World Cities Day on October 31 focuses on housing and balance with nature in urban growth

Urbanisation is considered the backbone of development in today's world. Industries are growing, jobs are opening up and new technology is arriving, so most of the world's population is drawn towards cities. But this rapid urbanisation has also brought serious problems such as pollution, filth, traffic jams, the growth of slums and inequality.

For this reason, World Cities Day is observed across the world on October 31 every year. The aim is that the development of cities should not stop at building a concrete jungle, but should be sustainable, green and make people's lives better. The day gives all countries a common platform to tackle urban challenges together and plan prosperous cities of the future. UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, and local bodies around the world hold various awareness programmes on the day.

Global cooperation had become necessary to deal with the challenges created by the pace of urbanisation. With this in view, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) passed a special resolution on December 27, 2013, deciding that World Cities Day would be observed on October 31 every year. It began in earnest in 2014, and the first official event was held in the Chinese city of Shanghai.

The main aim of the United Nations is to accelerate sustainable urban development across the world. The basic idea of this global campaign is "Better City, Better Life". It stresses making life easier and safer for every citizen living in a city.

This year's main theme is "Regenerating the City: Adequate Housing for All", meaning the regeneration of cities and adequate, safe housing for everyone. The United Nations focuses on one important subject each year on this day. Today, crores of people around the world live in cities yet lack proper homes, clean drinking water and basic civic amenities. Regenerating old and unclean urban areas, providing affordable and safe homes, and fair distribution of cities' resources have become the need of the hour. The theme is not only about constructing new buildings, but also stresses remaking modern cities while maintaining the balance of the natural environment.

Cities are no longer just places to live. They have become major centres of economic, social and cultural activity, and cities account for the largest share of the country's GDP. Even so, they face many challenges. Rising numbers of vehicles, factories and waste are degrading the quality of air and water in cities. For lack of planned infrastructure, crores of citizens have to struggle with traffic jams every day. High-rise buildings on one side and slums without basic facilities on the other: this contrast is plainly visible in cities.

To meet these challenges, the concepts of "smart city" and "green city" are being implemented. Cities are being made more sustainable through the use of solar energy, promotion of electric vehicles, waste management and digital technology.

The day does not belong only to governments or international organisations; every citizen's participation is important. Keeping the city clean, green and beautiful is not only the responsibility of the municipal corporation but a civic duty of everyone. Small steps such as using public transport, reusing water, avoiding plastic and planting trees can change the face of a city. Only if the government, citizens and private organisations work together can cities be built that are safe, inclusive and free of pollution for the coming generation. This is the main message given on World Cities Day.