World Cities Day

World Cities Day is a global observance that aims to promote the international community's interest in urbanization and its challenges while encouraging cooperation among nations to create sustainable cities and improve urban living conditions. This day highlights the role of cities as vital platforms for social, economic, and political progress in today's world. The United Nations has identified building sustainable and resilient cities as one of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, acknowledging the need for urban planning and development policies that foster inclusiveness, safety, and sustainability.

The United Nations General Assembly designated 31st October as World Cities Day during its 68th session in 2013. The main theme for World Cities Day 2021 is "Adapting Cities for Climate Resilience," which is particularly relevant to South Africa. With a growing urban population, South African cities face various challenges such as inadequate housing, poverty, unemployment, and stressed public services. Furthermore, cities in South Africa are increasingly confronted with the effects of climate change, including water scarcity, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events, highlighting the need to develop and implement long-term climate adaptation strategies.

In South Africa, various stakeholders, including government institutions, academic organizations, and civil society groups, come together to observe World Cities Day through different activities and events. These include workshops, seminars, exhibitions, and public discussions focused on pressing themes such as urban governance, urban infrastructure, affordable housing, municipal service delivery, and environmental sustainability. World Cities Day, held on October 31st, serves as a platform for South Africans to raise awareness, share experiences and innovations, and foster collaboration in addressing the challenges facing their urban centers.