Background 

UN-Habitat is inviting cities to express their interest in hosting the Global Observance of World Habitat Day for 2023 and for 2024.

World Habitat Day was established in 1985 by General Assembly resolution 40/202 and first celebrated in 1986. 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 celebrated on the first Monday of October each year

World Habitat Day focuses on inspiring all levels of governments and other stakeholders to share best practices and actions to improve the quality of lives in cities. This includes action to advance the New Urban Agenda and the urban dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG11 which aims to make cities and human settlements safe, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. More information is available on https://urbanoctober.unhabitat.org/whd.

Each year’s World Habitat Day focuses on a particular theme to highlight to a particular aspect of sustainable urbanization as well as share global and local actions and innovations by partners to improve the quality of lives in urban areas and human settlements.

UN-Habitat, as the focal agency for sustainable urbanization in the United Nations system, coordinates the celebration of World Habitat Day around the world. A different host city is selected to celebrate the Global Observance each year. Since 1985, 31 cities hosted the Global Observance of World Habitat Day.

UN-Habitat is inviting cities to express their interest in hosting the Global Observance of World Habitat Day to be held on Monday, 2 October 2023 and the Global Observance of World Habitat Day on Monday, 7 October 2024.

Link to the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award

A major highlight of World Habitat Day is the presentation of the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award to recognize best urban practices. Launched in 1989, the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award is one of the most prestigious human settlements awards in the world. It celebrates initiatives which have made outstanding contributions such as actions to improve affordable housing and equitable access to basic services, climate change mitigation initiatives, and those to provide better livelihoods for the vulnerable including the displaced and people living in poverty in cities, towns and human settlements. The award is given to a maximum of five winners each year, following a call for nominations by UN-Habitat.

In addition to the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award, the host is encouraged to use the occasion of the Global Observance to recognize best urban practices in the country and promote significant new urban policies, programmes and initiatives towards sustainable urbanization in the country.

Objective

World Habitat Day aims to raise international awareness of urbanization trends, challenges, visions and sustainable solutions or best practices and to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns with a better living environments and quality of life. 

Participation

UN-Habitat takes the lead in inviting and mobilizing the United Nations system, relevant international organizations, civil society and all other relevant stakeholders to the Global Observance of World Habitat Day.

The host city and country of the Global Observance take the lead in organizing the main event working with other partners. The host may invite other stakeholders in the country and region, such as Ministers and Mayors to take part and support the Global Observance. The general public in the city, country and globally will be encouraged to get involved including through global platforms including social media and live streaming.

The host also provides a financial contribution to UN-Habitat for the mobilization of the international community and other stakeholders to ensure that the event receives global visibility.

Details on the commitments, roles and responsibilities of UN-Habitat and the host, will be outlined in a contribution agreement which will be signed by all parties involved.

Financial contribution

In order to carry out the Global Observance of the World Habitat Day in either 2023 or 2024, the host is required to provide a cash contribution of USD 400,000 (United States Dollars Four Hundred Thousand) to UN-Habitat.

The contribution is used for planning, mobilizing stakeholders, outreach activities, website, social media, design, communication, editing, programme development, operations support, live streaming on UN Web TV, reporting and evaluation as well as for the participation of Scroll of Honour winners, UN-Habitat and other UN staff, international experts and high-level guest and delegates from least developed countries.  Ultimately it supports the overall advocacy and communication of World  Habitat Day within the framework of the Urban October.

Additionally, the host city is required to provide an in-kind contribution of the venue with its facilities; exhibition space;  
IIT and other services; security within the city, around and within the venue; interpretation from English to the local language or other languages of high-level speakers; operational and logistical needs with respective human resources (for information see Annex 1).

Selection Process and Criteria

The selection of the host will be made by a UN-Habitat internal committee. The selection of the host of the Global Observance of World Habitat Day will be guided by:

• Demonstration of good practice within the host country and city related to sustainable urbanization and to the theme of World Habitat Day
• Geographical balance based on the locations of previous World Habitat Days Global Observances
• Demonstration of ability and financial commitment to meet the conditions outlined above and provided in more detail in the attached World Habitat Day hosting guide
• Experience of hosting international events including events relevant to urban issues
• Accessibility of the city for international delegates

Theme

The topic of World Habitat Day 2023 will be linked to Resilient urban economies: cities as drivers of growth and recovery. It will look at how cities can position their economies to benefit residents. Given the size of the contribution of cities to the national economy, the future of many countries will be determined by the productivity of its urban areas. Cities also play a major role in the economic recovery after crises, weather it is COVID-19 or conflicts. 
The topic of World Habitat Day 2024 will be linked to Engaging youth to create a better urban future. The world is rapidly urbanizing, and many urban residents these days are young people, especially in some countries in Africa and Asia. It will focus on how we can engage the new generation in planning their urban present and future through participatory processes and local leadership opportunities.

Activities

Activities to be undertaken at the Global Observance shall be developed in line with available human and financial resources from the voluntary contribution by the host. A programme will be jointly developed with the host. UN-Habitat will provide online advocacy tools and kits to support mobilization of partners and maximize outreach. Details of planned World Habitat Day activities taking place around the world will be uploaded by UN-Habitat on its website and social media sites and the host and partners will be encouraged to publicize their activities widely.

Timeframe

The closing date for receiving the Expression of Interest to host World Habitat Day 2023 and 2024 is 31 January 2023. The table below outlines important milestones and dates.

Expression of Interest to host the 2023 or 2024 World Habitat Day Global Observance

A city or country wishing to express its interest to officially host the Global Observance of World Habitat Day either in 2023 or 2024 is required to send an official communication in English on an organizational letterhead and authorized signature, highlighting its capacity in the areas outlined under the selection criteria and indicating its
commitment to provide a financial contribution of USD 400,000 (United States Dollars Four Hundred Thousand) to
UN- Habitat, addressed to the UN-Habitat Executive Director, Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif.

The official communication is to be transmitted within the deadline to the following email address: unhabitat-whd@un.org.

Please note: Any submission which does not meet the criteria, or not on an official letterhead and duly signed, or received after the deadline will not be considered.

Annex 1

Hosting the Global Observance of World Habitat Day

The specific responsibilities of UN-Habitat will be as follows:

UN-Habitat will designate a focal point to work with the local focal point and organizing team.

UN-Habitat shall provide the necessary backstopping and support to ensure the successful hosting of the event by undertaking the following responsibilities:

Advice and support to operations and logistics

• Give guidance to the host on the preparation of the Global Observance of World Habitat Day;
• Assist with invitations of international guests;
• Support logistics and travel arrangements relating to invited and sponsored international guests from outside the host Country;
• Handle online registration of international participants;
• Engage with the City to agree on the venue and setting up of the same according to requirements;
• Shipment of information and promotional materials to the venue;
• Maintain the database and disseminate all international invitations.

Invitations

• Invite high-level representatives of the United Nations system and relevant international organizations; civil society; representative of Member States, Mayors and other relevant stakeholders;
• Invite representatives of the diplomatic community in the host Country
• Disseminate all international invitation letters, which could be jointly signed.  

UN-Habitat shall invite United Nations officials, Mayors outside the host country and internationally recognized organizations and experts, representatives of foreign missions and other partners, in close collaboration and consultation with the City, to the event. The City shall invite, in close collaboration with UN-Habitat, the highest possible representative from the host Government and representatives from Ministries responsible for various aspects of urbanization e.g., Ministries of Local Governments, Housing, Infrastructure, Urban Development, Regional Planning and Environment, local experts, among others, to the Event.
Where possible, the invitation letters will be jointly signed by UN-Habitat and the hosting entity using electronic signatures for strictly this purpose only. The parties will consult and agree on whether the electronic signature of the host will be provided to UN-Habitat for purpose of signing the joint invitation letter.

Publicity

• Prepare online information kits and branding tools, a World Habitat Day concept note, relevant statements, design posters and banners, invitation letters, the programme of the day;
• Provide information to governments and stakeholders on the theme and location of the Global Observance of World Habitat Day through the Executive Director of UN-Habitat;
• Advertise World Habitat Day celebration events around the world through all available means, including targeted newsletters, social media, and internet adverts;
• Prepare and disseminate press releases and bring the Event to the attention of the international media;
• Develop a dedicated World Habitat Day page on the UN-Habitat Urban October website in English.
• Streaming of the celebrations via UN Web TV.

Programme

• Provide guidance on the main programme for the Global Observance of World Habitat Day;
• Provide guidance on the programme of roundtable sessions at the venue on the day, and if applicable side events, workshops, break out session in the period leading up to and immediately after World Habitat Day.

Coordination of UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour awards

• Management of the call for nominations and submissions for the awards;
• Promotion of the awards world-wide through advertising, social media and targeted mailing lists;
• Screening of submissions and establishment of a selection committee to recommend the winning applications;
• Selection of the winners by the Executive Director of UN-Habitat;  
• Publicity for the selected best practices and winners.

Presentation of the awards jointly by the Executive Director of UN-Habitat and the host City.

The specific responsibilities of the City will be as follows:

• The City will designate a focal point and organizing team who will be working with UN-Habitat;
• The City shall provide UN-Habitat with the list of international participants whom the City wishes to invite to the Event for onward dissemination by UN-Habitat;
• The City may invite all identified personalities, i.e., Mayors or experts from the host City to attend the Event while sharing the contacts with UN-Habitat;
• The City shall provide UN-Habitat with financial support of a minimum of USD 400,000 (United States Dollars Four Hundred Thousand) 30 days after the Legal Agreement has been finalized for the support provided by UN-Habitat for the event hosted in 2023. For hosting the event in 2024, the financial support shall be provided by 31 January 2024 at the latest;
• The City shall provide all required logistical and IT services and cover all local costs related to the preparation and  organization of the Global Observance of World Habitat Day;
• The City shall, at no cost to UN-Habitat, provide the necessary material and logistical support, including printing of merchandise, printing of badges, provision of photographers and videographers for the Event;
• The City shall, at no cost to UN-Habitat, provide the necessary premises for the Event and related activities, which shall take place at the host City, including the conference and workshops rooms, working areas, office space and equipment, media room and press conference room;
• The City shall ensure stable Wi-Fi connection at no cost throughout the venue, including all premises dedicated to the Event, for all participants and provide internet high speed LAN connection to also enable linking to other locations to the world via the internet for live transmission, as well as all technical equipment for live streaming via UN Web TV, and Zoom or similar software. It further shall make arrangements to provide free interpretation services (including equipment) to all meetings of the Event in at least the two working languages of the Event, that is, English and local language if different from English and add, as appropriate, for the opening/ closing sessions, other United Nations Official languages or other language(s) that may apply in case of high-level attendance from such country. It is also advisable to provide sign language to make the Event fully inclusive;
• The City shall work in partnership with UN-Habitat in all aspects related to the realization of the Event and will provide at no cost to UN-Habitat a venue, which is should be accessible for Persons with Disabilities, for the celebration of the Global Observance of World Habitat Day with  the following facilities:
  • Main hall for the celebration of the Global Observance with sufficient seating for invited guests and a raised
    podium for speakers;
  • At least two with up to four rooms for roundtables at the venue, if this is included in the day’s programme with live streaming capacity via UN Web TV, as well as Zoom or similar software;
  • Press conference room;
  • Photography and video coverage of the Event and other bilateral meetings of the Executive Director with
    dedicated photographer;
  • Space for the Exhibition;
  • Registration, information desk and branded photo wall;
  • An office, with front office and waiting area, for the UN-Habitat Executive Director for bilateral meetings set-up with executive furniture (desk, swivel chair, sofa set/chairs, coffee table, stationary) for meetings with up to 6 persons including coffee, tea and snacks throughout being served;
  • An office with similar set up like for the Executive Director in case of a confirmed high-level guest;
  • A designated suitable car with driver for the Executive Director for the duration of Event;
  • An office for UN-Habitat staff (8 pax) with a large boardroom table and 3-4 offices for 4 pax each
    (with stationary and printer) including coffee, tea and snacks throughout being served;
  • An office for City and other UN-Habitat staff and a dedicated office for UN Web TV staff (all with standard setup);
  • Luncheon for invited guests and international guests; and refreshments (e.g. water) during meetings; coffee, tea and snacks during breaks;
  • Public Announcement system and equipment for PowerPoint, video presentations and Internet connectivity in each room;
  • Interpretation facilities from English to the local language if different from English and vice versa; and additional languages as by confirmed delegates;
  • World Habitat Day branding throughout the venue and build as backdrop in the main hall and other rooms;
  • Security for delegates;
  • 5 flag poles with the provision of UN flag and Country flag, especially if a  Minister (or higher) from the host Country is in attendance.

• The City shall provide adequate medical facilities with English/local language speaking personnel for First Aid in emergencies within the Event’s area. For serious emergencies, the City shall ensure immediate transportation and admission to a hospital. All medical expenses incurred thereafter shall be borne by participants. UN-Habitat as an invitee to the Event shall not in any way be liable for any medical expenses of any participant;
• The City shall ensure the availability of adequate public or private transportation on a reasonable commercial basis for all the Event’s participants and UN-Habitat officials to and from the airport before, during and after the Event, as well as to and from the principal hotels and the Event premises for the duration of the Event;
• The City shall ensure the availability of adequate hotel accommodation on a reasonable commercial basis for all Event participants;
• The City is committed to implementing the activities and providing the services outlined under the Agreement through its organizational structure and by using appointed professionals in accordance with its specific needs as identified by the City;
• The City shall engage and provide, at its expense, local staff and volunteers, who will work in close collaboration with the staff of UN-Habitat and under the overall coordination of the Executive Director of UN-Habitat or persons designated by her;
• The City shall ensure that local staff shall be available for work throughout the entire period of the Event and, where necessary, before the Event;
• The City may, at the request of the Executive Director of UN-Habitat or any person designated by her, arrange for additional numbers of the local staff as may be required to service the Event.
• The City may put up street banners, and branding, at strategic locations.