The United Nations’ (UN) World Habitat Day is annually celebrated on the first Monday of October to reflect on the state of human settlements and people’s right to sufficient shelter. It also aims to remind people that they are responsible for the habitat of future next generations.

This year, World Habitat Day offers an important opportunity to reflect on the effect of the COVID-19 crisis, and also how we can shape the future of human settlements become more resilient.  However, this year’s pandemic has had a terrible impact on people in cities, towns, and communities. 

The theme of World Habitat Day 2020 is Housing for All: A better Urban Future, and the Global Observance will be hosted by the city of Surabaya, in Indonesia. The purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. World Habitat Day was established in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/202, and was first celebrated in 1986. Inclusive, affordable, and adequate housing is the central to transforming our cities and communities and making them resilient, and to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 11 and all the SDGs.