness event at work or with a group of friends.

Get involved and engage with the citizens of your city.

Make use of public transport to travel to and from work.

Leave your car parked in the garage and use a bicycle to travel around the city.