In 2020, over one billion
slum dwellers may inhabit the planet.
With the help of the United Nations Centre
for Human Settlements (Habitat) we might be
able to change this.
The
General Assembly decided in 1985 that World Habitat
Day was to be celebrated every first Monday of
October. This year's celebration will be hosted
by Fukouka, Japan under the theme "Cities
without Slums."
The purpose of World Habitat Day is to promote
policies that will empower the world's poor.
Emphasis is placed on housing and improving living
conditions.
The government of Japan will host a myriad of
activities, highlighted by panel discussions
with international dignitaries and a seminar
about obtaining land for the urban poor. Children
from the region have been competing to exhibit
their drawings of homes and habitats.
The "Habitat Scroll of Honour" award
is given every year to exceptional international
contributors towards urban improvement, and workshops
are held all over the world about upgrading slum
areas. This day has an optimistic feel that promises
to be contagious.
"Local authorities must initiate and implement
policies that attack poverty and not the poor,
said Anna Tibaijuka, the Executive Director of
UNCHS. "Get rid of slums and no slum dwellers,
remove squatting but not squatters."
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