UN-HABITAT and the US Department for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will co-host the global celebrations of World Habitat Day 2009 in Washington, DC on October 5.
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Shaun Donovan confirmed the decision and welcomed the opportunity to foster collaboration between the two agencies.
A number of high-level events will be held to reflect on the state of the world's settlements and the living conditions of its human inhabitants, with emphasis on the basic right of adequate shelter for all. They are also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.
This year will focus on the theme of improved urban planning so that cities can manage and reduce the impacts of climate disruption, the economic crisis and urban poverty around the world.
