World Habitat Day Celebrated with Focus on ‘Working Youth: Prosperous City’

World Habitat Day is being celebrated today globally, with various programs aimed at promoting sustainable urban development and ensuring suitable housing for all. The day, observed on the first Monday of October since 1986 at the call of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat), highlights the importance of sustainable urbanization.

In Nepal, both government and non-government organizations have marked this day since 2001, according to the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction. This year, the theme for World Habitat Day 2081 BS is “Working Youth: Prosperous City.” Celebrations in Nepal include a joint program led by the Ministry of Urban Development, the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, and UN Habitat.

The theme focuses on the role of active youth in building prosperous cities. Sustainable urbanization and economic prosperity are central to this year’s events, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 1.1, which aims for inclusive and sustainable urbanization.

Various ministries and departments are working on infrastructure development across local levels through intensive urban development projects, regional urban projects, and urban corridor initiatives. A workshop featuring experts in the field, who will present working papers on urban economy and development, is scheduled for today.

In addition, Housing Company Limited, UN Habitat, Urban Development Fund, and various municipalities have organized activities related to this year’s theme. A technical session and discussion on various aspects of the urban economy will also take place.

According to the 2078 BS National Census, 66.17 percent of Nepal’s population resides in municipalities, contributing 76.1 percent to the country’s overall economy.